“Zwischen den Jahren” is when time forgets to finish its sentence.”

The aliens noticed humans act differently during this period:
Nobody knows what day it is. Clocks technically work, but no one respects them. Emails become optional. Soup counts as a plan.

To the aliens, this is not laziness. It is a temporal thinning, a soft space where expectations lose their grip.
One alien researcher reported:
“Humans stop performing their identities and briefly become themselves.”

Zwischen den Jahren means between Christmas and New Years

Aliens live in cycles, not calendars. So the idea that humans invented a socially accepted pause fascinates them. They particularly admire that:
Resolutions haven’t started yet, so guilt is low. The year is over, but the next one hasn’t made demands. People wander around in sweaters, eating leftovers, asking, “Is it still a holiday?”
The aliens call this phase: “The Unassigned Time.”

The caribou with antennas noticed something else:
During Zwischen den Jahren, humans are easier to hear.
Less noise. Less urgency. More honesty.
One caribou adjusted its antenna and said:
“This is when humans transmit on their true frequency.”

Anjelikka summarized it perfectly:
“It’s the only time of year when nobody is supposed to be impressive.”

Because of this, Area 52 now honors Zwischen den Jahren by:
Dimming the sky lights. Suspending unnecessary announcements.Allowing naps without explanation

Letting even Rudolph be quiet (this was difficult)
Final Alien Verdict
The aliens believe Zwischen den Jahren is:
Necessary
Fragile
Not to be rushed
And possibly the most human tradition of all. They suggest you stay there as long as you’re allowed. After all, even the universe needs time between the years.

Thank you all for being part of this. The story will continue in the new year.