‘O Come all ye’ Faithful': Christmas Time is Here!

Boots. check. Gloves. Check. Scarf. Check. Winter days have arrived. The temperatures have dropped, the Christmas decorations are up and the festive spirit is in the air.

One can feel the festive mood in the weeks leading to Christmas. The beautifully decorated Christmas trees, grand and majestic, the lights in Oxford Circus that demand a walk through the busy streets once the sun has set. People thinking of family and presents. A lovely time of year. Below are a few suggestions to get into the Christmas spirit:

• Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: Although difficult to leave home on a chilly evening, heading to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is definitely worth it. Wrap up well and enjoy the rides, the markets, the best hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows and the delicious food. There is also the opportunity to attempt ice skating in the outdoor ice rink, enjoy the view of London from the Giant Wheel of Hyde Park and lastly, don't forget the Circus. The place is full of Christmas fun from singing reindeers to Santa Land. Don't miss out.

• Christmas Carolling: I always find that Christmas carols set the mood for that warm feeling of joy and love. There are so many places to enjoy the vocals of the best choirs from Trafalgar Square under the Christmas tree, to St. Martin in the Fields, to St. Paul's Cathedral or the Royal Albert Hall. Sing along and sway to the rhythm: "Jingle Bells! Jingle Bells!". Always, the best way to get into the spirit of Christmas.

• Go to the theatre: Every Christmas time, pantomimes and theatre productions are up and running to get everyone into the Christmas mood. Go and watch The Nutcracker or The Snowman at the theatre to feel the joy of Christmas. 

• Don't leave your shopping to the last minute: Christmas time is a time of sharing and giving. Make your list and make your way to the best shopping spots, whether it is Oxford Street, Westfield or a nearby shopping mall. The earlier you do your Christmas shopping, the more likely you are to avoid the crowds or that half a mile long queue. Don't forget Boxing Day sales on the 26th of December, to get the best sales around. 

• Enjoy a Christmas meal: By now, every restaurant will have put up their festive menu. Indulge yourself in a delicious meal as a reward for the year. The mouth watering dishes are all on show. Don't miss out on treating yourself.
  

Christmas is only a couple of weeks away and the wintery weather has returned. Keep warm and enjoy the festivities. And for those of you, who are spending Christmas without the family, surround yourself with loved ones and friends.

To you all, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Angelique is a student blogger for Foreign Students. Originally from the Seychelles, she is currently a Law student at the University of London. You can read all her older posts here.  

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