Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it! I hope you all have (or have had) a wonderful day. I spent mine planning to work (but not actually working), eating lots and thinking about Christmases past.

I didn’t go home for Christmas this year. In the beginning, I didn’t expect it to be much, but it turned out much better than I could have hoped for. It made me realise that even if you’re away from home around this time of year, you can bring the festivities to yourself.

1. Christmas at home: small tree

Christmas at uni: smaller tree

If you don’t have the money or space for a normal sized tree, you can always get a miniature version! It’s all about making your space a bit more festive.

2. Christmas at home: decorations everywhere

Christmas at uni: the chance to make your own decorations (and make friends whilst you’re at it)

A few of us made paper snowflakes. Here, featuring my reflection and some unintentional product placement

A particularly enthusiastic flatmate made these

Last year, my flatmates and I had a lot of fun making decorations for our kitchen! Two of us also went shopping for some tinsel and made Christmassy name plates for all the doors. It was a great chance to get to know each other.

I didn’t have the time to make decorations this year but again, I had some miniature versions to make my room more Christmassy.

3. Christmas at home: spending time with family

Apart from decorations and presents, my parents and I don’t really have an established tradition for Christmas. Sometimes we travel, visit Christmas markets, or go see fireworks… Basically, we spend some time together.

Christmas decor

At a Christmas market

Christmas at uni: exploring solo

If you’re like me and all your friends have gone home (traitors :P), all is not lost. I took this chance to look around town by myself, and it was really nice because I got to do whatever I wanted (i.e. spending ages in a bookshop). I also got some Christmas shopping done.

Carousel at a Christmas market

A three story bookshop. Dream come true!

More Christmas decor

4. Christmas at home: food and presents.
Christmas at uni: food and presents

Nothing can get in the way of food and presents! It’s wonderful when other people treat you, but you can also treat yourself. I know my family has some presents for when I get home but I also bought myself a book I really wanted for Christmas.

I also participated in a Secret Santa, which gave me a chance to both give and get a present.

5. Christmas anywhere

This Christmas has shown me that no matter where you are, this time of year can be a good one if you make the most of it. There’s nothing like spending time with family and eating home-cooked food you didn’t have to make yourself, but wearing Christmassy clothes and decking the walls in fairy lights can be a close second (until you get home).

Thank you for reading. I hope you are all well, and wish you happy holidays!

Until next time!