As the twelve days of Christmas draw to an end, the decorations go down and term begins once again, many reflect on the happy season, including the lead up to one of the most wonderful days of the year. Christmas. As you grow old you begin to realise that it is less the day itself, but the build up to it and the traditions you gain with your family and friends along the way. 

 

This year I was lucky enough to travel with my school to the city that never sleep, the Big Apple: New York. A place that one always dreams to go to, the fact that we were there during the Christmas ceasing was the cherry on top. 

 

Whilst Times Square was beautiful and the shops were filled with sales beyond your wildest dreams, the one thing that stuck with me was the magical Christmas market the I was lucky enough to visit. 

 

I had serious trouble finding the Christmas spirit this year, what with A-Levels and extra curricular taking away any form of free time I could have to enjoy putting up decorations and listening to the famous Christmas tunes. This meant I did not feel ready for Christmas Day. I had presents to buy and cards to write, yet I could not find the energy, meaning it’s as perfect to travel to an old fashioned Christmas market.

 

Over-priced? Most certainly. Yet even that could not prevent people from splurging on beautiful gifts that hopefully family and friends could enjoy for many years after. Music filled my years as I watched young children’s eyes light up as they spot the crowded ice rink. The parents weave through the tranced children, husband’s scrambling to find that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for their wives. 

 

All this combined with my friends and family present created a warm, Christmassy feeling that comforted me like a warm blanket, and making me feel that Christmas spirit that I had been missing so greatly. Managing to find beautiful gifts for my friends and family alike, I know that these memories will be retained crystal clear until Christmas comes around next year, and more memories and traditions are made. 

By Isabelle Silver