Edinburgh is arguably the best city in the world at Christmas time. The Dome has already been adorned with massive Christmas garlands, and the festive markets are just around the corner. While Hallowe’en may have only just ended (hangovers still lingering), the question arises: when should we start celebrating Christmas?
The answer, of course, is highly subjective. For some, November 1st is a perfectly acceptable time to dive headfirst into the holiday spirit. After all, we all have free will, and Christmas music is on Spotify year-round for a reason! With the clocks going back and the last of the leaves in the Meadows fluttering to the ground, the cold Edinburgh winter is looming fast.
The perfect remedy? Focusing on all the joys that come with holiday spirit: coziness, togetherness, and a sense of celebration and gratitude.
The sooner the warmth and anticipation of the festive spirit are added to the season (and past Christmas if we are ready for that debate too?), the better. If your university room hasn’t quite met its full potential, cheap fairy lights and fluffy blankets go a long way! Little touches make even the coldest of winter evenings warm and inviting. Picture yourself bundled up after a brisk walk, savouring a warm cup of tea or coffee – it’s all about these little touches that make the darker days brighter.
Moreover, some of my fondest memories of university so far, and ones that I know I will look back on with a smile, are the Christmas dinners with my flatmates and friends. They are some of the most heartwarming evenings, regardless of culinary prowess! Organising a potluck dinner – where each person brings a dish or component of Christmas dinner – can transform a cold tenement into a hub of warmth and laughter. Imagine the glow of candlelight, clinking of glasses, laughter and shared stories, it’s the perfect remedy for the cold dark evenings. Why not go one step further and do a Secret Santa as well? With the semester flying by in a flurry of classes and assignments, if early November is the only date that works for everyone, pencil it in – you won’t regret it for a minute!
As the very popular Pinterest quote says, “dimming someone else’s light won’t make yours shine any brighter”. Some may argue that starting celebrations too early diminishes its magic but for me, there’s a joy in extending the festive spirit.
As the festive lights begin to twinkle and the markets get ready to open, consider all the little bits of Christmas cheer you can introduce into your life to make the winter months that little bit brighter. Whether you start on November 1st or not, the key is to find joy in the process. So, here’s to cosy nights, festive gatherings and the twinkling of fairy lights. Note for my landlord: please may I have just light one single candle….
Illustration by Katya Roberts (@katyaillustrates)