Saving Christmas 10,000 kilometres from home
Spending the holidays alone in city for the first time, Alex Wong rounds up the best ways that fellow London-bound students can make the most of the Christmas break.
Source: Jamie Davies on Unsplash
I’ll be frank with you, for all the articles I thought I would have started with, I never did expect myself to be writing about the Christmas break (or to have to write it two times over in a span of 48 hours). For one, I had expected to spend it how I would have any other year — at home, no planning needed — and for two, my family doesn’t even celebrate Christmas, not really. This year will be… different.
As a student who is far away from home for the first time, it would be easy to be carried away by looming deadlines and resign myself to an uneventful break, which has only been made worse by the plain chaos surrounding Tier 4 restrictions. However, I am well aware that following the stress of online learning, the frustrations and loneliness which have been part of my daily struggles during term time would only intensify if I were to spend my holidays in a similar fashion. This definitely does not have to be the case. If you find yourself far away from home and at a loss for what to do over winter break while abiding by Tier 4 guidelines, I am here to give you some ideas on how we can save Christmas for ourselves.
Given how our lives have briefly intersected on this webpage because of UCL, I think it is only fitting that we kick off the festive season by paying homage to our institute. There is no better place to visit if one wants to feel some festive cheer than our campus. Fully decked out in boughs of holly, you should definitely don your gay apparel and head to the main campus to view the impressive Christmas decorations. With strings of fairy lights and a grand Christmas tree, the start of the holiday season was marked here with a virtual concert hosted by the Students’ Union, with multiple bands singing carols and a special holiday message from our President and Provost, Professor Michael Arthur.
Beyond decorations, the Students’ Union has activities planned throughout the whole of the winter break, giving you multiple avenues to get in touch with people and secure some much needed social interaction. Just head over to their page to view the variety of activities and options they have lined up. Since it is the season of giving, perhaps you would like to offer your time and services to the community? Well our Students’ Union has got you covered. Featuring a robust variety of events, whether you prefer to kick-start your journey as a volunteer by helping out various organisations during Christmas or a more sustained form of service by befriending the elderly over the phone via the Octavia Foundation, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved within your comfort zone. Beyond volunteering, there are also events planned by various societies to take part in, such as walks organised by PhotoSoc around London. The Students’ Union has also set up a Facebook group specifically for those staying over the winter break, providing information on upcoming activities and support to those who need it. All you have to do is reach out and show up.
If you are feeling adventurous, there are also plenty of other options available. While London might be under Tier 4 of local restrictions (which let’s face it, is a de facto lockdown), outdoor spaces remain open for recreational purposes, such as public parks or gardens, which can also be utilised for exercise. The better news is, now that the nights are long and the days are short, there is just so much more time to embrace the picturesque scenes of fairy lights tangled in trees and the charms of a winter night… if you happen to be running down Carnaby Street or around Mayfair during your evening outdoor exercise session.
Ideally in a pandemic-free world, I would suggest heading to various sites that boast magnificent Christmas attractions such as Oxford Street to capture the festive cheer of the Christmas season or exploring the green spaces around London like Kew Gardens to experience our very own Christmas Eden. Perhaps I’d even suggest going on a few heritage trails. For a city that holds literally centuries of history within its landmarks, architecture and layout, from Dickens to plagues there would be something new for everyone to learn. Sadly, these options are currently unavailable to us due to the restrictions. However, if you happen to live anywhere near Regent’s Park which is incidentally not far from UCL, consider planning that into your next exercise route. You can, quite literally, stop and smell the roses that are still in bloom despite the season.
Otherwise, you can explore London’s art scene virtually with performances such as “The Nutcracker”, uploaded on the Royal Opera House website or indulge in concerts by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. If you enjoy museums, you can view them from the comfort of your own bed through their websites. Be swept away by the soothing voice of Sir David Attenborough as he narrates the history of the iconic South Kensington estate as well as some of the impressive exhibits it houses. Otherwise, why not live vicariously through the lenses of directors who filmed in London? Binge every movie you can think of that was set in London. Afterwards, consider winding down in the evening with a warm cup of English tea to watch (or rewatch) “The Crown”, because let’s face it, nothing screams British more than royal dramatics.
If none of the above interests you, there are alternatives available for you to spend the holidays in a meaningful manner. You can pick up a new skill, such as baking — which you can do with weekly virtual online lessons or well on your own — or dabble in some form of arts and craft like crocheting. You can also participate in online escape rooms with friends or try every drink on the Pret menu after getting a subscription and rate them using the most bizarre metrics you can think of. Whatever you choose to do, just remember that it is important to use this time to be kind to yourself and effectively recharge before the new school term starts.
If at some point over the Christmas break, you feel the lines begin to blur between solitude and loneliness, just remember that not too far from you in London, there is someone who is 10,000 kilometres from home hoping this article will help stave away that feeling and trying to make the best of the circumstances too.
A poem I read on the Tube the other day perhaps sums up my intentions most accurately.
“And if I speak of Paradise,/ then I’m speaking of my grandmother/ who told me to carry it always/ on my person.../ And if life puts you under pressure,/ trace its ridges in your pocket.../ hum its anthem under your breath./ And if your stresses are sustained and daily…/ empty your paradise onto a desk…/ and keep staring at it till you sleep.”
So here is me, offering a slice of Paradise to you.