Blog-2 Christmas break
Before getting into the stressful days of study after Christmas break,I wanted to reflect on my Christmas experience in the UK. The festive season truly brought a lively vibe in the neighbourhood. Restaurants, supermarkets and the city starts the decoration as early as November. The Christmas markets were opened in the high streets of many cities with their special mulled wine and variety of sale items. You would hear the Christmas hits frequently played in supermarkets and restaurants and most favourite Christmas films will be active on the mainstream media once again. In contrast, the liveliness of the university is taken away as the students go home for the holidays. As it comes closer to the Christmas Day, supermarkets and shopping outlets were full of people, buying presents for their loved ones with the bargain sales. Well, some people say capitalism plays a role in the celebration of Christmas. But everyone loves shopping and bargain, Aye. You think it would be so fun going shopping and taking pictures with Santa in the city centre? No, this could be the loneliest time of the year for international students who do not celebrate Christmas. Especially on Christmas Day, the town gets deadly quiet as most offices, shops and supermarkets are closed.Personally,I would get questions from friends whether I celebrate Christmas or what am I going to do in Christmas. This is pressure. I felt I need to do something as the majority are celebrating. Not a good feeling, that. Set this aside, there are variety of things that you can do in the Christmas break even you don't celebrate Christmas.This year, Manchester Metropolitan University hosted a big Christmas lunch and activities for students who are stying in Manchester in the holidays. Although I have made use of my Christmas break effectively this year (I guess), I feel intimidated with all that going on at Christmas. But I assume this is one of the skills that you develop when you are abroad, huh? Having to adapt to a different culture. Hopefully, I will feel better about Christmas next year. #christmas #uk #international student
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