It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

December 2025

Spending Christmas in London for the first time has been a very special experience for me. As a master’s student and a language assistant working in a school, I had the chance to see the city in a unique way. Christmas in London is full of lights, traditions, and warm moments that made me feel welcome, even though I was far away from home.

Working in a school during the Christmas season was especially interesting. The students were excited about the holidays and talked a lot about their Christmas plans. The classrooms were decorated, and some lessons focused on Christmas traditions in different countries. As a language assistant, I enjoyed sharing my own traditions and learning about British ones. These conversations helped build a friendly atmosphere and made the lessons more personal and fun.

Outside of school, London felt magical. After studying or working, I often walked through the city to enjoy the Christmas lights. Streets like Regent Street and Oxford Street were beautifully decorated, and everything felt bright and festive, even on cold evenings. Since this was my first time in London, it felt unreal to see famous places dressed in Christmas colors.

One of my favorite activities was visiting the Christmas markets. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park was full of music, lights, and food. Drinking hot chocolate and walking through the stalls helped me relax and forget about university stress for a while. These small moments were important for me, as balancing my master’s studies with work in a school could sometimes be tiring.

Being in London at Christmas also made me think about how it feels to live in another country. At first, I was worried that Christmas away from home might feel lonely. However, the city’s warm atmosphere helped me feel connected. Ice skating, walking along the Thames, or simply sitting on the bus and watching the decorated streets made me feel calm and happy.

This experience also helped me learn more about cultural differences. Seeing British Christmas traditions in real life gave me a better understanding of the culture. This was not only helpful for my studies but also for my personal growth.
My first Christmas in London has been a mix of studying, working, and discovering a new city. It was sometimes challenging, but mostly exciting and meaningful. London at Christmas is truly special, and I will always remember this time as an important part of my journey as a student and language assistant.