A traditional vs quirky Christmas: Make the season your own
Written by Oliwia Bujnarowska
It is official. The festive season has landed in Birmingham.
Hi I’m Oliwia and this is my fifth year in the UK, but my very first Christmas in Brum after spending four years in Newcastle. If there is one thing I have learned after half a decade of British winters, it is that there is no single "correct" way to celebrate.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of the classics or you prefer to make up your own rules as you go, Birmingham (and our campus!) has plenty of room for both.
The great debate: Tradition vs the twist
We all know the traditional UK Christmas starter pack. It includes paper crowns that tear immediately and cracker jokes so bad they are actually good. Then there is the heated debate that divides households across the nation. Is it Quality Street or Roses? I am staying neutral on this one for my own safety!
But then there is the quirky side. This is for the people who insist Die Hard is the ultimate Christmas movie. They wear light-up jumpers that play music or they ditch the turkey entirely for a festive curry.
Personally, I love a mix of both. Being from Poland, I grew up with very different traditions which usually involved carp and dumplings on Christmas Eve. But one year, my mum and stepdad flew over to visit me in the UK. We decided to go "full British" for the first time.
We attempted a traditional roast dinner, which was a bold move for beginners! We pulled crackers with confused delight and ended up eating our feast while watching The Grinch. It was not a "perfect" traditional Christmas by anyone’s standards. However, blending my Polish roots with British roasted brussel sprouts and a movie marathon is now one of my favourite memories.
Finding the magic on campus
If you have been on campus recently, you probably felt the buzz. We just had an amazing week of festivities. We had everything from Joe’s Christmas Movie Day to the Light Switch On.
I hope you managed to catch the Christmas Artisan Market as it was perfect for those last-minute unique gifts. Perhaps you were brave enough to queue for the photobooth at the Christmas Marquee. Even if you didn’t get a selfie with Santa, just seeing the campus lit up and full of life is enough to get you into the spirit.
(If you're still on campus over the winter break, you can find more events here.)
How to make "Brum Christmas" your own
Now that the term is winding down, how can you keep that festive feeling going? Here are a few ideas, whether you are staying in halls, commuting, or just looking for budget-friendly fun.
1. For the flatmates: The "flatmas" mash-up
Living in accommodation is the best excuse to mix cultures. Why not host a "Flatmas" dinner where everyone brings a dish from their home or their childhood? You might end up with Yorkshire puddings next to spicy noodles or pierogi. It is a great way to bond before everyone heads home.
2. For the commuters: The market detour
If you are commuting in, do not rush straight to the train after your seminar. The Frankfurt Christmas Market in the city centre is iconic. Yes, it is busy and yes, it is huge. But grabbing a hot chocolate or a two-pint stein and wandering through the stalls is a rite of passage here. It is a great and low-pressure way to soak up the atmosphere with coursemates before you part ways for the break.
3. For the "quirky" souls: Create a new tradition
Who says you have to follow the script? If you are staying in Birmingham over the holidays, look for the low-cost fun.
There is no wrong way to celebrate
Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, just enjoying the winter break or working through the holidays, make this season work for you.
You can stick to the traditions or you can embrace the quirky. Or, like me and my family, you can sit around eating yorkshire pudding while watching the Grinch steal Christmas. Whatever you do, I hope you find a little bit of magic in Birmingham this December.
Happy Holidays, UoB!
Oliwia