Blog: My first Christmas in the UK: A dream come true
Hello, I’m Anagh Chakraborty, an MA in English Literature student, here at UoB, originally from West Bengal, India.
Christmas is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world, a season that symbolises joy, hope, and togetherness. For years, I had dreamed of experiencing Christmas in the UK, known globally for its enchanting traditions and festive charm. This year, that dream will finally come true as I spend my very first Christmas outside India, here in Birmingham.
In my hometown Kolkata, Christmas has always been a magical time, especially at ‘Park Street’ one of the city’s most iconic and historical streets. It is famous for its grand Christmas celebrations, with it’s dazzling, lights, live music, and cultural festivities. Every December, Park Street transforms into a festive hub visited by thousands of people. I used to go there with my friends to enjoy the beautifully decorated streets and lively atmosphere, exchanging cakes and gifts, followed by dinners. I would also spend another evening with my family, decorating a small Christmas tree in our home, sharing traditional festive meals, filled with laughter and celebration. These traditions made Christmas a time of warmth, joy, and togetherness for me.
Now, as I prepare to celebrate Christmas in Birmingham, I am filled with excitement and curiosity. The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the largest in Europe, is something I have always wanted to visit. I look forward to exploring the market stalls adorned with lights, trying festive treats, and experiencing the magical atmosphere in the city centre. Having seen photos and videos from previous years, I feel grateful that I will finally get to witness it in real life.
At the University of Birmingham, I plan to take part in various Christmas events organised on campus. I look forward to joining festive fairs, student activities, and cultural celebrations where students from around the world come together to share their traditions.
To make my space feel festive and homely, I plan to decorate my room with fairy lights to make it brighter and welcoming. I also look forward to sharing traditional family meals with my friends and flatmates, introducing them to dishes I grew up enjoying during Christmas in India, while also trying their festive favourites from different cultures. I am excited to spend this special time exploring Birmingham, celebrating with friends, and creating new memories in a city that already feels like a second home.
While I will deeply miss celebrating with my family in Kolkata, I believe this Christmas will be a beautiful new chapter in my life. It will be a blend of cherished traditions from home and exciting new experiences in the UK. Celebrating Christmas in Birmingham is not just a festival for me, it is going to be a journey of cultural discovery, and the beginning of new traditions that I will carry with me for years to come.