Hi! It’s Maria Teresa again! I am an ex-student of BSC Brighton and each time I come to England it’s amazing to see how the English feel about Christmas! All the main streets in the towns and cities are lit up by Christmas lights and decorated with Christmas trees and holly. There are groups of carol singers on the weekends and Santa Claus can often be found in his ‘grotto’ where the children can go to give him their Christmas list. In Oxford there is also the Christmas market which the school went to together. There are many festive stalls with people selling everything from Christmas gifts to tasty treats. It’s a magical time to visit and enjoy the English snowy winter! The festive atmosphere is complemented by choirs and brass bands performing Christmas carols and traditional country dancing. It is possible to taste many of the traditional English Christmas foods such as wonderful mulled wine, winter Pimms, mulled cider, spiced apple toddy or hot chocolate … and afterwards some cinnamon rolls or roasted nuts … or a scrumptuous Pieminister pie or German Bratwurst… or hot churros… so much choice!

Students from BSC really enjoyed their time visiting and enjoying the market and all that it has to offer. Everybody is hurrying to buy Christmas gifts for family and friends! Christmas shopping is absolutely frenetic but fun! I wish you a very Merry Christmas from everyone here at BSC Oxford!