The UK does Christmas even better!! I would say stores started stocking items in early November also, and Nottingham's Christmas Market kicked off mid-November. But it's just so festive!! The markets are all these little cottages in the squares selling a variety of goods - handmade artisan items, baked goods, street food, and mulled wine.
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| L: The Christmas tree on the square all lit up - there is an ice skating rink around it C: The Exchange building on the Market Square and you can see some of the cottages R: Sacha and I at the lighting of the Christmas tree, they do fireworks for every thing! |
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| Mushy peas - an apparent signature dish. You eat it with mint sauce... I preferred it with some salt. |
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| I also took a day trip to the Manchester Christmas Market to see my friend, Harriet. It's much larger than Nottingham's Christmas Market. The centre photo is me with my mulled wine and my cute little keepsake mug. Mulled wine is essentially warmed red wine, though I think there's more to it than that. |
Then my group of friends had a Christmas Soiree before we all go our separate ways for the holidays.
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| Us, minus one who was taking the photo |
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| Our Christmas Soiree L: On the top of the plate is the Cracker - you cross arms around the table, linking with the cracker and pull. Inside is a crown, a toy and a joke! (Those of you who know my love for cheesy jokes can understand my giddiness over this!) C: Christmas Pudding, which you eat warm, and then pour cream over it. R: Our Secret Santa tree!!! |
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| America 1 and America 2 with our paper crowns from our Crackers |
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| Last, but not least, is my humble Christmas tree for my flat. |
I've enjoyed all the preparation for Christmas here, but I'm looking forward to spending it at home with my family!!
