Epigram 345 - The Croft

Wellbeing How to learn to love yourself | p.9

Food When in Spain: food highlights | p.12

Style Stock your stockings for under ÂŁ10 | p.14

Travel Discover Christmas across the world | p.20

the croft

Winter Warmers Keep trendy, warm and nourished this winter

the croft issue 6 | december 9 2019

Editor Daisy Farrow Deputy Editor Hendrike Rahtz Digital Editor Emma Holding

the croft

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editor’s no tes

n one fell swoop, 2019 is about to end – meaning this is our last edition of the year. While this edition prints just before Christmas, a winter theme will run throughout in order to carry the winter season all the way to February’s print. We have some special Christmas articles (obviously), because the build up to this holiday is perhaps more exciting than the day itself.

Style supplies a guide on buying those all-important stocking fillers this Christmas on pg. 14

Personally, coming from a mixed cultural background (German and English) the Christmas build up has always varied by year, as the Christmas celebrations differ quite a lot between the countries. For example, in Germany, children get ‘stockings’ on the 6th of December as it’s St. Nicholas’ Day, rather than the morning of Christmas, which is traditional in the UK. Also, presents are opened on Christmas Eve evening, rather than Christmas Day morning; but the big Christmas meal would always be on Christmas Day. It was always exciting as my family changed it up every year, and it didn’t matter which country we were in either. Christmas is important to me in this sense as it allows me to celebrate a culture that I belong to, but don’t and have never lived in.

Travel have included a feature on celebrating Christmas in Scandinavia; learn about more traditions and differences that make Christmas a special day in different ways across the world. Discover how to stay warm AND chic from Style’s appreciation of Christmas jumpers – who knew they could transform your winter wardrobe? Food presents some tips on how to brave the winter weather and stave off colds by eating healthily and making sure you get lots of vitamin C; you can’t just live off Quality Street chocolate! On a different note, and not necessarily Christmas themed (unless you want to win family Christmas arguments), Wellbeing gives advice on how to be more assertive; a New Year’s resolution, perhaps?

Christmas on the beach?! Travel explores on pg. 22

Do you study at home or at uni?

Wellbeing discuss the most effective places to study on pg. 7

Making more environmentally-friendly changes in my daily life and activities is my New Year’s resolution – that can start with Christmas (check out our article on how to achieve a sustainable Christmas). Don’t forget - the climate crisis is an ongoing emergency that we should continue to address by changing our daily habits in order to help save the planet.

From everyone at The Croft we wish you happy and safe holidays – see you in February!

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Our Croft editors took to Mary Jane’s to interview them about CBD in Bristol on pg. 4

Hendrike Rah tz The Croft Deputy Editor

Food has some warming winter recipies to nourish the soul on pg. 12

Dear

consult

“

‘Terrible Tinder Timing’

My friend and I were sat in Hawthorns doing some work over our lunch break when my phone pops up, ‘You’ve got a new match’. My friend spots it and is keen to see who’s my latest catch, so we have a look. He wasn’t my finest swipe, not bad - but not my finest. We analyse his photos for a bit, discussing the length of his hair, dress sense, and how his friend in the first pic is hotter (maybe why I swiped right). 5 minutes later it’s time to get to our lecture, and as I get up I realise this boy is sat right behind me. He matched the close analysis we gave to his profile perfectly; scraggly hair and questionably patterned jumper (but lacked the fit friend).

Mortifying.

“ Epigram/ Hendrike Rahtz

“

‘Food porn?’

Some people like to incorporate food into the bedroom.

I do the same. Granted, it’s not for sexy reasons, but because I had sex too much and needed to ice my vagina. Yeah. My boyfriend and I were discussing how often someone could have sex in 24 hours, and after his best friend said he had gone 7, we decided to beat the record and go for 8. We were successful, but it came at a cost. My vagina was so sore and THROBBING that I decided to grab a bag of frozen curly fries and ice myself for an hour. It was very sexy.

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‘Very edible lube’

I was having sex with my girlfriend: I was on top, she was beneath me. She asked me to grab the lube, but instead of reaching over to grab it I grabbed the bottle of ketchup that had been left on my bedside table from when we had lunch earlier that day in my bedroom. Without looking, she takes the bottle from my hands, opens the cap, and is about to squirt it onto her hands before I yell ‘STOP!’. She found it very funny, and it didn’t ruin the mood!

thecroft...

I’m worried about going home to family because while I get along with them normally, at Christmas there are always big arguments... especially with my Tory grandparents. How do I make sure Christmas isn’t ruined by a messy political debate?

Christmas can be a tough time for families because it’s an intense time of year and there are big expectations for eveyone to ‘have a nice time’. Also, most people have time off and this can involve a lot of hanging around, allowing for conversations to crop up that people don’t necessarily want to have - so why not suggest some activities, such as going for walks, visiting a pub, and maybe making plans with home friends so you aren’t constantly surrounded by family at home? Also, to avoid political discussions, plan things to talk about - grandparents love photos and hearing what you’ve been up to, so try and direct conversations that way. Instead of conversations, play games or watch TV, to have family time without awkward disagreements. If it does crop up, stay calm and try not to get too heated.

Get across your points calmly if you must, and then try and curb the conversation.

My girlfriend wants us to live together next year (we’re in second year). We get along really well, but I’m just not ready - but I don’t want her to think I don’t want to be with her?

First of all, don’t feel bad for not feeling ready - and certainly don’t rush into anything you don’t want to do in order to make her happy.

But you have to be fair, and tell her exactly how you feel before she gets any false hope.

Tell her calmly that it’s separate from the way you feel about her, and simply explain you don’t feel ready and don’t want to rush into anything, because it is quite a big commitment. A lot of people prefer living with their friends while at university, despite being in relationships - Bristol isn’t so big that you would have to travel too far to see her!

Love, your Editors x

“

Have a story to submit to Bristol in Bed? Or a burning question for Consult the Croft? We are taking submissions by anonymous Google Forms, available on The Croft’s Facebook Writers’ Group.

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An interview with Mary Jane’s

Our Croft editorial team took to Mary Jane’s, the first CBD café in the South West, to learn more about the increasingly popular oil

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here have been some misconceptions about the use of CBD oil, mainly regarding its ability to get you ‘high’ (spoiler: it doesn’t). We thought Mary Jane’s might be an interesting place to learn about, given its uniqueness and our lack of knowledge on the topic.

What’s more, we love to support local businesses!

What benefits of CBD oil would be useful for students?

‘One of the fascinating things about CBD oil is that every person will find it affects them in a different way. No two students are the same and so how the CBD oil interacts with each student’s body will be different. It is understood that the body naturally produces cannabinoids which are used by your endocannabinoid system to maintain your body’s health

Lit up by Mary Jane’s glowing logo on the wall behind them, Croft Editor Daisy interviewed barista Chi Chi to gain an insight into the world of CBD. Chi Chi was very knowledgeable about how CBD positively affects the body (through the endocannabinoid system). This contributes to why CBD is being used by people of all ages (and even pets!). Unfortunately, some misconceptions exist due to its association with marijuana as an illegal drug, which might make people hesitant to try it.

However, trying it at Mary Jane’s means you can be certain that you know exactly what you’re trying, because a lot of CBD oils on the market are not 100% trustworthy in terms of what’s actually inside. Chi Chi also informed us about the differences between THC and CBD, namely THC is the chemical in marijuana that gets you high, which is extracted from CBD oil to the point where none of this chemical will be consumed when taking CBD. So, sorry folks, their coffee won’t get you buzzed! Here is an excerpt from our interview.

Mary Jane’s is very relaxing, spacious and calmly colour-coordinated; the perfect place to try CBD had you been previously hesitant about it. Staff have all the information you need to know, and are very rigorous in supplying facts, figures and amounts in their products.

Right now, they are simply a coffee shop, selling your usual coffees and teas (with the option to add CBD at 50p a shot), as well as food, cakes and other sweet treats (including heartshaped CBD chocolates – where you can really taste the earthy CBD). However, excitingly, they will be launching an online shop where you can purchase the oil they use in the café, as well as their coffee beans – allowing for a beautiful package of ingredients to recreate Mary Jane’s at home.

You can view the interview in our exclusive video on Epigram’s website.

By Hendrike Rahtz, The Croft Deputy Editor

Epigram / Hendrike Rahtz

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and balance. However, sometimes this system does not function properly and this may be due to an intake of too many toxins (nights out on the town), lack of exercise or daily pressures, to name a few examples. Many students can probably relate to these examples and taking CBD oil would help supplement their bodies’ natural cannabinoids with cannabinoids found naturally in the hemp plant’.

How is the effect of CBD oil different from the high of marijuana?

‘The high of marijuana is caused predominantly by the presence of THC (another cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant). CBD oil such as Mary-Jane’s CBD has been extracted from hemp plants which naturally have a very low level of THC. The oil is then processed to remove all the remaining THC so, sorry, but we can reassure our customers that they cannot get high from our oil’.

Going to a Jewish school my whole life Christmas was never a big thing, but that never stopped me from eating a (kosher) turkey on Christmas day! Whilst many of you were performing a Nativity for your parents, my school would put on a Chanukah play – telling the story of Chanukah and the Maccabees every single year.

But Chanukah isn’t just about receiving presents; it’s also about

remembering the miracle of Chanukah.

We do this by lighting the Chanukkiah every night. The Chanukkiah reminds us of that miracle; the fact that the oil found in the temple after it was destroyed lasted for 8 nights when it should’ve lasted for one. Throughout the 8 days of Chanukah, it’s also a tradition to eat fried foods, such as donuts and potato latkes. Again, reminding us of the oil that burned for 8 days.

Traditionally, during Chanukah, it is customary to play a game with dreidels.

A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a different Hebrew letter on each side. During the Chanukah story the Jews were forbidden to learn Torah, however

Chanukah, like Christmas, is about spending time with family. We reflect on our history and see our loved ones, playing games, eating amazing foods, and having fun. Luckily this year it falls over the Christmas period – so families will be able to get together during the bank holidays and spend quality time together.

I’m dreaming of a green Christmas Daisy Farrow shares some tips on how to waste less this Christmas As we speak presents are being wrapped, decorations hung, and festive food devoured.

But the Christmas period produces not just joy, but also an extra 3 million tonnes of waste each year. If you’re looking for a way to make sure you don’t end up on the naughty list thanks to your bad recycling habits, check out these few tips on how to make sure your Christmas is as green as can be.

Epigram / Daisy Farrow

Epigram / Daisy Farrow

Chanukah… imagine Christmas but for 8 nights. Yes, a present every day for 8 days!

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This December Dalia Brown will be celebrating Chanukah during her holidays

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a they still did so.

The dreidels were used as a decoy; when the G r e e k s c a m e a r o u n d checking that their rules were being followed, the Torahs would be put away and dreidels would come out to make it look like a game was being played.

isy

Happy Chanukah!

Epigram /

Ta-ta tissue paper!

That’s right. Whilst you might think that tissue paper is a smart choice to wrap your last-minute presents in, you’d be wrong. As tissue paper is already made from recycled materials, it cannot be recycled once again. Meaning that it ends up in a huge pile of waste at the end of the year. Why not instead discover the possibilities of brown paper? Not only does it have that classic, minimalist look, but also opens up the world of home-made decorations. Decorate your presents with brown paper, pinecones, mistletoe, and other natural treats for that special home-made touch.

DIY- Decorate It Yourself Santa baby, fill my natural hemp-only stocking with plastic-free baubles and biodegradable glitter. I’ve been an awful good girl. This year, decorate your home with something green - and I’m not just talking about the tree! Recycled paper lanterns, an au-natural wreath made from things you found in the park, dried fruit baubles… it only takes a 30-second scroll on Pinterest to find thousands of DIY decorations. It separates your home from all the other same John-Lewislooking living rooms out there, and makes for a fun activity to do as a family.

Less (leftovers) is more As tempting as that Boxing Day turkey sandwich may be, the cold pigs in blankets you sneak from the fridge, or the roast potatoes you dream about in your post-dinner nap, think of someone else this Christmas. Buy less to make sure that the food doesn’t go to waste three days after Christms when you’re still working through the Yorkshire puddings. Better even, cook only half, and donate the uncooked rest to your nearest foodbank (check local rules as each food bank will differ). Homeless shelters and food banks are always looking for donations, and you could really make a difference this Christmas.

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Wellbeing

Editor Bethany Harris Deputy Editor Rosie Angel-Clark Digital Editor Diana Toma

Top tips for being assertive Laura Aish sheds light on the challenging art of being assertive

Communication

Communicating. It sounds so simple, right? But so often we can find ourselves getting talked into completing those extra work tasks or going to super boring social events that we just don’t want to do – or that we often don’t actually have time to do.

Being assertive isn’t about being rude and aggressive in your words. It’s not about pushing people around or being a bully. What we’re talking about here is communicating what you feel about something or expressing what you want and need to happen in a situation.

For example if a friend wants you to go to a party but you don’t really want to go, you are allowed to say no. If you have too much work on, you are allowed to say so. If you are feeling ill, you are allowed to mention it. If you just don’t want to go, for whatever reason, you are allowed to express it.

A top tip is using ‘I’ statements rather than ‘you’ statements – check out any book on emotional intelligence and you’ll be able to learn loads of useful information about this! By using ‘I’ statements, it can make people feel less defensive. For example, instead of saying ‘you’re super annoying’, it could be more helpful to explain ‘I feel like this when this happens’ instead.

By communicating using these types of statements, you should hopefully be able to express your feelings and needs clearly but in a non-confrontational way.

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“

A top tip is using ‘I’ statements rather than ‘you’ statements

Problem Solving

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Another good way to be assertive without being confrontational is to identify the issues that are actually ek causing the problems you feel you need toatebe assertive Unspl ash / Pr about.

For example, when everyone in that one awful presentation group is glued to their phones when you’re meant to be working – explain how you think it would be

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a good idea if you all put your phones in a box at the start of the meeting. By removing the phones, there might no longer be an issue as the objects distracting everyone have been taken away.

An alternative solution if you have difficulty speaking directly to people face to face might be to send an email, text or have a chat on the phone instead. One of the good things about these forms of communication is that they give you the opportunity to prepare what you want to say ahead of actually saying it.

This could potentially help you to identify what it is you want to say and help you to deliver it in a much clearer way.

Snazzy bullet points, clever GIFs and witty one-liners are all optional.

In the Long Term

Try not to be too hard on yourself if being assertive is something that you really struggle with. You’re not alone, trust me.

Sometimes it can take longer to adopt a more assertive approach and you will need time to discover what strategies work best for your situation. You may find joining a society or group that looks at public speaking to be a useful way to learn more about speaking confidently.

Every situation is different, so it is important to use common sense about whether or not a strategy is appropriate for yours. If you find yourself in a space where you are constantly unable to express yourself or unhappy, definitely consider speaking to someone you trust – whether it is a friend, family member or trained professional.

Speaking to a trained professional could also help you to build your confidence in certain situations and provide you with the right tools to be able to express yourself with more ease. Most importantly, make sure to look after yourself and to keep trying out new strategies – with time, you will most likely discover the things that work best for you.

Epigram / Patrick Sullivan

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eing assertive and communicating what you feel can be really hard for a lot of us. It would be completely epic if we could all just radiate confidence or voice our thoughts in a clear and assertive way effortlessly, but this can seem out of reach for many. Here are some tips that could help you on your journey to becoming more assertive.

Should I stay or should I go: where is the best place to study?

Alice Lampard highlights the importance of studying outside the house

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Unsplash / STIL

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now subconsciously associates it with studying!

You sit down to try and read a book and your brain starts whizzing with all the information in the textbook you were just reading. You try to relax, but all those diagrams and flow charts covering your walls seem to break your zen, whispering to you ‘do you really know all this information?’.

You try to sleep, but just a few feet away is that desk where the stress and pressure that comes with university life lives, invading your slumber, either preventing you from sleeping, or giving you only the most restless and unsatisfying sleep possible.

There is one simple solution to all of this – don’t study in your room! The physical separation between where you study and where you relax is a huge factor in maintaining good mental health at university. The journey to a separate study location alone will help clear your mind and break up the day’s activities.

Not only will you find it easier to study with limited distractions in a designated environment, but you will also find it much easier and more satisfying to relax and chill out in your own space reserved for down-time.

Even in the workplace, organisations must provide a separate staff room for non-work-related activities such as having a cup of tea, having lunch or socialising with colleagues. There is clearly a reason for this – trying to relax in the same location as where you work is not healthy and should be avoided at all costs. Perhaps we should expand that well-known expression: if you can’t shit where you eat, you shouldn’t study where you sleep!

Epigram / Grace Barnes

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s more deadlines for significant coursework and exams approach, most students will spend more and more time in a state of focus and isolation, studying for hours upon hours. But where can they be found? Have they set up camp at a desk in their favourite university library, or have they opted to retreat to one of the many study centres found on campus?

Some students will visit the SU to study, whereas some prefer more public spaces, such as public libraries or even cafes.

Some students won’t relocate, they will simply stay in their bedroom. But is this really a good idea? ig If you are the type of person ra m /R to be found lying in bed, laptop osi eA on your knees, snacks by your ngel-Clark m / R side, claiming to be ‘studying’, you osi eA should probably rethink your strategy. ngel -Clark A lot of students will claim that studying in their bedroom doesn’t match this image; they state that they have created a lovely study space, with limited distractions, notes on the walls, plenty of lighting, and their textbooks all around them. But is this really any better?

It can seem convenient to study in your bedroom, with everything you need within arms reach and not having to spend time travelling to a separate study area. However, the distractions can be unavoidable. Flatmates making noise or coming to ask if you want to watch a movie or join in a card game can be too much to ignore at times. Maybe there is a games console controller within reach – surely one quick game won’t hurt. And that comfy bed right behind you? Just looking at it can make you think, ‘You know what, I could really do with a nap’.

It doesn’t help matters when you have decided that, since you aren’t leaving the flat, you can just stay in your pyjamas. The kitchen just a few steps away, perfect for that well-deserved cup of tea… or that snack… or raking through the fridge… or doing all those dishes… or spending an hour or two baking… Before you know it, you have no food left, albeit a clean kitchen, but all that studying you meant to do has been demoted to the bottom of the ‘to-do-list’. A classic case of procrastination which would have never happened had you been in a nice quiet library or study centre, with nothing to do but focus on the work in front of you.

Even if you have created the perfect study haven in your room and you are able to overcome all distractions to get through all of the coursework and studying you need to do, it’s now time to wind down and relax. But can you? You have spent so many hours studying in this place that your mind

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First year at uni, first year with a stoma Grace Barnes shares her experience of university life with a stoma

What’s a stoma?

My small intestine has been brought to the surface of my tummy and sewn into place. It is covered up with a bag stuck to my skin; you’ve probably seen or heard of colostomy bags. I empty the bag every few hours and change it every couple of days. I tuck it into my jeans so you wouldn’t know it’s there, but it presents some interesting challenges – especially at uni.

It was hard to learn to live with at the start because it felt alien – it’s like suddenly having a pocket permanently attached to your body. After surgery, my body was sore and aching and didn’t feel like mine. It scared me; I felt like I couldn’t go running or swimming or dancing. I want to be able to bungee jump one day and I felt like I would never be able to do that. I didn’t realise that I just couldn’t do it right at that moment because I was ill.

How does it affect uni life?

Someone who is healthy might come to university and ideally their first priority would be work and their degree, secondly socialising, making friends and sharing experiences. But having a chronic illness means you’ve always got to have your health at the top of your list. A big chunk of time and energy is spent making sure you’re not hospitalised – so you can’t do all the things you might like to.

My stoma is prone to prolapsing which means my intestine pushes its way out of my body; sometimes by about 10 centimetres. Walking up Park Street is a lot more difficult when you’re trying to push your innards back into your body at the same time. I also think I must look like a shoplifter when I’m walking round Sainsbury’s, pushing an indistinguishable object to my stomach under my jumper.

And a night out? A very bold decision.

Leaks…happen. The only thing keeping my bag to my skin is the sticky-backing to the bag and it doesn’t take a lot for this to become…unstuck. This has happened at some interesting times, most notably: halfway down Queen’s Road on the way to a tutorial, whilst studying in Wills library, and at SWX. If you’ve seen a brunette girl in highwaisted jeans sprinting into a disabled loo at any of the

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above locations, it may have been me.

The biggest hurdles to my first year were the actual surgeries. I missed at least a couple of months of my first year of uni which wasn’t easy – for me, my new friendships, or my grades. I spent weeks in hospital, I had to call an ambulance to my halls of residence, my body was cut open and changed so that it didn’t feel like mine anymore, and for a moment I genuinely thought I might die. For a few months after my operation I thought I would never feel myself again. But I can honestly say that right now, one year later, the only things that trouble me are a fear of being mistaken for a shoplifter at the supermarket or having to do an emergency-bag-change at the library.

I’ve written about this as a reminder and reassurance that bodies are different and that everyone encounters problems: from broken legs to migraines, auto-immune diseases and mental health problems. Often you’d never know by looking at someone what their body is dealing with.

At university you’re surrounded by so many people.

Everyone looks different and has different interests and it makes you realise that it’s ok to live your life in a hundred different ways. It’s ok if I’m the one with the stoma because everyone around me is so different from each other that it’s hard to compare anyway. I hope no one would judge me for my differences and would advise anyone to keep an open mind; everyone needs to be given a bit of leeway at times, to be treated with kindness and allowed to live their life differently to the way you would live yours.

“

At university you’re surrounded by so many people. Everyone

looks different and has different interests and it makes you realise that it’s ok to live your life in a hundred different ways.

“

S

ince starting at university, I have had two operations.

I had emergency surgery in November of first year – exactly a year ago – to form a stoma because my small intestine was blocked. I am used to my intestines causing me trouble as I’ve been living with chronic illness for about nine years. In fact, I had my large intestine removed three years ago because it was so diseased that it wasn’t working.

Learning to love yourself

Beth Harris reminds us how important it is to value ourselves

In a society that surrounds us with an unrealistic idea of what it means to be ‘beautiful’ or ‘successful’ it is no surprise that so many of us spend a large proportion of our lives trying to be more desirable in the eyes of others.

This is exhausting and more importantly, incredibly unhealthy. Taking the time to practice self-love is not easy, but it might change your life. s Un

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What does it mean to truly love yourself? Fundamentally, it is knowing that your self-worth does not depend on others’ approval. It is believing that you are lovable and worthy just as you are – in or out of a relationship, during the break down of a friendship or when you have made a series of poor choices. It is knowing that you are a unique creation and that your body is beautiful no matter what your shape or size. It is believing in your dreams.

Epigram / Rosie Angel-Clark

When this is achieved you will feel fulfilled and loved unconditionally even when others don’t love, respect, or value you.

It may sound like I’ve got it all figured out. In reality, self-love is something I have always found challenging, particularly during times of hardship – but it’s not our fault. The idea of self-love being egotistical and selfish has been hardwired into our D N A , making it incredibly difficult to genuinely want to achieve it. Look in any thesaurus for synonyms for self-love, you won’t find a positive word in sight. We are told that to be happy we must achieve selflove, but does that mean becoming selfish?

Clearing s e l f sabotaging thoughts and negative inner beliefs is a strong step in the right direction.

Practise saying ‘I love you’ in the mirror.

Although this may seem trivial, there is actually some science behind it. Showering yourself with kind words increases serotonin production by the brain, leading to feelings of happiness, optimism and satisfaction.

Obviously, it’s not that simple, but it’s a good place to start.

Write a list of all the things you love about yourself, accomplishments and skills.

Whilst this may be a little difficult at first, putting these things into writing can help you focus on all the amazing things you have achieved.

The more you believe in yourself and your abilities, the more you will realise how much there is to love about yourself, and your confidence will shoot up.

Knowing that you have something fantastic to offer, be that in work, friendships or relationships will help you put yourself out there without fear of lge rejection.

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love you. Three little words so many of us find easy to say to friends and family yet find impossible to say to ourselves.

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Surround yourself with only positive platforms.

There are a number of amazing Instagram accounts that promote self-love and care along with some fantastic literature by Louise Hay such as The Power Is Within You and Heal Your Body. The latter emphasises the huge impact a lack of self-love can have on our physical health. That is not to say that low self-esteem will make you ill, but the mind and body are connected and so the physical body will respond to your mental state.

Self-love comes in many forms – and it looks different for everyone.

Learning to love yourself does not have to be a daily commitment to selfreflection and improvement. Whilst that may work for some, for others self-love may be about listening to your body’s needs and allowing yourself to rest at the end of a hard week.

Life does not have to be an exhausting battle. Take a little time each day to do something that makes YOU happy and your light will shine a little brighter.

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Food

Editor Virginia Campbell Deputy Editor Emma Bayley-Melendez Digital Editor Ruby Griffiths

Winter recovery: simple meals to nourish you Ruby Griffiths offers a range of tasty recipes for winter recovery, providing you with the essential vitamins and nutrients you need Carrot Soup

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1. Chop carrots in half and boil them in water.

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2. In a deep pot, build the soup base: fry oil, diced onion, crushed and chopped garlic, chopped chillies, ginger, spices, and the chopped stems of the fresh parsley on high heat till softened, then reduce.

3. Once carrots are soft add them and the water to the pot. Let it cool a bit before you blend it with a mixer.

4. Then add cream, pepper, salt, a handful of freshly chopped parsley and some lemon juice. Stir in. Get the pan back on heat for another 10 minutes to remove a bit more liquid.

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Ingredients:

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onion, 4 cloves of garlic (crushed), 1 fresh red chilli, 1tsp dried cumin,

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5 large carrots, 2 tsp of ground turmeric, 2 tsp of fennel seeds, 1 white

chopped fresh parsley (+fresh coriander for added layers of flavour), light dash of single cream, fresh lemon juice from ½ lemon, pepper and salt for seasoning and vegetable oil.

Warm Kale Salad 1.Prepare your bowl with some chopped lettuce and drizzle with olive oil.

2.In a small frying pan, fry crushed and chopped garlic, spices, half of the chopped parsley, chillies, and the kale.

Fry on high heat for a few minutes. Then squeeze half a fresh lemon (the greens should brighten in colour to a couple shades lighter).

3. After you see this change, fry for a few more minutes. Take it off the heat and mix into the lettuce leaves.

4. Crumble Feta and mix in a handful of freshly chopped parsley. Add any extra toppings and serve.

Ingredients: 1/2 gem lettuce, 3-5 stems of kale, roughly chopped, 1 clove of crushed garlic, 2 tsp fennel seeds, fresh chopped parsley, 35 g feta, fresh lemon juice, either dried chilli flakes or a fresh chopped chilli (depending on your

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preferred spice), 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. 1 tbsp olive oil

Simple risotto 1.

In a deep frying pan, sauté diced onion and butter until slightly soft. Add the wine and the rice, covering the

grains in the jus. Allow the rice to absorb the wine. Leave on low or no heat (stir occasionally, for it will stick easily).

2.

In a separate frying pan, fry butter, garlic, shredded leek, black pepper and the chopped mushrooms until

slightly browned and soft. You can add a tiny sprinkle of nutmeg here for extra richness. Once cooked, set aside.

3.

Prepare some veg stock in boiling water. Use a ladle to pour

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one or two scoops of stock into the rice. Remain stirring until

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the water is completely absorbed. Keep doing this one ladle at a time in order to build up the risotto –it takes a while if you want to control the softness of the risotto perfectly.

4.

Once it’s starting to soften, add the sautéed

vegetables and continue until the risotto is your preferred consistency. Apparently, traditional Italian risotto leans into a looser cook with a little liquid unabsorbed and the rice soft but with a bit of bite.

5.

Finally, add half or a full block of grated Parmesan

(depending on how overpowering you want the cheese to be, be careful because it can become too rich with an entire block) and mix until silky. Generously add some chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

Ingredients: 1 white onion, (2 cloves of garlic optional), 1 leek, several handfuls of chestnut mushrooms, 100-150g unsalted butter, 1 pack of risotto rice (Arborio, a starchy Italian short grain rice), a bit under or about ¼ of a bottle of white wine (something dry), fresh ground black pepper and salt –keep topping up lightly and tasting throughout, around 1 ½ l of veg stock, 1 block of Parmesan, large bunch of fresh parsley, fresh lemon juice

Extras: fry separate lardons to incorporate; and green peas near the end (to avoid them disappearing into mush!)

Epigram/Jac k Be

rco vic i

Cocktail of choice: The Crumble Rum is typically classed as a heavier spirit and, as such, it tends to come with quite a harsh afterburn that to some can be off-putting. This cocktail avoids that through dilution to create a much smoother texture whilst retaining the air of decadence that should accompany any cocktail.

1.

Add 10ml sugar syrup, 5 dashes of Angostura bitters and 2

dashes of lemon juice to a glass with 25ml of rum and 1 or 2 cubes of ice (depending on size). Stir about 30 times to dilute. Add the remaining 25ml of rum and another ice cube and stir about 20 times.

Enjoy!

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A trip to Spain: food highlights

Virginia Campbell shines a foodie spotlight on the popular Mediterranean destination San Sebastian

Spotlight: Calle de Cava Baja

Its cuisine ranges from traditional Spanish items such as the Spanish tortilla (below, cooked by our very own digital editor) to pioneering world cuisine such as that found in Mugaritz. It even has its own style of Tapas: ‘pinxtos’ which usually consists of miniature, stacked open sandwiches.

As the centre and capital of Spain, Madrid is a hub of inter-regional gastronomy. Markets such as Mercado Antón

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Vermouth, a fortified wine, is also extremely popular in Madrid – so much so that it even has its own designated time in the day to be drunk: Vermouth O’Clock (‘hora del vermut’).

Barcelona Barcelona’s proximity to the sea means it is a haven for fresh seafood. You could enjoy a traditional Paella on the seafront

Culture Ttrip/Peter Horree

Madrid

Visit the travel section of The Croft for an extra perspective on this exciting and multifaceted country!

Culture Trip/Mario Castro

With food that would look more suited to the inside of an art gallery, Mugaritz, just outside of San Sebastian, is a bucket list destination for any curious foodie.

With price tags of around £200 for a 20 course menu, it’s not an experience to be taken lightly, especially when past courses have included such things as steak tartar beneath a blanket of penicillin and chicken skin shaped into the face of a pig filled with chorizo foam.

Martín are a great way to explore such a range whilst keeping costs low. Alongside typical Spanish finds such as churros, you’ll also find dishes that are more indigenous to Madrid itself, such as the bocadillo de calamares, a crusty bread sandwich filled with deep fried squid.

Madrid’s notorious ‘tapas street’ (below) is a must for any self respecting foodie. Chock full of various tapas bars, theres no easier way to indulge in one of Spain’s most famous signature meals. If the deliciousness and authenticity wasn’t enough of a draw, the street is also found in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city.

Epigram/Virginia Campbellof

Epigram/Ruby Griffiths

Spotlight: Mugaritz

Culture Trip/Juan Moyano

San Sebastian is often considered one of the food capitals of the world. It holds one of the highest number of Michelin stars per square meter in the world, including three restaurants that have the most Michelin stars possible (three).

or opt for a more decadent meal at one of many of Barcelona’s high-end seafood restaurants.

Fish is not the only thing that the city excels at. Home to various craft beers and locally produced wines, there is always a wide array of alcoholic beverages to indulge in.

Spotlight: La Boqueria Market Of the many food markets that adorn the streets of Barcelona, La Boqueria is undoubtedly the most famous. With its origins in the 12th century, it is now one of the largest markets in the country, and home to over 300 stalls selling both local and international produce.

Fighting flu season: Aunt Sorrel responds

Agony Aunt Sorrel helps out some busy students with a savvy food app

I

t’s inevitable that as temperatures change people will start to get coughs and colds; this is sadly an expected part of university life. I think a nice way to treat yourself and your immune system is to indulge in a juice.

This is the perfect sweet treat and if you bring a friend it can be the best study break.

I would highly recommend ‘The

Epigram / Emma Bayley-Melendez

“

It’s a nice way to treat yourself and your immune system

“

D

ear Auntie , I am fed up of always being a little bit ill!

Everyone in uni is the same, sneezing and sniffling in lectures, but I need some solutions to this problem. Can you recommend anything to help tackle my cold?

Cloakroom’. Not only is it an independent store it is also very close to university campus and can be found on Park Row. I had one of their flu buster juices which was packed with carrots, ginger and apple! It’s a beautiful, refreshingly bright orange concoction but full of vitamins that will ward off unwanted winter illnesses and keep you energised for the day.

If you want an alternative you can always buy ginger shots which will give you lots of energy and can be found in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

Have you been having trouble in the kitchen and don’t know who to turn to? Contact Aunt Sorrel via our Facebook page: Epigram Food Writers 2019/20

COMPETITION Win a coffee and pastry for two at the

newly opened ‘Cloakroom Cafe’ on Woodland Road by cooking any of the recipes in this issue and sending us a photo! Send your photos to epigramfood@ gmail.com

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Style​

Editor Orin Carlin Digital Editor Laura Mallinson Deputy Editor Lilly Hill

Stocking fillers: 10 under £10

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Jessica Gadd recommends 10 cheap but cheerful Christmas gifts

ou’re never too old for a Christmas stocking, but finding those small yet special gifts to fill it with can be a tedious task.

Struggling for ideas? Whether you’re adding to your own wish list or shopping for others, make this your most stylish celebration yet with these 10 stocking fillers all for £10 and under.

PENDANT HAIR CLIP, £8 & OTHER STORIES ‘Under-the sea’ jewellery has arguably been 2019’s most influential trend.

With shell earrings and pearl hair clips cropping up everywhere, dive headfirst into 2020 by adding this bold pearlescent accessory to your wish list.

PEARL OPEN DROP EARRINGS, £10 TOPSHOP Pearls are timeless, but this year they’ve gained momentum in the fashion world through the ‘cool girl’ pearl trend that has dominated catwalks and social media. These drop earrings offer an affordable contemporary twist on the classic pearl studs and will make a great addition to any Christmas Day outfit.

SCRUNCHIES, £4 SCRUNCHIE&CHOUCHOU Channelling a vintage mood; scrunchies and headbands are among Bristol’s power accessories. This student-run Instagram shop offers homemade scrunchies in bold prints and luxe textures. My personal pick would be the satin headband in ‘perle’ as a chic yet socially-conscious stocking filler.

CHUNKY CHAIN BRACELET, £10 URBAN OUTFITTERS The AW19 catwalks showed us that bigger is better when it comes to jewellery styling, and chunky chains are definitely enjoying a moment this Christmas.

GREY OVERSIZED BEANIE, £10 | ASOS The classic beanie is an easy addition to any winter wardrobe. Whether you’re going for slouchy chic or prefer a streetwear aesthetic, this hat is both fashionable and functional for cold Christmas outings.

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JADE FACE ROLLER, £10 ANTHROPOLOGIE Jade face rollers have been earning hype from celebrities, influencers and beauty bloggers alike. If you’re keen to see what the buzz is about, why not try this unconventional beauty tool to boost your complexion in time for the new year.

CAUDALIE MINIS CRACKER, £10 SPACE NK This Caudalie ‘Christmas Cracker’ is packed with hydration essentials to combat the dehydrated skin that comes with cold winter weather.

HEADBAND , £7.99 ZARA Earlier this year, Gigi Hadid caused a stir by stepping out donning a thick 90s-style headband worth only £1.40. Since then, they’ve cropped up all over the high street in endless textures and colours - but I think black is best when it comes to winter style.

OPEN FRAME HAIR CLIP, £8 & OTHER STORIES Traditional meets modern with this abstract open frame hairclip.

Minimalist accessories are a great way to counterbalance the loud colours and glittery get-up that dominate the Christmas season.

FACE OIL, £10 NEOM This relaxing face oil smells like luxury and will help you slide into the deepest of sleeps. After a busy and stressful term, this is a much-needed treat for rest and recovery.

To knitwear, or to notwear?

Morgan Collins talks us through the diversity of the Christmas jumper

W

ith the festive season upon us, the time has come to think about which Christmas knits you’ll be sporting. Choosing your knit can be tough, but whether you’re after something garish or more subtle, we have ALL the options.

For me, Christmas jumpers fall into three categories: your classic novelty jumper - complete with tinsel; your more subtle, classy jumper - usually a fine knit with a bit of glitz; and then your Nordic chunky sweater. All worthy options, but perhaps not appropriate for all Chrimbo occasions.

l Hil

m Epigra / Lilly Hill

The novelty jumper Novelty Christmas jumpers do not always have to be outlandish and, controversially, I think the best ones are those that don’t have baubles protruding from every angle. For a ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ or a Christmas social, the novelty jumper is an obvious choice so, to stand out choose one with a funny slogan or detailed pattern rather than with itchy embellishments that will annoy you to no end.

£120 | & OTHER STORIES

OHN LEWIS, £50 | J

/ Lilly Hill Epigram

illy /L

£90 | SWEATY BETTY

The sparkly jumper For those of you who, like me, just can’t bring themselves to wear a super inyour-face Christmas jumper, a sparkly jumper can be a great way to feel festive all through December.

You can’t go wrong with Zara or Warehouse for these jumpers and a bonus is that they often come in a fine knit, so they’re perfect for indoor occasions like Christmas parties or even the big day itself.

am igr Ep

The Nordic jumper A favourite year after year, the Nordic/ski-style jumper remains a popular choice for those wanting to simultaneously stay festive and timeless. Because of their warm and chunky material, they are perfect for Christmas markets or ice-skating, and will certainly look great on your Instagram!

illy ram / L Epig

Hill

£39 | WAREHOUSE

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How to make the most of the winter sales B

Laura Mallinson reveals how to minimise mindless consumerism

lack Friday, pre-Christmas, and even Boxing Day: the sale season is fully upon us and we’re bombarded with exciting deals from every direction. How do we make the most of these without aimlessly spending? First and foremost, don’t buy useless shit. Ground-breaking I know, but I bet we’ve all been victims of our own waywardness when it comes to the sales – you definitely do not need another LBD (guilty). So before you’re taken over by the brightly coloured advertising and sales madness, take stock of what in your wardrobe is missing or needs revamping. Now is the perfect time for this; take a little time for some ‘self-style reflection’ if you will, to ensure you’re browsing the sales for the right pieces to fit into your wardrobe. This is sure to help you avoid pointless purchases and make your sale investments worthwhile – let’s face it, you’re not actually saving any money if you buy unnecessary things. Grab yourself a nice notebook and get listing!

Another way to ace the sale season without overdoing it is to set yourself a spending budget. Giving yourself a max sale spending limit and basing your purchases around that quota is a sure-fire way to ruthlessly determine whether an item is worth taking up some of your precious budget. It also helps when it comes to weighing up the pros and cons of each item you choose. This way, you can spend your coins guilt-free as you know you won’t go over your allotted allowance. Happy bank and happy wardrobe!

Guilt-free shopping is something that can be quite tricky for the consciously-minded shopper in the sale season. With sales amounting to some of the most wasteful consumerism in the Western world, we can aim to reduce our personal waste through only buying what’s necessary and, perhaps, aiming to buy from ethically-minded brands. Weekday, People Tree and Veja are a few examples of environmentally-conscious brands which you could support this sale season, as reductions make these sustainable brands a little more affordable for the student budget. One great way to check the sustainability of the brands on sale is through the app Good On You. As well as searching the environmental commitments of the brands you look up, Good On You shows the sale offers of conscious brands with one easy click – a great way to shop the sales guilt-free!

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All that glitters...

Editor Orin Carlin

It’s party season and Christmas is nothing without its sparkle. If the mulled wine has got you heavy-handedly applying your eye makeup, pack on the glitter to hide a multitude of sins…

I love Stila’s Magnificent Metals Liquid Eye Shadow in the shade Rose Gold Retro. It is so easy to apply and you actually have a good amount of play time before it sets.

LIQUID EYESHADOW, £24 | STILA

EYESHADOW, £26 | HOURGLASS

@ fre e

sto

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Hourglass’ Scattered Light Glitter Shadow in the shade Ray is really excellent. You can use a brush to swirl it over your eyelids or use your ring finger to pat in the pigment for a more intense look.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Colour Chameleon in the shade Dark Pearl is the best option for when you’re inevitably rushing. Colour your eyelid and blend it in with your ring finger in the back of the Uber et voila!

EYESHADOW, £19 | CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Party perfection Orin Carlin shares her favourite Christmas party looks

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WHISTLES

S, £49 | TOP SHOP

69 | CAMI, £

DRES

DRES

S, £24 5

| GH

OST

P OPSHO DRESS, £125 | T

SHOES, £169 | WHISTLES

JUMPSUIT, £239 | WH ISTLES

es - you totally can be an outfit repeater. Literally no one cares if you’re re-wearing what you wore last year – even if you did post a pic on Insta. But if you are due a Christmas party outfit update, these picks will make you feel like the belle of the ball!

CLUTCH, £30 | MONSOON

editors’ picks

CANDLE BASE DECORATION, £2.49 | SQUIRE’S ‘The ultimate festive accessory.

I love to wear this in my hair for Christmas formals to give me that extra merriment and cheer that the season demands. Plus it’s so bloody glittery, this gives me good tidings of GREAT joy.’

TEA, £2.50 | TESCO ‘“It’s like Christmas in a cup!” was my flatmate’s reaction when she tried the Pukka Three Cinnamon tea – my go-to pick-me-up after the chilly walk home from the library.

This hearty cuppa’s warming glow is sure to remind you of the festive season.’

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TERRY’S CHOCOLATE ORANGE, £2 | TESCO ‘In my family, it’s a Christmas tradition to have a chocolate orange in your stocking and my Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without it. Terry’s do orange flavoured chocolate like no one else can; simply divine.’

17

Bristol University joins the climate strike on Friday the 29th of November.

This image was captured at a previous strike by Croft Editor Daisy Farrow.

Travel

Editor Lily Donnelly Deputy Editor Emma Loubser Digital Editor Will Holmes

Do's & definite do-nots

Hugh Richards tells us how, or how not, to hitchhike aross the continent

I

t was late on a weekday when I received the call from my friend Elliot. ‘Fancy hitchhiking to Morocco this summer?’ It sounded like a challenge and I hadn’t sorted out any holiday plans yet. So why not?

DO NOT get drunk

DO bring a whiteboard

Cities seem to be analogous to black holes in a hitchhiking context, their ring-roads representing the event horizon. As soon as you touch one, you are past the point of no return and inevitably sucked into the urban jungle. In our case, we spent three days sleeping in hammocks at petrol stations before having to descend into the inner city. From there, a series of demoralising failures to escape Madrid brought an end to our attempts. Try to avoid situations such as this at all costs.

“

We spent three days sleeping in hammocks at petrol stations before having to descend into the inner city

“

DO NOT go to Madrid

Epigram/Lily Donnelly

An essential for hitchhiking is some method for conveying where you want to go. This can be as specific as ‘Angoulême’ or as vague as ‘South’, though a trade-off exists between the two: go specific and find the perfect lift, or go vague and get one faster.

Furthermore, and especially for longdistance journeys, the location on your sign will have to change frequently, often many times per day. A whiteboard, therefore, as opposed to the classic marker-pen-and-cardboard combo, is a great help.

DO bring camping gear

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DO learn the language Taking a leaf from Elliot’s book is especially useful for two reasons.

Firstly, being able to write directions on your whiteboard in the native language is of course helpful. Secondly, being able to talk with your driver. Explaining where you’d like to go, asking what their destination is, and so forth, is essential. Engaging in conversation is a desirable addition. Not only does it make the driver more receptive, and probably more likely to pick up foreign hitchhikers again, it also makes the journey pass a lot faster. Of course, fluency is the optimum, but looking up some conversational basics goes a long way too.

DO check the law

Epigram/Hugh Richards

Thinking about how and where you will sleep is very important. A tent would suffice, but I recommend taking a hammock. They are much lighter, and afford you greater flexibility in where you can pitch. They are of course largely dependent on trees, although this too is flexible (for example, we used a tree and the railing of a train track fence one night). Also important is a source of warm food; a Trangia or similar portable cooker is advisable.

As well as packing the essentials, it is also important to be wary of where you sleep. Upon arriving in Spain, Elliot and I became so excited that we proceeded to the nearest tapas bar and drank as much cerveza as possible before the establishment closed. Tottering through San Sebastián, looking for somewhere to pitch a hammock, we stumbled across a small cluster of trees.

Sloppily we set up camp and fell into a booze-addled slumber. I was awoken at 7am by a police officer tapping the strings of my hammock with his baton, and it was an unpleasant way to be awoken, hungover.

The law and culture around hitchhiking varies greatly across Europe, and presumably across the globe. France is very good for it: as stated we travelled border-to-border in 4 days. Spain however is not so good. Research the national and local laws regarding hitchhiking as well as checking internet forums for guidance on hitching through specific countries; be sure to check out your routes, too.

Celebrating ChristmasThe Scandi Way

Alexander Brett takes a look at this year's Scandinavian inspiration NORWAY Christmas wasn’t celebrated in Norway until as late as 1100, when the country was Christianised. Nowadays, Norwegian Christmas closely resembles the festivities in the other Scandinavian countries, but some traditions remain unique. These include leaving a sheaf of wheat out for the birds during Advent, and a bowl of porridge for Nisse on Christmas Eve to guard the farm animals. Carol singing is popular and children often dress up as characters from the Nativity to travel from house to house.

An array of cakes and biscuits are made during Advent – one of Norway’s most popular being the Julekake, combining raisins, candied peel and cardamom. Porridge is eaten at lunchtime, served with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Christmas Eve dinner usually consists of pork or mutton ribs served with surkål (finely chopped cabbage with caraway seeds) and potatoes.

After dinner, presents are exchanged, and the next morning more presents are found under the tree, given by Julenissen (Father Christmas) or small nissen (gnomes) or, occasionally, both.

DENMARK Danes love getting stuck into Julekalender, an annual television series with one episode shown each week in the run up to Christmas Day. Typically, one character tries to ruin Christmas until the others step in last minute to save the day. Broadcasters DR and TV2 also produce Advent calendars to accompany the programme, corresponding with the events of each episode.

As in most of Europe, Danes have their main celebration on Christmas Eve. At 4pm that evening church services are held so neighbours can come together, exchange Christmas wishes and listen to the Christmas sermon. Families unite at 6pm for the Christmas feast – usually roast duck, goose or pork, served with boiled or sweet potatoes, beetroot and cranberry sauce. For pudding, in a tradition repeated on New Year’s Eve, Danes eat risalamande (rice pudding with almonds). All but one of the almonds have been ground, so the lucky finder of a whole almond is awarded a marzipan pig and will be blessed with good luck for the next year.

After the feast, the candles on the Christmas tree decorated with Danish flags are lit, and the family dance round it singing carols.

Paul Hanaoka/ Unsplash

SWEDEN Perhaps the most internationally recognisable Scandinavian Christmas convention is the St Lucia festival, held each year on the 13 December. Saint Lucia was a young girl martyred in 304 for bringing food to persecuted Christians in Rome’s catacombs, attaching candles to her head so she could have both hands free to carry things. December 13 was chosen as her saint day in Sweden as it coincided with the Winter Solstace, a pagan festival of lights. Schools across Sweden select a ‘Lucia’ to process through the local church wearing a crown of candles attached to lingonberry branches. A national ‘Lucia’ is also chosen, whose job it is to visit hospitals and old people’s homes handing out pepparkakor (ginger biscuits). Lucia buns (made with saffron and dotted with raisins) are also very popular.

Christmas Eve is when Swedes have their main Christmas feast. Unlike most other countries, however, Swedes eat their Julbord buffet at lunchtime: herring, turkey, julskinka (Christmas ham), meatballs, jellied pigs’ feet and drop grytan (bread dipped in the juices of the roast turkey) are eaten, then washed down with glögg (mulled wine). Christmas Eve is also when presents are exchanged, with Christmas Day reserved for church and the King’s address to the nation. There is also a special episode of Donald Duck: Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar god jul (Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Happy Christmas) watched by the entire country.

Many families make straw goats to guard their Christmas trees. In the city of Gävle a thirteen-metre goat is erected to guard the municipal tree, though it’s a target for vandals and since 1966 has only made it to Christmas Day twelve times.

But, surely, the best thing about Christmas in Sweden is that the festive period doesn’t officially end until 13th January.

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Bruges Christmas Market

Leah Martindale/Epigram

The UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre amounts to an easily-walkable 430 hectare oval; the perfect shape for wandering aimlessly, dipping into souvenir stores, cafes, and bars, and re-enter at the point you left off for more spiralling. The centre of the circle houses the ice-skating rink and a series of bars, hot-dog stalls, and other Christmas market classics.

We travelled using a Co-op holiday deal, and paid about £125 each for Easy-Jet flights and a four star hotel reasonably near to the centre. In hindsight, for what we got it was overpriced - but the convenience of not having to book the hotel, and the comfort of our first holiday away as a group certainly made it worth it.

As someone with dietary requirements, Belgium struck a slight challenge. At least in 2015, veganism was a fairly foreign concept to Belgians. As a relatively large city, it would be easy to assume that more niche food requests might be more possible, but I learned the hard way that that was ignorance speaking.

Leah Martindale/Epigram

I

n November of 2015, three friends and I took ourselves to Bruges for a long weekend of wildly alcoholic mulled beverages, ice-skating of dubious stability, and general yule-tide cheer. With two full days and an evening in the city, we saw as many sights as our inebriated eyes could manage and stock-piled on snacks for the hibernation period to come.

One of our favourite haunts from the holiday was a bar officially called ‘de pub’, which cycled through the names ‘de kitchen’, ‘de pub’, and ‘de club’ over the space of the day. The atmosphere in de pub was unlike anything we were used to at home.

The top floor had benches with people dancing, watching sports on TVs, and the occasional single red rose seller.

With a DJ playing from a caged ledge hanging over the makeshift dancefloor, you might have mistaken the bar for a truly wild night. However, the environment was extremely trustworthy, with patrons hanging their jackets from hooks on the walls and leaving them.

‘De Pub’ encompassed much of the city of Bruges. Most busy cities easily start to feel dangerous or skeevy, especially with the addition of alcohol, but in Bruges we felt safe to wander apart, day drunk, with bags hanging off our shoulders and little thought to pick-pockets - except my friend Wallis, who kept her Euros in a much-mocked velvet bag tied around her neck.

With horse-led carriage rides, boat tours, and cycle rickshaws, there are countless ways to see the city. From the torture museum to the Bruges Beer Experience and ChocoStory, the chocolate museum, there are daytime activities for any sensibilities. There are hot chocolate stalls, mulled ciders, and potent mulled white wine with a shocking amount of absinthe.

As short as it was, my Christmas in Bruges was perfect to get me into the Christmas spirit. From the beautiful scenery to the wonderful decorations, Belgium certainly knows how to do festivities. With four years to mull it over, I can definitely recommend the beautiful city to anyone looking for a getaway this Christmas season.

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With horse-led carriage rides, boat tours and cycle rickshaws, there are countless ways to see the city...

“

Leah Martindale/Epigram

Leah Martindale on markets that will wet your Christmas whistle

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Bath at Christmas

Caitlin Price's guide to the Bath Christmas market a tradition for my friends and I to have our group picture taken in front of it. Bath is definitely not short on places for the perfect festive photo opportunity.

There are usually buskers and choirs dotted around the market and this year there will be an entertainment stage on New Bond Street. If you feel like you can handle any more festivities then you can also go along to the Shoppers’ Carols services in the Abbey. These are running on Thursdays and Fridays at 12.30pm and 2pm and Saturdays at 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. There are no tickets required for these informal carol services which are about 20 minutes long.

The food stalls are definitely also worth a visit – feel free to arrive hungry. There’s a large variety of food available including a hog roast, burgers and, new for this year, vegan katsu curry from The Vegan Spice chalet. My favourite find last year was a stall selling the best arancino I have ever tasted. I’ll definitely be making a return visit to that particular stall this year!

I’m sad to say that, as I’m a third year, my annual tradition of a trip to the Bath Christmas market may be coming to an end. However, I’d encourage you to start your own Christmas tradition by paying a visit to the beautiful city on our doorstep.

This year the market is running from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 15 December.

D Lily

onnelly/Epig am

r

Bath is a stunning city whatever time of year you visit but at Christmas time it is particularly special. The perfectly preserved Georgian city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site; it hasn’t really changed since Jane Austen walked its streets. In fact, the city has the uncanny ability of making you feel like you’re on the film set of a Sunday night period drama.

When I first went to the Bath Christmas market two years ago it was sleeting, intensifying the film-set feel of the place.

However, it did also mean that it was very, very cold. My advice to everyone visiting this year would be to wrap up warm and make the most of the mulled wine which usually goes for £3 a cup.

Unlike some of the larger Christmas markets, the majority of Bath’s stalls sell locally made products, including handmade decorations and jewellery. According to Somerset Live, over 80 per cent of the stallholders come from Bath and the South West so you will be helping local small businesses as you shop. The market has over 150 stalls – 30 of them new for this year – and it therefore takes up much of the city centre.

Perhaps the prettiest part of the market are the stalls nestled in the shadow of Bath’s ancient Abbey. There’s also a large decorated tree in front of the Abbey and it’s become

Christmas in the sun

Emma Loubser talks Christmas brunch on the beach

a Loubser/Epigra m

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nature of the island at its very best. Locals and tourists alike flock to the pristine public beaches to celebrate with friends and family, some setting up tents to see the festive holiday through from sunrise to sunset.

When the sun is shining, you adapt your traditions to your place, and make some new ones too. All through the festive season, a Kransekake adorned our dining room table. This is a Danish almond cake, made by a family friend on the island. You eat it layer by layer, and you have to split each ring with family and friends by lifting the cake, taking the bottom layer and breaking it into pieces. The significance of this, which fits well with the island and its celebratory, welcoming approach to all cultures and their festivities, is bringing people together.

Christmas Eve itself usually sees a long sunset walk on our local beach; a tradition for us, and an early Christmas present for our Yorkshire terrier. This was followed by a quintessentially English Christmas dinner taking over our table and our stomachs.

After presents and panettone, Christmas Day saw a return to the beach where seafood and sunshine took the place of snow and sprouts.

Although Christmas celebrations may be relocated from cosy fireplace to beach shores, tradition and coming together lie at the heart of Christmas wherever in the world you may be. m Em

A barbeque on the beach is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Christmas dinner. However, that sense of coming together and celebrating with a few glasses too many of mulled wine is emanated around the globe, whatever the weather.

In Dubai, Christmas is, for many expats, filled with lavish brunches at swanky hotels decorated head to toe in extravagant festive decor. Hotels in Dubai offer an array of deals for Christmas brunches which go above and beyond your typical turkey, veg and roast potatoes - although these are all, of course, still very important to the making of a good Christmas Day. If you are looking for a less traditional Christmas, these brunches usually roll out everything from sushi to chocolate fountains, so no matter what you are looking for, brunch will not disappoint. A way out of the inevitable stress over Christmas Day cooking and cleaning, it is understandable how this has become such a popular option.

A walk on the beach after, or an afternoon siesta on a deck chair, are a welcome reminder of the perks of Christmas in the sun. For a slightly chillier festive experience, gather friends and family for Christmas carols in the desert. If you do this in the evening, you may even need to wear your Christmas jumper.

In Mauritius, Christmas Day showcases the multicultural

Croft Editor Daisy Farrow captures a Winter in New York, as she visits Bryant Park’s stunning Christmas market near Fifth Avenue.

Highlights of 2019

Our Croft Editors and writers look back on 2019, and reflect on their favourite moments from the year

Croft Editor Daisy Farrow’s favourite memory was a day at the beach on her holiday in Barbados, following a fall off a jetski.

Digital Editor Emma Holding’s favourite day of the year was when she finished her exams, and celebrated with a cocktail #heaven

One of Deputy Editor Hendrike Rahtz’s favourite moments was this Halloween, partying with friends.

Co-Editor-in-Chief, Patrick Sullivan, captured last year’s editors Ed and Cam celebrating their win at the SU Awards.

Have any good photos of Bristol or student life? Submit them to thecroft.epigram@gmail.com for a chance of featuring on the back page!