The UoB Linguist Issue 45 - Festive Edition

festive welcome to another edition of the UoB Linguist Magazine! I hope you all have managed to settle into university life and have enjoyed the first semester. Although the winter break is not so far away, I know many of us will be feeling a bit “snowed under” with the endless amount of deadlines and assignments as the end of term approaches!

However, as some of you may know, the UoB Linguist Magazine likes to finish the first semester with our festive edition (my personal favourite) In this issue, we have lots of stories about festive and winter activities from all over the world, so it should hopefully allow you to relax and escape from the stress of exams, and get you excited for the holiday season! Inside this issue you can read articles such as: Weihnachtsmärkte: ein typisch „deutsches" Erlebnis? in our German section, and Cinque cose dolci da provare a Natale in our Italian section. Take delight in our Food & Drink article: London’s Sweetest Seasonal Specials Travel across continents and discover what Christmas is like in Cape Town in our Culture section, or for a slightly chillier one, Christmas in Vancouver in our Travel section.

Thank you to all of our writers, editors and proofreaders, as well as the rest of the committee who helped to make our festive issue as wonderful as ever. It is great to see so many new writers that have joined since the start of the term, the magazine wouldn’t be where it is now if it wasn’t for you all! I hope you enjoy our festive edition and that it lets you switch off from university life, as well as getting you into the festive spirit if you aren’t already. It’s also a reminder to take time to rest and recharge, and to spend time with your loved ones during the winter period before the term starts again.

Here’s to a very Merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a wonderful new year!

Les traditions de Noël de France Français

Le Réveillon

Le Réveillon est le principal repas de Noël en France et on le mange à la veille de Noël, généralement à partir de 20h et jusqu’au lendemain La nourriture est une partie importante de Noël pour les Français et cela se voit dans leurs repas spectaculaires du Réveillon. Le Réveillon commence avec l’apéritif Il se compose d'une coupe de champagne et de quelques amuse bouches. Ils peuvent être de petites pâtisseries, du fromage ou des escargots Après l'apéritif, c'est l'entrée qui est généralement du foie gras très traditionnel et souvent fait maison. Le foie gras est très traditionnel en France Quant au plat principal, de la viande rôtie farcie aux châtaignes est généralement servie avec des champignons et des légumes. Après le plat principal, certains foyers servent un plateau de fromage mais tous servent le dessert classique de Noël qu’est la bûche de Noël. En Provence, il y a une tradition où le repas est terminé en mangeant 13 desserts pour représenter Jésus et les 12 apôtres. Les 13 desserts varient mais ils incluent souvent des fruits secs et des biscuits Les desserts sont laissés sur la table quelques jours après Noël pour permettre à la famille de les grignoter tout au long de la journée

Le Père de Noël

La veille de Noël, les enfants laissent des chaussures et des pantoufles vides pour que le père Noël dépose ses cadeaux aux enfants bien élevés Quant aux enfants mal élevés, ils craignent le père Fouettard qui suit le père Noël et fouette ceux qui ne sont pas bien comportés. Contrairement au Royaume Uni, la France a une loi qui stipule que toutes les lettres que les enfants envoient au Père Noël doivent recevoir une réponse par carte postale

J'aime cette loi car elle rend Noël plus spécial et magique pour les enfants En plus de la veille de noël, le père noël apporte également des cadeaux dans la nuit du 5 décembre qui est la veille de la Saint Nicolas Les enfants placent leurs chaussures près de la porte d'entrée et attendent de trouver des cadeaux le lendemain

Marchés de Noël Français

En France, une des grandes traditions veut que des marchés extravagants soient installés dans tout le pays L'une des grandes traditions de Noël en France est les marchés de Noël extravagants dans tout le pays. Le marché de Strasbourg est l'un des plus célèbres avec son ambiance vintage Il est situé dans un quartier rustique et historique de Strasbourg et les festivités sont très appréciées des Français. L'événement principal du marché sont ses petits stands d'artisanat Metz, Reims et Amiens sont d'autres exemples de destinations populaires pour les marchés français Les marchés sont également accompagnés de belles lumières de Noël qui illuminent les rues. Le vin chaud est généralement servi ainsi qu'une variété de plats français Dans les grands marchés, il y a souvent des attractions telles qu'une grande roue Dans l'ensemble, les marchés de Noël de France suffisent pour vous plonger dans l'esprit de Noël

En conclusion, je pense que la France est un pays extrêmement festif à l'époque de Noël et a des traditions passionnantes et uniques que nous n’avons pas au Royaume Uni C'est extrêmement intéressant d'explorer les différentes cultures de différents pays et j'aimerais passer Noël en France chaque année

Weihnachtsmärkte: ein typisch „deutsches" Erlebnis?

„Weiß sind Türme, Dächer, Zweige, und das Jahr geht auf die Neige, und das schönste Fest ist da “ Dieses Zitat von Theodor Fontane bringt den Zauber und die Schönheit der Weihnachtszeit perfekt auf den Punkt Dieser Zauber hat mir viel Freude gebracht, als ich erst in Deutschland angekommen bin Vor einem Jahr bin ich nach Koblenz umgezogen und ich hatte ehrlich viel Angst davor. Jedoch wusste ich, dass es bald Weihnachtszeit ist und ich konnte Deutschland in einem seiner vielleicht schönsten Momente erleben Mit meinen neuen Freunden aus ganz Europa habe ich die Anblicke, Gerüche und Klänge der Weihnacht erlebt und ich hatte nur eine wichtige Aufgabe so viele Märkte wie möglich zu besuchen Mein erster Besuch war der Koblenzer Weihnachtsmarkt Die Plätze waren voll mit Essen, Kunsthandwerk und natürlich Glühwein. Nach einer anstrengenden Woche an der Uni war ein kleiner Spaziergang durch die Stadtmitte eine willkommene Abwechslung Hier begann meine Faszination für die Märkte und auch meine neue Sammlung, die Glühweintassen.

Jede Tasse hatte eine schöne, stadtspezifische Gestaltung und sie erzählten jeweils eine Geschichte der Stadt Sie zeigten mir, was als wichtig in der Stadt beobachtet wurde In Koblenz stellten die Tassen die Sehenswürdigkeiten der Stadt dar und die Tasse, die ich immer noch in meinem Schlafzimmer ausgestellt habe, erinnert mich an die schönen Zeiten, in denen ich diese Orte gesehen habe In jeder Stadt habe ich mindestens eine Tasse gesammelt, und jetzt habe ich insgesamt sieben Tassen.

Wenn ich sie anschaue, denke ich an diese guten Zeiten und lächle Jede Tasse erinnert mich an einen anderen Tag, jede Tasse ist einzigartig und sie sind alle auf ihre eigene Weise interessant Zum Beispiel stellt die Tasse von dem Heumarkt in Köln eine Geschichte mit sogenannten „Heinzelmännchen“ dar und es gibt viele andere Tassen mit vielen anderen Geschichten, die die Bedeutung der Weihnachtstraditionen zeigen Trotz ihres Wunders und Zaubers bieten die Weihnachtsmärkte Anlass zu einer interessanten Diskussion über die Kommerzialisierung solcher Traditionen

deutsch

Ein interessanter Vergleich ist zwischen dem Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt und dem Weihnachtsmarkt in Birmingham, der ‚Frankfurt Christmas Market‘ heißt Der Markt in Birmingham ist der größte „authentische“ deutsche Weihnachtsmarkt außerhalb von Deutschland oder Österreich Der „deutsche“ Weihnachtsmarkt ist in der Tat zum weltweiten Standard für Weihnachtsfeiern geworden Aber was bedeutet dieser Begriff eigentlich? Was ist wirklich ein typisch deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt? Ich war tatsächlich ziemlich überrascht, dass meine Erlebnisse auf den Märkten in Deutschland ähnlich wie meine Erlebnisse in England waren In beiden Städten säumten Stände die Straßen und beide Orte würdigten die Ursprünge des Weihnachtsmarktes. Jedoch muss ich zugeben die Märkte in Deutschland hatten etwas Besonderes an sich Allerdings gibt es eine gewisse „Deutschheit", die schwer in Worte zu fassen ist, aber auf den Märkten in Großbritannien nicht zu finden ist Die Möglichkeit, mit den Einheimischen zu plaudern, gab dem Erlebnis einen zusätzlichen Kick Aber man kann die Kommerzialisierung der Märkte nicht vermeiden, besonders in anderen Ländern Diese typisch deutsche Tradition ist jetzt ein weltweites Phänomen, aber es ist schwer zu sagen, wie authentisch die Märkte eigentlich sind, auch in Deutschland Insgesamt war meine Erfahrung mit den Weihnachtsmärkten etwas Unvergessliches Die Erfahrung hat mir Dinge gezeigt, die ich sonst nirgendwo sehen kann. Aber ich frage mich, wie sich diese Traditionen im Laufe der Jahre verändert haben Gehen wir mit unserer Kommerzialisierung von Weihnachten zu weit? Oder sollten wir die Märkte einfach nur genießen, wegen des Spektakels und der Magie, die sie bieten? Das ist eine Frage für die Ewigkeit und für jeden Einzelnen selbst schließlich ist Weihnachten ein Nebeneinander von persönlichen und weltweiten Traditionen, die in einer magischen Zeit zusammenkommen.

by Hanna Pearcey

La tomatina: ¿Polémico o concepto erróneo? Español

Si no has oído hablar de la Tomatina debes estar viviendo bajo una roca No hay una historia de origen oficial, sin embargo, la gente cree que empezó a partir de una pelea de comida entre niños locales en 1945 en Buñol La Tomatina es un festival que se celebra todos los años en verano en el pueblo de Buñol, Valencia (durante los últimos dos años, obviamente, no ha sucedido debido a COVID), donde los participantes se tiran tomates con la única finalidad de divertirse lo que dura una hora

El festival ha recibido muchas críticas a través de los años y es bastante polémico debido a la cantidad de comida utilizada en la pelea Este año, el 31 de agosto de 2022, se utilizaron 130 toneladas de tomates en el festival La gente cree que la comida debe ir a una mejor causa A las personas que realmente lo necesitan. En 2018, por ejemplo, los nigerianos enfrentaron un déficit de tomates ya que sus cultivos fueron destruidos por una especie de mariposa nocturna llamada 'tuta absoluta' que específicamente comía tomates. Por lo tanto, la Tomatina que continuaba después de esto parecía desconsiderada Además del desperdicio de alimentos, la limpieza requerida después de la pelea también desperdicia mucha agua, ya que se usan camiones de bomberos para limpiar las calles. También los lugareños ayudan a lavar a los participantes con mangueras, lo que desperdicia más agua Sin embargo, la mayor controversia sobre el desperdicio de tomates es en realidad un gran concepto erróneo Los tomates que se usan todos los años se están pudriendo y no se pueden usar.

Los valencianos dicen que los tomates que se utilizan para la Tomatina son de tan baja calidad, que no eran comestibles desde su concepción Si más gente supiera de esto, sería más aceptado en todo el mundo y no visto como un desperdicio de comida

La Tomatina ha sido buena en términos de economía para Buñol Cuando España se enfrentaba a una crisis financiera entre 2008 y 2014, el evento permitió que la economía de Buñol aumentara debido a la cantidad de trabajos creados por el evento y la cantidad de personas que pagaban para asistir, lo que lo hizo mejor que el resto del país durante esa época.

La Tomatina ha inspirado festivales similares en todo el mundo, por ejemplo, en Colombia. En el pueblo de Sutamarchán, han creado un evento de imitación donde todos se tiran tomates unos a otros La única diferencia entre la Tomatina de Buñol y la de Sutamarchán, es que el evento de Sutamarchán solo ocurre en épocas de abundante cosecha de tomates que no afectaría a su alimentación Esto en mi opinión me parece peor que La Tomatina porque al menos están usando tomates podridos Si los tomates en Sutamarchán son solo en exceso, ¿por qué no le dan la comida a la gente que la necesita? Eso parece un desperdicio de comida, no la Tomatina Creo que deberían seguir los pasos de la ‘Sociedad Americana del Cáncer’, porque tienen un evento similar, sin embargo, donan el dinero para la investigación del cáncer

by Serena mckay

1

La Dolce Vita: Cinque cose dolci da provare a Natale Italiano

L'Italia è molto conosciuta per la sua cucina, compresi i suoi dolci, come il gelato, il tiramisù o i cannoli. Tuttavia, ci sono molti dolci deliziosi che si mangiano tradizionalmente a Natale e che meritano di essere menzionati. Ecco cinque dei miei preferiti che dovete assolutamente provare!

Panettone: Forse il più famoso di questa lista, il panettone è qualcosa che non può mancare in ogni cucina italiana durante il Natale È come un mix tra una torta e una grande pagnotta Di solito è farcito con ribes, uva sultanina, scorza d'arancia e limone Si può comprare anche ripieno di cioccolato, che è il mio preferito.

2.

Struffoli: Tipico dolce natalizio del Sud Italia, gli struffoli sono la delizia perfetta per tutti i golosi. Sono piccole palline di pasta che vengono fritte, poi cosparse di miele e ricoperte di zuccherini Mia nonna li prepara ogni Natale e io li adoro!

3.

Pandoro: Simile al panettone, il pandoro è un pane dolce originario della città settentrionale di Verona. A forma di stella o di albero di Natale a otto punte, questo dolce viene solitamente servito a Capodanno oltre che a Natale

4. 5.

Torrone italiano: Anche un dolce popolare in Spagna, è una barretta di torrone morbida e gommosa, ripiena di noci. È disponibile in diversi gusti e può essere riempito con vari tipi di frutta secca, ma nel torrone tradizionale si usano le mandorle. Per chi ama i dolci zuccherosi, questa barretta è perfetta perché è molto dolce!

Mostaccioli napoletani: Infine, devo menzionare i mostaccioli napoletani Si tratta di deliziosi biscotti al cioccolato con un gusto deciso di miele. Sono un must per tutti gli amanti dei dolci italiani

by Isabella iacono

Dalle sfilate al vostro guardaroba: i trend della stagione A/W 22-23 da non perdere

Italiano

Mentre ci avviciniamo all’inverno, arriva il momento di cambiare i nostri guardaroba, sostituendo pantaloncini e abiti estivi con jeans, maglieria e, soprattutto, tanti strati! Non so voi, ma personalmente questo cambiamento può portare un po’ di nostalgia dei mesi più soleggiati. Però, non preoccupatevi, oggi condivido con voi le migliori tendenze delle sfilate autunno/inverno per fornire qualche ispirazione di moda stagionale

L’inverno non deve essere incolore Come abbiamo visto nella collezione Pink PP di Valentino alla settimana della moda di Parigi, le tonalità rosa vibranti sono qui per ravvivare le buie giornate d’inverno

Citando la grande Da Vinci, “La semplicità è l’ultima sofisticazione ” Questo pezzo unisex, visto sulle passerelle di Prada, Bottega Veneta e Chloè, ci ricorda di non sottovalutare mai i basic Dal casual all’elegante e dal giorno alla notte, la canottiera bianca è il capo versatilissimo di cui non possiamo fare a meno.

Se il comfort è una priorità, quest’alternativa ai tacchi è perfetta per voi. Il ritorno della moda degli anni 2000 continua ad ispirare i designer ed i trend oggi, fenomeno che vediamo nella crescente popolarità di queste scarpe basse Sono molte le A lister, da Kendall Jenner ad Alexa Chung, ad indossare le ballerine, aggiungendo un elemento di femminilità classica ai loro look.

Per me, la pelle rappresenta uno stile senza tempo. È un elemento fondamentale di ogni guardaroba invernale Questa stagione si vede quasi dappertutto nelle sfilate di Alexander McQueen, Miù Miù e Burberry, per citarne alcune Anche se adoro la raffinatezza del classico stile nero, non abbiate paura di sperimentare con i colori

by Hannah Davies

C O L O R E : I L C O L O R E : I L F U C S I A F U C S I A

C A P O : L A C A N O T T I E R A B I A N C A C A P O : L A C A N O T T I E R A B I A N C A

A C C E S S O R I O : L E B A L L E R I N E A C C E S S O R I O : L E B A L L E R I N E

T E S S U T O : L A P E L L E T E S S U T O : L A P E L L E

Como a colonização transformou as tradições dos países de língua portuguesa?

Quando pensamos em Natal, normalmente pensamos nas comidas ou nos presentes típicos desta época (ou talvez só vinho quente mesmo) mas alguma vez você já parou para pensar qual são as origens destas tradições?

Se considerarmos o nosso contexto britânico, podemos dizer que as nossas tradições não possuem uma história muito complicada Entretanto, se pensarmos nas tradições de outros países, como os países de língua portuguesa, começamos a perceber que existem algumas semelhanças entre elas Sabemos que a colonização ainda tem relevância no contexto atual dos países que foram colonizados por Portugal, mas será que a língua é a única herança deste período? Será que podemos perceber a influência da colonização até mesmo nas tradições natalinas? Vamos descobrir!

Portugal

Em Portugal, na véspera de Natal, é normal comer um prato chamado “Consoada”, feito com bacalhau salgado, vegetais, batatas cozidas e ovos cozidos. Como sobremesa, os portugueses geralmente comem o chamado Bolo Rei (na imagem) ou, em outras palavras, um bolo de frutas Já em suas casas, eles costumam colocar um presépio (cena do menino Jesus no estábulo)

e assistem à Missa do Galo, que normalmente ocorre à meia noite portanto, as pessoas se mantêm acordadas até o dia de Natal Legal, não é! Embora estas tradições

sejam típicas de Portugal, vamos ver como curiosamente ainda existem nos outros países de fala portuguesa

Brasil

No Brasil, as pessoas também comem algo parecido, mas depende da região porque, como você já deve saber, Brasil não é um país tão pequeno! Por isso, as tradições e as comidas

Português

típicas podem mudar entre as regiões. No nordeste do país por exemplo, geralmente se come comidas influenciadas pela gastronomia africana enquanto no Rio de Janeiro, as pessoas tendem a comer bacalhau salgado soa familiar? Os brasileiros também tendem a ter um Presépio em sua casa assim como assistem à Missa do Galo à meia noite Além disso, é normal receber um “Décimo Terceiro Salário” para estimular a economia eu não sei quanto a você, mas já estou fazendo as malas!

Angola

Na Angola, os sabores africanos predominam na gastronomia do país e, por isso, a comida natalina tende a se diferenciar muito dela dos outros países de língua portuguesa Por exemplo, no Natal, os angolanos geralmente comem Pirão (na foto) um prato que inclui polenta com arroz, peru e às vezes pode conter até batatas fritas! Mas, em relação às semelhanças entre os países, em Angola também se come Bolo Rei, se assiste à Missa do Galo e é normal ter um Presépio na casa Estranho, não é? Claro que existem outras tradições natalinas na cultura angolana, mas acho que é interessante que alguns costumes que se encontram em outros países de fala portuguesa sigam predominando no Natal do país

Então, fica claro que existem estas semelhanças entre estes países como resultado de seu passado colonial, ou seja,

a influencia portuguesa continua viva nestes países Não quero dizer que isso seja algo ruim A interligação dos países se torna cada dia mais importante para promover a tolerância e a igualdade entre eles e, ao fim de contas, a comida ainda fica deliciosa de todas as formas!

by Luke killner

El Nadal català: El tronc que caga el torró per Nadal Català

D’alguna manera el Nadal ha tornat! A mesura que ens acostem a la temporada festiva, és el moment perfecte per explorar allò que es podria dir que és la tradició catalana més fascinant: el torró per Nadal

A Catalunya abunden les tradicions nadalenques estranyes i meravelloses Des del Canager fins als enfarinats, es podria dir que és el Tió de nadal el que encapçala la llista Comparat amb el Pare Noel, el Tió de Nadal és un tronc amb un dibuix que s’alimenta amb restes de menjar i es guarda sota una manta per mantenir la calor a casa. Després que se li colpege amb un pal i se li canti una cançó, caga regals per als nens

M’explico una mica més El tió (d’uns 30 cm de llarg) es compra a casa el dia de la festa de la Immaculada Concepció (8 de desembre). Se li dóna una mica per “menjar” cada nit, com caramels, closca de taronja i torró (que és una barreta dolça d’ametlles) i s’anima als nens a cuidar bé el tronc perquè sigui capaç de donar los els regals dia o la vigília de Nadal Algunes famílies substitueixen el tronc per un de més gran al llarg del mes per suggerir que el tronc està cada vegada “més ple”, ja que la idea és que com més es posi al tronc, més es cagarà.

El dia de Nadal, l’oncle es posa a la xemeneia i és llavors quan es colpeja amb el pan i es canta el següent:

Caga tió avellanes i torrons no caguis arengades que són massa salades caga torrons que són més bons

Caga tió avellanes i torrons si no vols cagar et donaré un cop de bastó, ben fort, ben fort…

No obstant això, abans de colpejar el tió els nens han de sortir de l’habitació i pregar, durant la qual cosa demanen al tió molts regals Aquest és el moment en què els pares solen amagar els regals sota les mantes del tió, Tradicionalment, el tió deixa regals més petits que es poden compartir, com caramels, fruits secs i petites joguines, i els nens reben regals més grans el 6 de gener (dia del Reis Mags).

Però, per què? El Tió de Nadal té el seu origen en antigues pràctiques rituals que tenien com a objectiu fomentar l’abundància i la unió familiar durant les festes. Abans es col·locava al foc i es cremava després d’haver expulsat tots els regals i, en conseqüència, cremaria des del dia de Nadal fins al dia dels Reis Mags Després es guardava i se simbolitzava com a amulet protector de la casa. El nom Tió té el seu origen en el llatí Titi “tizón” que significa branca o tronc. La gent tradicionalment “feia cagar el tió” a la nit de Nadal, d’aquí el seu nom Com podeu veure, aquesta excèntrica tradició catalana no es compara amb res del que veiem aquí a Anglaterra, però tanmateix comporta l’esperit nadalenc a Catalunya! Bon Nadal i pròsper any!

by Sophie Isbell

by Grace Macleod

by AMANI KOUASSI

Зима в Москве

н горячего шоколада, длинных к и холодной погоды Где же на себе настоящий холод, если ве три месяца, с сентября по ришлось справляться с самыми ературами, которые я никогда раньше Действительно, было огда на улице 17 градусов Но, по моему, эти суровые холода способствовали созданию волшебной атмосферы Поэтому я не могу забыть, как сильно я любила совершать вечерние прогулки среди высоких деревьев, покрытых снегом (и стараясь не упасть на скользкую землю). Или как мне нравилось бежать к метро, спасаясь от снегопадов Всё этого стало ещё более особенным во время Рождества Красная площадь была украшена множеством огней, ларьками (где продавали маленькие сувениры, такие как матрёшки, разноцветные шапки и маленькие фигурки Дедушек Морозов) и окутана запахом горячего шоколада, кофе и хот догов.

Но главной достопримечательностью был огромный каток На самом деле, я впервые в жизни решила покататься на коньках, и это оказалось сложнее, чем я думала. Не обижайтесь, если, когда вы катаетесь на коньках, кто то называет вас корова Действительно, если вы не умеете правильно кататься на коньках, вполне вероятно, что некоторые люди назовут вас коровой (в шутку, конечно) “Как корова на льду” это очень популярное выражение, и оно очень забавное Всё это вместе с анимацией на улицах, оркестром Санта Клауса, играющим рождественскую музыку, и многое другое. Я чувствовала себя так, словно попала в сказку

Таким образом, за все время, проведенное в Москве, я чувствовала себя очень счастливой. Но надо сказать, что это стало возможным ещё и благодаря тому, что я проводила много времени с прекрасными людьми. С теплом я вспоминаю всех новых русских друзей, и наши маленькие драки, когда мы кидались друг

и я действительно счастлива, что побывала здесь

by Giulia Sparacino

The struggle to get home for Christmas Life & style

Doing a year abroad in the 2021 22 academic year came with extreme highs and lows… On the one hand, finally having the opportunity to travel after the pandemic was incredibly exciting and, for many of us, a break from real life was eagerly accepted. On the other hand, Covid travel restrictions combined with Brexit made trying to get abroad a complete nightmare

We were the first cohort to require visas to study or work on the continent, which naturally meant that no one knew what they were doing (including the visa consulates) The visa process led to a lot of wasted money and time, and a lot of tears cried

Fortunately, now that I have returned from my year abroad, I can say with absolute certainty that this horrific process was in fact worth it to spend a year in the sunny south of Spain (even though I didn’t really believe it at the time) I am also pretty confident that no future cohorts of language learners will have quite as tough a pre year abroad experience, as many European countries have now tidied up their visa system, and there aren’t as many Covid restrictions concerning travelling

However, one memory will forever remain a low point of my year abroad: trying to get home for Christmas At the time, Covid cases were soaring across Europe and each day leading up to the holidays was looking more and more precarious travelwise My friend Eleanor had a visa appointment booked in the UK so that she could go to Austria for her next semester. I had booked a flight home dangerously close to Christmas, having planned for my brother to visit me the week after term ended. Everything was going smoothly until the government suddenly announced that we needed to take two lateral flow tests AND a PCR test in order to fly home to our families for Christmastime!

Panic set in, and we immediately stopped going to class or socialising out of fear of catching something. Unfortunately for us, the rest of the Europeans did not have to take any Covid tests in order to get home, and we found out a few days before Eleanor’s flight that our flatmate had been to a house party where people had tested positive! Angry and upset, we booked Eleanor onto an earlier flight, hoping and praying for a negative test result so that she could get home in time for her visa appointment

A few days later, my family gave me the bad news that they no longer thought it was sensible for my brother to visit me Without Eleanor or Seth, and with Covid spreading like wildfire amongst my other friends, I suddenly realised the weight of the situation If I didn’t get out soon, I was facing a Christmas alone. It was around midday, and I made the decision to move my flight to 6am the next morning

That afternoon was a whirlwind I rushed to the hospital for a Covid test, and anxiously awaited the results as I packed my bags. I booked a train to the city, a hotel for the night, a taxi for the next morning, and a PCR test for when I got home Before boarding my train, I received a notification that my test came back negative. Phew. After a stressful day and sleepless night, all I could do at the airport was find some people with friendly Bristolian accents, and follow them home for Christmas.

by Freya Richold

What will Christmas look like during a cost of living crisis? Current Affairs

We’ve all heard that Christmas will be different this year, but how exactly are we going to be affected?

According to The Guardian, British shoppers are expected to spend substantially less on non essentials this year, meaning Christmas could be a lot more subdued for many families Swaps to cheaper grocery stores like Aldi and Lidl have already been noted, and a significant number of consumers may spend less on electrical goods, toys and homeware all of which enjoyed booms over lockdown but now face a wave of consumers who are unable to cope with the new cost of living

Thanks to the ongoing crisis, mortgage rates have increased, cost of living essentials have skyrocketed and energy bills have been dramatically inflated (although they will be capped later on) As such, October budgets are tighter than usual for much of the population As students, we too may be affected by the crisis we may find ourselves struggling to stick to a budget when we need essentials such as heating and groceries

Such expensive changes to the cost of living have left many families short on disposable income and, already being under intense pressure, gift giving is understandably no longer a priority. To manage these changes, cutbacks are expected to be seen on presents, festive lights and decorations, Christmas parties, trips, food and drink

As a result of shoppers being likely to spend less this year, retailers will also be hit by nearly a quarter of consumers who are aiming to cut back this Christmas. One high-street retailer, Next, has already altered expectations for sales and profits for this festive season in light of tough times for consumers.

So, it looks like Christmas will be tighter this year due to the government’s subpar help with the crisis. The silver lining to this crisis, if there is one, is that any budgeting lessons we learn can be carried into the future and teach us the value of saving money.

by Katy Doolan

Geseënde Kersfees!* Christmas in Cape Town

I have been very lucky to have experienced the holiday season in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. As my family are from South Africa, I have had the chance to spend the Christmas holidays in Cape Town As you would expect, there are many differences that contrast with a UK Christmas

Food is one of the biggest parts of Christmas in Cape Town. Alongside various types of roast meat, you will also find seafood such as crayfish (lobster) and prawns, due to the city’s location on both

the Atlantic and Indian oceans Making its yearly appearance to close Christmas dinner is the classic dessert: trifle The biggest difference, that feels so strange to anyone used to a British Christmas, is the fact that in South Africa, December is in summer It is not something that ever crosses your mind especially if all that you have known is a stereotypical ‘white Christmas’ (even though these are so rare themselves)

Despite this, most of the imagery surrounding Christmas is the same that we would expect in the UK, such as snow and Christmas trees. Santa and his reindeer can be seen everywhere, even though the temperature for December in Cape Town averages around 30 degrees.

Being summer, this means that Christmas lights are not a key part of the festive experience in the same way that they are everywhere in the UK, as there are more hours of sunlight. South Africa doesn’t have the same long nights that we associate with the festive season.

The final major difference is that Boxing Day becomes Beach Day, with places such as Muizenberg beach, Camp’s Bay and Strand all becoming overrun with people looking to enjoy themselves in the open water. This could be paired with a South-African barbecue known as a ‘Braai’ to finish out the first leg of the holiday period.

*(Merry Christmas in Afrikaans, one of eleven official languages in South Africa).

by Nick Frantz

London's Sweetest seasonal Specials Food & Drink

Christmas It’s wonderful wherever you are, but there is truly something undoubtedly unique about Christmas in London The hustle and bustle of the city never stops, the energy of the city creating that microclimate that keeps London just that few degrees warmer than the rest of the country. I won’t bore you with the all too cliché stories of eating wurst at Winter Wonderland, or buying the cheap knick knacks in Christmas markets along the river I’m going to talk about the hidden magic that is the sweet seasonal specials in London eateries.

Beginning with Ole and Steen if you know of Ole and Steen, you’ll know about their Cinnamon social: interwoven layers of soft dough and a perfectly sweet cinnamon sugar throughout, you’d think the Dutch pastry couldn’t get any better. The Christmas social puts a festive spin on the cult classic, sweet and citrusy orange jam is paired with rich chocolate icing and a scattering of crunchy hazelnuts and generous chocolate pieces for that all important textural contrast. A special mention goes to their truffle log although available all year round, the combination of marzipan encasing the liqueur soaked cake brings an odd sense of nostalgia reminiscent of opening presents and the grown ups drinking their mysterious drinks we weren’t allowed to try

Next is Humble Crumble the festive edition crumble features classic winter fruits: plum and blackberry as the filling, mixed with the essential seasonal spices: cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

Finally, the filling is enlaced with an infusion of orange – if Christmas was a movie, the smell of the filling alone could play the protagonist. The gingerbread and black treacle crumble topping is topped with a Christmas tree shaped marshmallow, naturally. Not to mention all the Humble Crumble stalls are placed within food markets, meaning you get the awkward yet endearing experience of looking desperately for somewhere to sit down while you try your utmost not to scoff all of this delectable dessert before managing to get a seat. When you finally have somewhere to sit, it’s imperative to appreciate the festive decorations and lights which make the outdoor food markets seem just that bit cosier in the December weather.

Last but certainly not least: the mulled wine and custard doughnut from Crosstown. With their trademark campervans scattered across London, Crosstown pride themselves on using sourdough dough as a base for unique and innovative doughnut flavours. The mulled wine glaze tops a rich black cocoa doughnut, filled to the brim with oat milk custard. The treat is topped with candied orange and an unpretentious sprinkling of gold dust. It’s also vegan – if anyone is still saying veganism is boring in 2022, I kindly request them to try this doughnut.

by DINDA HARMANTO

Christmas in Vancouver

After kicking off the first four months of my year abroad surrounded by the never ending heat and humidity of the southern states of America, my friend’s suggestion to spend Christmas in Vancouver couldn’t have been more welcome. However, after hopping off my 7 hour flight and stepping out of the airport doors, I quickly realised just how different an English December could feel to a Canadian one.

I’d never been to Canada before but the quickly falling temperatures of around 2 degrees was an exciting (if not slightly painful) reminder that this year I would be experiencing a proper, white Christmas Our first morning was filled with an air of delight as we walked around the iconic waterfront at Canada Place and past the frozen lakes of Stanley Park The dense trees, surrounding mountains and “beware of the wild coyotes” sign, felt like we had walked onto the set of one of the Twilight movies In the evenings, the streets were adorned with the glow of Christmas lights and on a walk to Granville Island’s public market, we made sure to taste the huge array of fresh fruit, cheese and macarons of every flavour.

In to multicultural aspect of the city is something that only grew over the course of our visit. One of my personal highlights was taking the short bus ride into the mountains to see the Christmas lights on the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Strings of white lights had been wrapped around the trunks and roots of Douglas Fir trees as old as 250 years, which above us had

stretched to heights of 110 feet. The ropey bridges, pools of water and wooden log cabins made it feel as if we had been pulled into a real-life Santa’s grotto. I think we all felt it was an extraordinary reminder of how important Vancouver’s surrounding landscape is to the city’s cultural identity.

On our final day, we finally woke to the release of snow. The city’s pavements were now heavy blankets of white and we watched from the window of our small Airbnb as the gates to Chinatown began to frost.

Our final evening was spent at the German Christmas market, and as we sipped mulled wine and ate chocolate covered strawberries, I think we all wished for a Christmas like this again.

by Georgia Sweeney

The peak district in one day travel

The hilly path zigzagged away from a boiling Nottingham, and within 45 minutes, lush, rolling hills, dotted with willowy trees, began to flash past the window. Castleton, a charming village little squares, chocolate-box buildings, stop.

A quick google found th District’s most beautiful r was just on the outskirts o Google Images led us to be Picture a dream like, thin through a valley of gree Instagram worthy sight Co of sheep bouncing along comically large queue of to patiently for the family to morning stroll Peveril Castle (free for English Heritage members) sits on an impressive hill overlooking Castleton and offers a fabulous view of the village and opposite hill, which was definitely worth the excruciating walk up

Spoilt for lunch choices, an old man in a fudge shop (in which we may have treated ourselves to a ridiculously sized, mouthwatering rum and raisin fudge) recommended one of the local pubs. I can safely say that their fresh Mediterranean bowl really hit the spot!

we photo and forest, marvellous Head. we The with splendid treats, but the buttery, sweet and delicious tart. Bakewell with bustling quirky cafés and artisanal shops lining the pretty streets. late and so it was time to magical, rolling hills and begin the 3 hour trek back to London.

by Natasha Djanogly

Which Festive Food are you? quiz!

Answer the next five questions, add up the points on the side and find out which Answer the next five questions, add up the points on the side and find out which traditional Christmas treat you! traditional Christmas treat you!

Q. Q Your dream festive holiday Your dream festive holiday destination is…? is…?

a a. An adventurous ski holiday in the Swiss An adventurous ski holiday in the Swiss Alps Alps 4 4

b. b Watching the Northern Lights in a cosy Watching the Northern Lights in a cosy cabin in Norway cabin in Norway 2 2

c c. Going to the German Christmas markets Going to the German Christmas markets and drinking apfelwein and drinking apfelwein 3 3

d d Visiting New York and ice skating under Visiting New York and ice skating under the Rockefeller Christmas tree the Rockefeller Christmas tree 1 1

Q Q. What is your favourite Christmas What is your favourite Christmas ffilm? ilm?

a a How the Grinch stole Christmas How the Grinch stole Christmas 4 4

b. b Love, Actually Love, Actually 3 3

c c Elf Elf 1 1

d d. It’s a Wonderful Life It’s a Wonderful Life 2 2

If you scored If you scored 5 - 9 points you are a Galette 5 - 9 points you are a Galette Des Rois Des Rois: Like the galette des rois, you are : Like the galette des rois, you are full of surprises! You’re happy go lucky and full of surprises! You’re happy go lucky and there is no doubt that you would be the one there is no doubt that you would be the one to find the little fève (prize) hidden inside the to find the little fève (prize) hidden inside the cake You are kind and sweet and your cake You are kind and sweet and your positive energy lights up any room you walk positive energy lights up any room you walk iinto! nto!

Q Q What is your favourite winter sport? What is your favourite winter sport?

a Ice hockey a Ice hockey 4 4 b. Skiing b Skiing 2 2 c Snowboarding c Snowboarding 3 3 d Figure skating d. Figure skating 1 1

Q Q What is your favourite way to say Merry What is your favourite way to say Merry Christmas in another language? Christmas in another language?

a Joyeux Noël a Joyeux Noël 1 1 b Buon Natale b. Buon Natale 2 2 c Feliz Navidad c Feliz Navidad 3 3 d Frohe Weihnachten d Frohe Weihnachten 4 4

Q Q During Christmas, you are usually the person During Christmas, you are usually the person who…? who…?

a Cooks the Christmas dinner a Cooks the Christmas dinner 3 3 b Plays all the board games b Plays all the board games 2 2 c. Is always eating c Is always eating 4 4 d Asleep on the sofa Asleep on the sofa 1 1

If you scored If you scored 13 - 15 points you are a Spanish 13 - 15 points you are a Spanish Turrón Turrón: Like the Spanish turrón, you may be : Like the Spanish turrón, you may be slightly nutty (but in the best way!) Perhaps you nutty (but in the best way!) Perhaps you are more like the turrón de Alicante which is are more like the turrón de Alicante which is slightly harder in texture, so you may be a tough slightly harder in texture, so you may be a tough cookie to crack, or maybe you are more of a cookie to crack, or maybe you are more of a softie, like the smoother turrón de Jijona Either softie, like the smoother turrón de Jijona Either way you are the life and soul of any party! way you are the life and soul of any party!

If you scored If you scored 10 12 points you are a 10 - 12 points you are a Panettone Panettone: Like the panettone, you are a : Like the panettone, you are a popular crowd pleaser! You are well known popular crowd pleaser! You are well known around campus, and in your friendship group around campus, and in your friendship group you are the glue that holds everyone you are the glue that holds everyone together You are fun, sweet, and likeable and together You are fun, sweet, and likeable and you have a great sense of humo ! you have a great sense of humour!

If you scored If you scored 16 20 points you are a 16 - 20 points you are a Lebkuchen: Lebkuchen: You are ambitious, driven and You are ambitious, driven and hardworking. The lebkuchen is a very rich cookie hardworking The lebkuchen is a very rich cookie so you are likely to be very successful in your so you are likely to be very successful in your career and earn lots of money It has a career and earn lots of money It has a distinctive honey and spice flavouring so maybe distinctive honey and spice flavouring so maybe you are a confident and outgoing person? You you are a confident and outgoing person? You are also adventurous and love to travel! are also adventurous and love to travel!

by isabella Iacono