‘ It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go ‘
Christmas Jingle Ball 2017
My all time favourite time of the year is fast approaching: Christmas! I have always been a big Christmas person. I love the traditions that my family have. The cold wintery nights sat by a fire and having everyone around – wouldn’t trade it for anything! I’ve celebrated 23 Merry seasons in Ireland, and this year is my first away from home and my family.
This year is all about ‘firsts’ for me and this is a new first. Although I do miss my family and home during this period, I am enjoying a different type of atmosphere here in Raleigh. In comparison to the snow covered hills of Ireland and the sharpness of the air, the weather here is not as cold and so it doesn’t feel as Christmasy but the cheer in the air is making the holiday feel near! The homes are decorated beautifully with twinkling lights and shiny statues offering a warm glow on the cooler nights.
‘The boys of the NYPD choir were singing “Galway Bay” and the bells were ringing out for Christmas day’
Growing up I have always enjoyed carols and holiday songs and would often start playing ‘Fairytale of New York’ in September. So much so that my youngest host kid has limited me to one holiday song a day lol !
A Christmas spent in New York has recurred yearly on my bucket list that I write every January 1st. And this year it will be spent in New York! I am beyond excited to make this dream of mine come true, I just know it will be my very own ‘Fairytale of New York’. I am spending the trip alongside my friend, Leewayne, from South Africa. We will leave Raleigh on the 22nd and return on the 27th. Once I return from my trip, I will have a blog post covering how we booked our trip and what we did during the holiday. We are looking forward to drinking coffee, walking down 5th avenue, with the snow in our hair and smiles on our faces. Ill be taking some tips from Ryans post on how to survive New York!
Christmas Shop Display
The Jingle Ball
I’m getting into the holiday spirit by putting up decorations, meetings friends for holiday style coffees and most recently attending, the ‘Jingle Ball’ in Raleigh where we got dressed up fancy and spent the night dancing. On Sunday evening, our local coordinator held the annual Christmas party at her home. We decorated homemade cookies, painted photo frames, ate some Christmas food washed down with hot apple juices. We shared our Christmas stories and discussed our favourite holiday traditions. For many of us, this is our first time being away during the holiday season . Having the support of the Au Pairs and local coordinator is so so important during this time of year.
Christmas cookies at our LCs house
As I end this post, and prepare for the final week before Christmas, I want to wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Sending kisses, hugs and wishes to all those near and far. I am excited to spend the holiday with my Host Family and friends that I have met in Raleigh. Happy holidays. Becca x
P.S. I’ll be posting about my New York trip on my instagram Beccawhi
