December is here. Last week I handed in an essay and my first Creative Writing portfolio. On Thursday, I hand in my next portfolio. Then, my first term in England will have come to an end. It's amazing how much and how well I've settled in here. It really does feel like home. I've made great friends. My writing has already improved vastly. The community at BSU makes me feel supported in everything I do.
Even my house is cosy and decorated for the holidays.
I have a printed-out Christmas tree:
and my Christmas village from the last blog:
I even have a real (and tiny) Christmas tree for my desk:
I shouldn't have done, because my priority should be on handing the best work possible in for my assessment on Thursday, but I spent the weekend in Bath to enjoy its festive spirit.
Bath's tree is just slightly larger than mine: 
As is its Christmas village:
which is, in truth, a Christmas market, and where I've been doing the majority of my Christmas shopping. 
It's the most gigantic Christmas market I've ever seen. It winds its way through most of the city centre, filling streets and squares alike.
That's not the only thing the city has to offer this holiday season. There's also a skating rink:
My friends from my course and I visited it on Friday, after our last hand-in. I only fell twice. Both times while attempting spins. Having had my training in roller-blading, my ice skating adventures always tend to be hit or miss.
I think I'll have another go before I fly home for the holidays.
There's also a glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, which I tried my hand at with some friends.
I think this is the most I've gotten into the Christmas spirit in years. Hopefully that continues in Boston and New Orleans.
I leave for Boston on the 15th and for New Orleans on the 18th. I'll have three weeks at home with my family and (more importantly) my cat.
Until then,
Julia