“There’s
something about baking a Christmas pudding that always gets me in the festive
mood”, remarks my mother, merrily whipping a magical-smelling cake batter. “I’m
feeling quite heady”.
“You mean you’re
getting drunk vicariously through a cake”, I cynically respond through a
mouthful of Special K. After all, it’s 10am on a chilly Sunday morning and I’ve
only just dragged myself out my warm, cosy bed.
“Well, I’m
breathing in the lovely fumes of alcohol-infused fruit and it must be quite
strong”, she frowns- whisking her own fingers in the process. Definitely too
much sherry.
This is my
mother’s December tradition- and it never fails to put her in the festive
spirit. Five alcoholic puddings later (we go big at Christmas), carols in the
background, and having nearly cried at the legendary Mr Attenborough’s
Wonderful World video on You Tube- anyone would think it’s Christmas Day.
So, I decided
that it was high time I went in search of London’s festive feeling.
My first stop? Hyde
Park’s Winter Wonderland. Shamelessly seasonal, but enchanting nevertheless, this
is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas mood. From an ice rink to a giant
observational wheel (think small-scale, rickety version of the London Eye- but with views that are just as breathtaking), two
circuses to crowded German Christmas markets, Hyde Park delivers exactly what
it says on the tin: a land of wonder. It’s undeniably busy, and the queues are
offensively long, but sneak round the back towards the Serpentine Café and you’ll
find another gate. The talking tree here really
is quite annoying (it repeatedly tells terrible jokes featuring polar bears and
gin & tonic), but it’s worth it to avoid the main queue and enjoy the park's atmospheric feel. Besides, the smell of mulled wine should be enough to keep you enticed.
If this doesn’t
float your boat, then celebrate Christmas at Covent Garden with its beautiful supersized
decorations, animated nativity scenes, and Dickensian carol singers. As busy as
Hyde Park, it at least boasts a more sophisticated feel and, best of all, you
can pet reindeers (who cares if it’s meant for the kids? Move aside and let me
through). Finally, if you want to escape Oxford Street’s tourist bubble and
admire some beautiful Christmas lights, then why not head to St Christopher’s Place
and feast your eyes on its dreamily reflective baubles, or wander through the
sparkling arches on South Molton Street. It’s almost as festive as a slice of Christmas
cake, and much less calorific.
For those who sensibly want to stay warm: just stick on some carols and dance around the tree. Nobody will judge you.
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