Crossing the pond during the holiday season felt like stepping into a snow globe…London’s charm, the twinkle of festive lights, and the magic of cherished memories made every moment unforgettable.
💗Marcia
Our trip to London this holiday season was nothing short of magical. The journey began with a motivation that has been central to our Christmas traditions for 21 years: attending The Nutcracker ballet. This time, we were thrilled to experience it at the iconic London Coliseum.
The flight was wonderful, made even more enjoyable by meeting a charming fellow traveler. Despite my excitement keeping me awake for most of the journey, I couldn’t wait to arrive. Once we landed, we took the train from Heathrow to Paddington and finally reached our hotel. Exhaustion took over, and I fell asleep for several hours. When I woke up, I thought it was the next day! My husband laughed and reassured me it was still the same day…a moment we both found amusing.
That evening, we ventured out to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. The vibrant lights, festive atmosphere, and magic of the park set the tone for the days ahead. Walking through London’s streets, we were enchanted by the breathtaking angel lights on Regent Street and the charm of iconic stores like Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, and Liberty. The holiday decorations in these stores were breathtaking, and the ambience of London’s streets, especially the angels on Regent Street, left me awestruck. One day just seemed to melt into the next as we wandered, enjoyed pastries from a local bakery, and sipped coffee in our cozy hotel room.
We didn’t plan too many activities, preferring to let the city inspire us in the moment. One spontaneous decision was to take a Christmas tea bus tour. For someone like me, who has hosted Christmas teas for many years, this was an absolute delight. Riding through London at night, enjoying a Christmas tea while soaking in the city’s holiday lights, was a whimsical experience I’ll never forget.
As a member of P.E.O., I also took the opportunity to bring the P.E.O. Record along with me. I proudly held it up at the London Coliseum before The Nutcracker performance. It felt meaningful to share this moment with my sisters across the pond. During a brief layover in Frankfurt, Germany, I took another moment to hold up the Record before our final flight home. These small gestures connected me to my community back home and added a layer of personal significance to the trip.
The English National Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker was magical…the best I’ve seen yet. One particularly touching moment came from the family seated near us. They had brought an urn containing the ashes of their stepfather, who had been deeply involved in opera, to honor his memory during the performance. It was a beautiful reminder of how traditions connect us to those we love.
As the trip unfolded, I found myself filled with gratitude. The gracious concierges at our hotel made us feel welcome every time we came and went. Discovering little cafes and simply wandering the city with my husband were moments of joy and connection. And yet, by the end of the trip, I also began to long for our home…our little animals, familiar routines, and the comfort of our surroundings.
Looking back, I’m overwhelmed with how fortunate we are to have had this experience. London during the holidays was truly magical, a time of wonder and reflection that I will treasure forever.
Oh, my!ā¤ļø What a magnificent post. I felt the magic and joy throughout! You seemed to have captured the underlying presence of the holidays in video and pictures. I am sure the experience of the Nutcracker in the London Coliseum was one for a lifetime. Your video of London on the English Tea Bus was a thrill for me.
Many thanks and Happy Holidays!!!
Jose, your thoughtful comments always bring a smile to my face! Iām so glad you enjoyed the post and felt the magic of the holidays in itāit truly was a special experience. The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum was unforgettable, and that English Tea Bus tour was such a fun way to take in the sights of London! Thank you for always taking the time to share your thoughts. Wishing you the happiest of holidays!
Oh Marcia!!!!! How MAGICAL your trip has been!!!! The shopping and the Nutcracker….all the lights everywhere! Of course my fav would be when you went to the TEA!!!!! How magical indeed!!!! And your hair is so long again! I know you are glad to be home though with your babes!
Donna, thank you so much for your sweet comment! The trip truly was magical…London during the holidays is something special with all the lights, shopping, and of course, ‘The Nutcracker’ I knew you’d appreciate the tea experience…it really was one of the highlights for me, so cozy and fun!
And yes, my hair has grown so much lately! It’s funny you noticed. As wonderful as the trip was, it felt so good to come home to my little ones. There’s no place like home, right? Thank you again for taking the time to leave such a kind note…it means so much to me!