It’s that time of year again: the high street decorations are up, the Christmas market is open, Christmas music is being played at pres and people are beginning to bring the black tie out on random weekdays… Exeter Christmas is back!
For many of us, the student diet probably isn’t the most balanced — the odd kebab after a night out, the sweet treats to get through deadline season, or just the impulsive trip to The Ivy (that last one is for satirical purposes)! It’s time for us to fully embrace the festive spirit, get the decorations up, start blaring Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’… and start planning your student Christmas dinner. Whether you are going full out or keeping it low-key, here are a few words of advice this Christmas.
Still close with your first-year flat? Or are you a final year slowly coming to terms with the fact that this might actually be ending? The house Christmas dinner is the perfect end to the term. Set a date — I would recommend a time when deadlines are easing up, and make sure there is nothing too pressing to do the next day. Allow yourself to see where the Christmas dinner may take you!
It’s time for us to fully embrace the festive spirit, get the decorations up, start blaring Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’… and start planning your student Christmas dinner.
Secondly, get a house shop going. Whether you’re getting your Nectar or Tesco Clubcard out, make sure you are in search of bargains. Sainsbury’s are currently doing cheap meats on Nectar and selling bottles of Baileys for £13 (of course, drink responsibly…). Stock up on all the essentials, and make sure to keep receipts at the end so you can split costs fairly. Then assign your roles — there is nothing worse than having too many ‘chefs’ in the kitchen. Be aware of what you bring to the table: I go for the role of ‘morale booster’! I oversee making sure the correct Christmas tunes are on and topping up empty glasses. Any rogue food items are encouraged, one year we even added a few hash browns…Once it’s all served up, tuck in and enjoy a well-earned Christmas dinner.
Finally, if you are a first-year — congratulations! You didn’t die, you completed first term! If you’re in your final year, like me, hold back the tears. Whether your night concludes with an impulsive night out or gathering round to watch ‘Love Actually’, I hope you have a fantastic evening and an even better Christmas!
