Postcard Journeys: Christmas in London 🇬🇧

Towards mid-November, Ricky and I went into London for a weekend getaway. London during the festive season is pure magic, and we didn’t want to miss out on it—especially since we live just a stone’s throw away from this charming capital.

Two years after I first moved to the UK from India in 2005, I remember my parents taking my sisters and me on a trip to London. We were beyond excited. I vividly remember packing our bags and proudly telling our friends at school that we were going to see London. Since then, this trip marked only my second time visiting the city, and somehow, it felt more special than ever.

During our visit, I found myself reflecting on how much life had changed in the 17 years that had passed. London had changed, of course—but so had I. I was now married, working, older, achieving my dreams one by one, and far more capable than I had been at the age of seven. I felt confident navigating everything (yes, even the Tube!) and planning our journey. It made me realise that although my parents may not be able to take us to London again with the same enthusiasm as before, when they did all those years ago, it must have taken immense effort and energy.

Being new to the country and not speaking much English, they must have had a thousand questions running through their minds while taking us out. As the child of immigrant parents, I’ve had many moments of realisation over the years about all they’ve done for me—but this visit to London gave me a deeper opportunity to reflect on their hard work and the challenges they must have endured in their mission to give us the best life possible.

That morning, we took the train into London Waterloo Station. After grabbing a few nibbles, Ricky’s flat white, and my hot chocolate, we hopped on the Tube to London Bridge Station. As you may have guessed, our first stop was London Bridge itself. We enjoyed the views, took photos, filmed a reel, and I even spent some time people-watching :)

From there, we made our way to The Shard and then on to Borough Market—because we’re both foodies, and no trip to London is complete without a visit to the markets. Designed by architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, The Shard was inspired by church spires and the masts of ships along the Thames. The building houses offices, restaurants, a hotel, apartments, and a public viewing gallery offering panoramic views across London.

What I love most about London is its ability to draw us in with everything that makes it London. The people, street names, must-see attractions, tourists, red buses, telephone booths, palaces, the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the buildings, and the endless markets—there is genuinely so much to take in, and everything feels so beautiful and thoughtfully laid out.

When we arrived at Borough Market, Ricky and I knew exactly where to begin—have you guessed it? The famous chocolate-covered strawberries. Fresh strawberries are piled into cups and smothered in hot, melted chocolate, then served immediately while still warm. The combination of sweet fruit and rich chocolate, along with the sight and smell of them being prepared in front of you, is an experience in itself. We thoroughly enjoyed them, and since it wasn’t our cheat day, we resisted the temptation to go back for seconds! Asides from devulging in the fresh strawberries and chocolate, we found ourselves searching for some lunch! Of course, we can’t leave London without helping ourselves to Fish and Chips (the classic!). After a bit of a walk around the market, we came across ‘fish kitchen’ and had genuinely the best fish and chips ever. This was topped off with some mulled wine as well, which was very well received by both Ricky and I 😋

Whilst in London, we also visited the London Eye (which brought back many cherished childhood memories), the National Gallery, and a few Christmas markets. As we strolled through Trafalgar Square, we noticed people scattered all around us—each with a story of their own. What we all shared, though, was being in London on the same day.

For some, a visit to London may have taken rejected visa applications, years of saving, or long-held dreams before finally finding the courage to visit. For others, it could have been a well-earned break from work or difficult times. For Ricky and me, this trip represented the culmination of many years of long-distance, a joyful yet nerve-wracking wedding season, and an anxious six-month wait for spouse visa approval.

As I finish writing this blog, I’m just an hour away from welcoming 2026. This year has truly been a year of blessings. More than ever, I find myself looking back on memories with gratitude and a renewed trust in the process. It reminds me (once again) that no matter how impossible it may seem, hard work and resilience will always pay off!

Here’s to more travels and adventures in 2026. ✨