O Christmas Tree

And just like that…I’m back in upstate New York, and this past semester was all a dream…

Just kidding! However, I might as well fallen asleep in September and woken up this week because where did the time go?! I’m currently writing from my couch in Saratoga, New York. I’m surrounded by blankets, cable TV, yummy food, and the most festive Christmas decorations. I made it through all of my finals, alive and unharmed! Tell me that two weeks ago and I would have thought you were crazy, I felt there was no end in sight. But I must say it feels pretty darn good to have finished this semester strong.

Being home for winter break is different than any other, because who doesn’t look forward to being home for the holidays?! All of your friends slowly but surely make their way home from school and you can’t wait to hear all of their stories. There’s an urge to gather with your friends and family, and celebrate the spirit of the season together! I am so excited to be reunited with some of my long time friends, and like always it seems as if we just saw each other yesterday.

There was one thing I had to do before I travelled back upstate…I had to see the tree. No, not some random tree in Central Park, but the majestic Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center. Now I know many New Yorkers are probably over the hype of this annual tree, but I’m still pretty fresh to the city and I don’t think I’ve said it enough but I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

Last night a few friends and I bundled up and started the journey to 49th street to see the main attraction. I saw the tree last year for my first time in years, and to be honest I couldn’t see much of a difference in this years tree BUT I still was in awe. Immediately when you turn the corner and see the gigantic, twinkling tree – it takes your breath away! After taking multiple pictures at different angles of the big beaut, my friends and I stopped to watch the ice skaters beneath the tree. Boy, I could have stayed their for hours. I hate to say it, but I can’t keep myself from laughing when someone falls – it just comes right out! If you want some pure entertainment, spend a few minutes watching the ice skaters at Rock Center!

W O W

But as I was standing there, watching the skaters and appreciating the tree, I felt happy, grateful and proud for the semester I had officially completed earlier that morning. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the semester in the city than by seeing that tree. I was given so many opportunities this semester, through the FIT Blog, my internship and my job. I think that Christmas tree brings the best out in people, you could just feel it in the air. However cold it was, everyone had a smile on the face and were with someone they cared about. The joy was infectious.

So as I sit here in my childhood home, looking at our christmas tree, I look forward to a relaxing winter break with my friends and family. It’s always a great time to reboot and prepare to take the city into your hands next semester. I hope my blog doesn’t bore too many these next few weeks, upstate New York is V E R Y boring…big surprise!

I wish you all the happiest of holidays!

xx, Brendan