It's time to see the lights

It would be easy to think that everything shuts down over Christmas and the holidays but it’s not true of London. Catching the tube from Waterloo to Westminster, we came up from the underground to see the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben (covered in scaffolding) above us. As it approached the hour, it was fabulous to hear Big Ben chime, the deep bong echoing out. Under restoration Big Ben had been turned off for months but at Christmas the chime was back on and reminding us all of his presence.

There is much to see at Westminster Abbey. Whether your particular interest is in Poet’s Corner or the dedication to the many prominent politicians and civic leaders of the UK who are honoured here, it is easy to pass a couple of hours in contemplation. What is remarkable is the tilework on the tomb of Edward the Confessor where one can still see the signs of colour and lustre though most is worn away by centuries of worshippers rubbing the tomb in veneration and no doubt, for good luck. For me, the focal point of the Abbey is to pay my respects at the tomb of Elizabeth 1.

Back on the subway, we ride the Circle then Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus. As the afternoon wore on it became easier to see the Christmas light displays. They are always ‘on’ for even in the middle of the day it is still overcast or dim enough to see them, but late in the afternoon and evening makes for the most stunning display. Down the length of Regent Street, large golden angels spread their wings. Each angel is slightly different from the next and as you walk the street you wonder how could there be so many variations? The whole street sparkles and glows.

London christmas lights 2017

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Oxford Street took a more modern approach with the Christmas lights display. Crisscrossing the street there were hung silver and gold large baubles though of varying sizes leading away in one direction from Oxford Circus. From the other direction the display was of varying silver and white icicles. Against the deepening blue night sky both views were stunning.

Carnaby Street eschewed the silver and gold theme and went for Carnivale! A riot of colour and shapes illuminated the length of the Carnaby shopping strip. The display replicated a large popper going off, spraying the air with colour and movement. Twirls of lime, raspberry and lemon ribbons writhed in the air while glowing green palm fronds and multicoloured toucans were captured flying down the street.

Standing in Regent Street I stop for a moment and stand back from the crowd passing me by to simply gaze and absorb the display of lights and I am just overwhelmed. People walk past me wearing heavy scarves, coats and muffs against the cold. Each store has a magnificent window display – tempting wares or holidays scenes. This is Christmas. This is the Christmas that is on the greeting cards and that feature in the movies I grew up watching.

In Australia at Christmas time, the weather can be scorching hot. I’ve eaten many a Christmas lunch (traditional roast and veges followed by plum pudding) under the blast of an air conditioner. There are those who go to the beach with a picnic and fall asleep on the sand to waken with sunburn. It can be great fun. April from The Holiday may have enjoyed her Christmas holiday in sunny Los Angeles, but she still returned home. For me, Christmas will always be a ‘real’ Christmas when it’s with the chance of snow, angels down Oxford st and a roast lunch in Shere.