Dear Sara,
I am writing this during a train ride from Bratislava, Slovakia to Budapest, Hungary (wow, I never thought I would ever say that!). This is my last solo trip of the semester and I cannot believe that my time abroad is going to be over soon. While a part of me is so ready to see my friends and be back at Wellesley, another part of me doesn’t want this amazing dream to end.
I have been struggling to get into the “Christmas spirit” lately which may seem strange because I have decorated my room, visited holiday markets (see the photo above), played Christmas music on repeat for weeks, and bought an advent calendar. However, I am starting to realize it is because those aren’t the things that make up Christmas for me. Christmas for me is beyond the food, the music and the decorations. Christmas for me is being home with family. While I am SO excited for my little brother and mom to visit for Christmas, I know that this Christmas will be different than ever before. And I realize that is OK because it is still going to be wonderful. I may not be cozied up in front of my fireplace at home, but instead I will be showing my brother and mom my home in Amsterdam. It will be different but it will still be wonderful. It is hard to put these feelings into words so I hope it somewhat makes sense.
I know you are in the thick of finals at the moment and I hope you are doing okay and taking time to rest. Can you believe we are switching countries so soon? I am SO excited for you to start your life with Ken in the Netherlands and to watch you make your house a home.
I was hoping to make this Love & Liefs post a video but with Vlogmas going on, I needed a break from having my face in the camera (haha!).
Sending lots of love & holiday cheer your way!
Love & Liefs,
Shannon
Shannon’s posts:
LOVE & LIEFS: GETTING LOST & EXPLORING THE CITY
LOVE & LIEFS: STARTING DUTCH SCHOOL, LEARNING TO CYCLE, TURNING 21
LOVE & LIEFS: GETTING YELLED AT IN DUTCH
LOVE & LIEFS: TRAVELING & FALL
LOVE & LIEFS: TRAVELING, FINALS & GETTING MY LIFE TOGETHER
LOVE & LIEFS: OH WHAT A WEEKEND
Sara’s posts:
THE START OF SOMETHING NEW // LOVE AND LIEFS
NOT-SO NEW BEGINNINGS // LOVE AND LIEFS
ROUTINES & CELEBRATIONS // LOVE AND LIEFS
A VERY BUSY OCTOBER // LOVE AND LIEFS
WE’RE WITH YOU // LOVE AND LIEFS
