On Festivities and Friendship

London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis

My Outfit

J.Crew Trousers | Sezane Bow Shirt | J.Crew Glittery Flats | Shrimps Bag | Bobbi Brown Crushed Lipstick in ‘Regal’ | J.Crew Earrings (old, similar here)

Growing up, Christmastime was all about family. My grandparents were incredible in that they always made a point to bring the family together, especially for the holidays, so come the 20th of December or so, the house would always be buzzing with activity. Day to day or morning to evening, we’d alternate between our house and my grandparents’, but either place there would always be this warm feeling around.

No matter who was in the room, it always felt festive and full of love. Someone always up for a game of cards or ping pong, someone always cracking a joke, someone baking something in the kitchen. Or the whole family packing into the car (or several cars!) to go skiing or see a movie.

Pair that with all the other Christmas goodness—the smell of cookies baking in the oven, the freshness of the pine trees, the warmth of the fireplace and the lights twinkling outside—things were pretty well perfect. It sounds more saccharine than a batch of sugar cookies, but that’s really how I remember it.

Fast forward a few years and my grandparents are no longer with us and my husband and I have moved across the ocean to London. While I love to fly home for the holidays, with work and our two cats, it doesn’t always work out.

While previously the holidays centered around family (and it still does!) I now am also lucky to have friends in London who feel like family to me. I try to keep old traditions going, but it feels really special to make new ones too—whether with my husband and our cats or with friends. This time last year, Briony and I made a point to get dressed up and check out all the most decked out spots in London and when we both wanted to do the same this year, it felt like the beginning of a new annual tradition.

Really no city looks quite as special as London during the Christmas season. Ice skating rinks pop up next to museums, enormous lights straddle the busy streets and all the buildings seem to try to outdo one another (in the most classically pretty way possible). One of the best spots is New Bond Street, where each year Cartier dons a bright red bow (and this year even included a couple jaguars lounging on the balconies).

Each year brings about changes, but I love an annual tradition to keep me feeling grounded (and as something to look forward to, no matter what the time of year). This particular tradition feels extra special—and wrapped with a ribbon, no less.

Until next time,

Brenda

London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
London at Christmas - Cartier, Bond Street, Lights, Red Ribbon, Red Phone Booths, Black Taxis
Life, Places, StyleBrenda McIntoshChristmas, London, Cartier, red ribbon, red lipstick, styles, style, places, life, holidays1 Comment