What is New Year Eve for you?
I know in Britain New Year means almost nothing to people. I found out people don't even exchange gifts! Well, for someone born and raised in USSR where Christmas was non-existent until 5-6 years ago, Christmas means very little, but New Year Eve, or rather Night, is something entirely magical, with movies made and books written on the magic of changing years.
Whether it is a feeling instilled in childhood, when my Dad on New Year's Eve produced merry balloons out of the air (I still have no idea how he did it, and he wouldn't say!), or there is real magic involved, but the night from 31st of December to 1st of January was, is and will always be a mighty and magical time, when dreams... no, they do not come true, but they can be set, declared, wished and planned to come true in the next year or the years to come. In fact, all the wishes I made while clocks were striking 12 on midnight, came true. All the goals I set in the days just before New Year have been accomplished or are in progress (looking back, some were definitely not achievable, but noone can stop me from dreaming big!)
So, an important part of quiet time between Christmas and New Year Eve for me is taking a step back from the daily routine and hurry, breath in and out and review the closing year, deciding what to take with me into the next year, what to leave to float away into the netherworld with the previous year, and what new things to plan, attract and work for in the coming year. This year was no exception.
To make my mind switch off and think of the things important for me, I planned a nice trip to Kew Gardens in the last days of December, and an easy and relaxing New Year Midnight .... at work.
And then into the light tunnel:
Since it was Christmas time there was a mistletoe pavilion and a tree with magical lanterns which lit up when you made a wish and blew on them. We didn't miss the chance to make our wishes before moving on to the last piece of the trail with the amazing Nut Cracker light and music show.
Two days later, having packed a bottle of zero-alcohol sparkling wine and a bunch of fresh almond cookies into my backpack, on the evening of 31st me and my son went to the office.
I did not take the night shift, no, it's just the 9th floor on the South side is a great place to see fireworks in a safe non-crowded and warm environment (which was important for me as a mother).
The view was amazing! We did not hear the music, but we saw both the countdown on the Shard and all of the show around London Eye, which was the best New Year's fireworks show I have seen in my life so far.
For those who haven't yet seen it, the high quality video can be found on BBC channel.
It was an interesting experience also to come back home at 2 AM by Tube and bus and feel like it's a weekday evening - both train and bus were quite full, although not overly crowded, so all in all, the New Year Eve went great.
Oh, and when we came back home there were gifts under the Christmas tree, that were not there when we left in the evening! They always magically appear during this special night... ;)
I know in Britain New Year means almost nothing to people. I found out people don't even exchange gifts! Well, for someone born and raised in USSR where Christmas was non-existent until 5-6 years ago, Christmas means very little, but New Year Eve, or rather Night, is something entirely magical, with movies made and books written on the magic of changing years.
Whether it is a feeling instilled in childhood, when my Dad on New Year's Eve produced merry balloons out of the air (I still have no idea how he did it, and he wouldn't say!), or there is real magic involved, but the night from 31st of December to 1st of January was, is and will always be a mighty and magical time, when dreams... no, they do not come true, but they can be set, declared, wished and planned to come true in the next year or the years to come. In fact, all the wishes I made while clocks were striking 12 on midnight, came true. All the goals I set in the days just before New Year have been accomplished or are in progress (looking back, some were definitely not achievable, but noone can stop me from dreaming big!)
So, an important part of quiet time between Christmas and New Year Eve for me is taking a step back from the daily routine and hurry, breath in and out and review the closing year, deciding what to take with me into the next year, what to leave to float away into the netherworld with the previous year, and what new things to plan, attract and work for in the coming year. This year was no exception.
To make my mind switch off and think of the things important for me, I planned a nice trip to Kew Gardens in the last days of December, and an easy and relaxing New Year Midnight .... at work.
Kew Gardens
This year Kew Gardens invited everybody for a pleasant stroll in the dark.... At 5PM when the sun has long set, the doors opened for those eager to meander the colorfully illuminated trails of Kew Gardens, listen to the beautiful music accompanying dancing lights and fountains over the frozen pond, enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee and roast a marshmallow over the open fire.
As soon as we entered the trail the light show over the pond caught our attention. The pond was frozen and the lights reflected on the thin ice, the fountains breaking from beneath the ice and jumping merrily in rhythm with the music.
Further down the road there were bright gifts hanging from the trees, Mother Nature meeting you next to the fire, colorful trees and even chandeliers hanging from the tree branches!
Every turn was illuminated by a different style, color and light. The place was magical and amazing.
The weather was literally freezing and a cafe half way through the trail was really welcome. A short stop for a hot pie and tea and we went on into the forest of modern art or Wild Garden:
London Fireworks 2015
Two days later, having packed a bottle of zero-alcohol sparkling wine and a bunch of fresh almond cookies into my backpack, on the evening of 31st me and my son went to the office.
I did not take the night shift, no, it's just the 9th floor on the South side is a great place to see fireworks in a safe non-crowded and warm environment (which was important for me as a mother).
 |
| 3.5 hours to midnight |
The view was amazing! We did not hear the music, but we saw both the countdown on the Shard and all of the show around London Eye, which was the best New Year's fireworks show I have seen in my life so far.
For those who haven't yet seen it, the high quality video can be found on BBC channel.
It was an interesting experience also to come back home at 2 AM by Tube and bus and feel like it's a weekday evening - both train and bus were quite full, although not overly crowded, so all in all, the New Year Eve went great.
Oh, and when we came back home there were gifts under the Christmas tree, that were not there when we left in the evening! They always magically appear during this special night... ;)
Happy New 2015 Year!
Some images are taken from the Ticketmaster blog, Timeout London, Guidelondon.Org.UK, Kew Gardens.
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