Jay is driving around for Christmas

This year, my festive plans involve a winter road trip with my family, starting in London and heading to Folkestone to take the car train across to mainland Europe. From there, we will drive through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands before reaching northern Germany. The journey itself is part of the experience, with stops along the way to stretch our legs, soak up the festive atmosphere, and explore local Christmas markets when we can. It is less about ticking off destinations and more about slowing down, enjoying the journey, the lights, the smells of seasonal treats, and, most importantly, picking up those last-minute presents that always seem to get left until the end. 

Being in Germany means celebrating Christmas Eve on the 24th, when families traditionally dress in their Christmas best, share a meal, and exchange presents. The festive season also begins earlier, on the 6th of December, with St Nicholas Day. Children leave their shoes by the door overnight in the hope that St Nicholas will bring small gifts while they sleep. Many people believe this tradition inspired the story of Santa Claus. Simple customs like these, along with Christmas lights, markets, and shared meals, really define the season. 

While I will be spending Christmas in Europe, I stay closely connected to my family in Nigeria. On Christmas Day, I will join them on video calls as they dress, attend church in the morning, and return home to continue the celebrations. In Nigeria, Christmas is a lively, communal affair, full of food, music, and neighbours dropping by. It is customary to share plates of food with neighbours and friends, creating a sense of community and warmth. Celebrating twice, in two different ways, reminds me that the heart of Christmas is not just in the traditions, but in connecting with loved ones, near and far. 

I wish everyone an amazing holiday with your loved ones. Whether they are near or far, I hope the joy of Christmas reaches us all and fills our homes with warmth, laughter, and love. 

Victoria's cooking up a treat

The festive season is more than just a holiday, it’s a time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the people who matter most. For me, it’s a period dedicated to prayer, rest, and creating space for meaningful conversations and laughter, especially with those who may be far from family. One tradition I cherish is opening my home to others and sharing food. These moments remind me that the heart of Christmas is love, community, and being present for one another. 

Cooking is one of the ways I express care, and one recipe that holds a special place in my heart is the classic Nigerian meat pie. It’s more than a snack, it’s a taste of home and a symbol of shared celebrations. 

Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe: 

Ingredients (makes 10–12 pies): 

• Pastry: 500 g plain flour, 250 g cold butter/margarine, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 120 ml cold water or milk. 

• Filling: 300 g minced beef, 2 medium potatoes (diced), 2 medium carrots (diced), 1 small onion (chopped), 2 seasoning cubes, 1 tsp curry powder, ½ tsp thyme, 250 ml water or stock, salt to taste. 

• Glaze: 1 beaten egg. 

Method: 

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in butter until crumbly, then add cold water/milk gradually to form a smooth dough. Cover and set aside. For the filling, cook minced beef with onions until browned, add seasoning, curry, and thyme, then stir in potatoes, carrots, and water. Simmer until vegetables are tender and mixture is moist but not watery. Roll out dough, cut circles, add filling, fold and seal edges. Brush with egg and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes until golden. 

Sharing Nigerian meat pie during Christmas is my way of spreading warmth, culture, and joy. Food has always been a powerful way to connect, tell stories, and make others feel welcome. 

Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyful Christmas, from my kitchen to our campus community. 

Jessica's time with family

Christmas is a special time for me because it allows me to slow down eat and spend quality time with my family. I enjoy being with my parent, my sibling and my extended family. Sharing meals, laughter and meaningful moments together. 

It is a time when we focus on love, togetherness and gratitude. 

One tradition I deeply value is our Christmas celebration with the Nigerian Catholic community in Italy - a community I have been part of since I was seven years old. We are divided in 3 communities under the supervision of one priest that travels every Sunday to each community for Sunday mass in different cities. At Christmas, however, we all come together for one mass. After the service, we eat together, exchange gifts, and pray as one big family. This tradition reminds me of the importance of unity and faith. 

In the days that follows Christmas I visit relatives that I usually don't get to see during the rest of the year. It helps to keep the bond stronger. For me, Christmas is about family, community, faith and being present for one another.