Christmas in Boston
My Christmas Day in Boston was relaxing and beautiful. Two days earlier, it had snowed heavily for about six hours, marking the first time I experienced real snowfall. Watching the snowflakes drift down from the sky was magical. The soft flakes landed gently on my face, and for a moment, I felt a childlike joy bubbling inside me. I wanted to throw myself into the snow piles and roll around like I had seen in movies. However, stories I’d heard about people getting frostbite made me slightly nervous about staying out too long in such freezing temperatures.
Coming from Kenya, a tropical country where the weather is consistently warm, adjusting to these extremely cold conditions has been a challenge. Back home, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F), so experiencing Boston’s icy chill was a shock to my system. Over time, though, I’ve started to adapt. I’ve learned to layer up, wear thermal clothing, and enjoy the beauty of winter rather than dread its harshness.
When my friends and I landed at Logan Airport during this winter season, I was surprised by the sight of the sun shining brightly in the clear blue sky, despite the freezing temperatures. It was strange to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin while shivering in the cold air. On the day of our arrival, as I looked out of my window, I noticed it was already dark. Feeling exhausted from the journey, I went straight to bed and fell into a deep sleep. Later, I realized I had gone to bed at around 4:30 p.m. because of how early the sun sets here in winter. It was fascinating and a little disorienting to experience such short days.
One of my friends mentioned that the early sunsets initially disrupted her study routine, as she felt tired much earlier than usual. However, she eventually got used to the rhythm of the season. I also adjusted quickly and began to appreciate the unique charm of winter evenings.
As I took short walks around the Medford area, I couldn’t help but admire the beautifully decorated houses. Twinkling lights adorned the neighborhoods, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. The festive mood was contagious, and it felt wonderful to be surrounded by so much holiday cheer. While I can’t say I don’t miss home, immersing myself in a completely different culture has been a delightful and exciting experience.
On Christmas Day, I had the idea of capturing the stunning sunset from the Tisch Library roof. The view was breathtaking, with the golden rays casting a warm glow over the snowy landscape. From a distance, I could hear Christmas carols playing, adding to the festive spirit. The music filled my heart with warmth and reminded me of the joy and magic that Christmas brings.
About a week and a half earlier, I attended the Holiday Pops event at the Boston Pops Hall. The performance was mesmerizing, conducted by the talented James Burton alongside the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. They performed a variety of classic Christmas songs, including The Twelve Days of Christmas, Home for the Holidays, Let There Be Peace on Earth, and All I Want for Christmas Is You. Each song was performed with such precision and emotion that there wasn’t a single moment during the event when I wasn’t in awe.
For New Year’s Eve, I found myself back at the same venue with friends. This time, the legendary Bernadette Peters graced the stage, captivating the audience with her angelic voice. She performed hits from Broadway and beyond, delivering each song with unmatched grace and elegance. The event began at 8 p.m., giving us plenty of time to enjoy the countdown watch party afterward.
As the clock struck midnight, the city came alive with a dazzling fireworks display. The colorful bursts of light painted the sky in vibrant shades of red, blue, green, and gold. It was a magical moment that filled me with joy and gratitude. Experiencing Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Boston was truly unforgettable, and it’s a memory I will cherish for years to come.