Once again I’m here with an update on what has been happening here in Newcastle and at the Department of Sociology. Christmas time has finally arrived (for better or worse) and one can certainly see a change in not only the city and its people but also in the Sociology department itself. Christmas decorations have been put up and people are talking about what they are doing for Christmas. As an Indian I had a very vague idea of what Christmas was as it is not a holiday in India and I only really knew about Santa Clause and that you were supposed to leave a sock hanging on the wall  to get your presents, unfortunately Santa never seemed to make it all the way to India throughout my childhood years… The University itself has seemingly changed its atmosphere overnight, with the iconic red brick main building looking like it could fit straight into the next Christmas movie that will grace our cinema screens this winter. The department is organising Student Pot luck lunches where everyone brings a dish so everyone can try something new, this is very popular with international students as we get to try new and exciting dishes we’ve got no familiarity with. Students themselves are also organising Christmas nights out, both to try the traditional Christmas dinners but also nights out to the local bars and clubs, traditional and tacky Christmas sweater has to be worn of course! With this engagement from both students and staff one really feels part of not only the University but the UK too as it provides an opportunity for international students to try Christmas and see its traditions first hand, as well as meeting new people and seeing how they celebrate Christmas. I for example, had no idea that Danes apparently celebrate Christmas on the 24th December while people in the UK celebrate on the 25th December, with yet another difference being the tree and how its decorated. Each European country has their own way of decorating the tree and many discussions have been had amongst students on Christmas nights out as to what is a proper Christmas tree. Many international students may also get a bit homesick during this period, myself included, but with the University, staff and students engaging with each other during Christmas its very easy to feel part of a big family here at Newcastle University.