Expat Life in Ireland // Month #8 recap and photos
December was a whirlwind of a month, with the holidays being so fun yet so busy! So, I apologize for my lack of posting.
But, the good news is that I have SO MUCH to share about Christmas in London and the general holiday season in Dublin! Last month may have been quiet, but this month was cold, hectic, festive, and perfect! And spoiler alert: I’m still having an absolute BALL being an American expat in Ireland.
Besides having a few great nights out with friends, this month was allllllll about the holidays. For me, that meant watching Dublin prepare itself for Christmas. From the decorations around the city, to the Christmas trees everywhere, to the madness of shopping areas as people got presents, it was great to see the city in full Christmas spirit. Then, I spent Christmas in London before heading back to Ireland to ring in 2016.
I think it can go without saying that moving to Dublin has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m having the time of my of my feckin’ life. I mean, I’ve been basically saying that every month for the past 7 months. I’m a pretty independent person so it hasn’t been too hard being away from family and friends back home in America. But I must admit, the holidays were hard, and I did get homesick. But such is expat life!
When I was at the Dublin airport for my flight to London on Christmas Eve, I was really early for my flight so I had a lot of time to kill at the airport. I ended up alone at the arrivals gate, tearing up as I watched families greeting loved ones arriving home for the holidays. Some had signs and started crying when they saw who they had been waiting for. You could tell some of them had been separated for a long time. It was very beautiful to watch. But, it made me really sad that I wasn’t going to be able to be home for Christmas.
As an American expat in Ireland, Thanksgiving is extra tough because it isn’t celebrated abroad. But at least the Christmas spirit was in full swing everywhere you looked! And thankfully, I was in my favorite city for my favorite holiday which helped take my mind off my homesickness. Plus, some of my best friends from the US came to join on the fun! London never disappoints, and of course the city was as beautiful as ever during the holidays! (But more on that later.)
After coming home from London, I got to welcome in 2016 with my friends back in Dublin. What better place to be for New Year’s Eve?
It was a great end to a great year. My best year yet. I took off on my biggest and most rewarding adventure in 2015, and I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store!
For now, here is my eighth month of my life as an American expat in Ireland, in photos!
How was everyone’s Christmas and New Year?
