Deputy Events Editor Brigid Cromwell lives on 110th street and spends more time walking between her room and campus than you would think. With the holidays approaching, she wants to share her favorite way of spreading Christmas cheer on her walk home.

Sometimes it feels impossible to find joy on this campus, especially as the weather becomes colder and the days shorter. I find myself walking home from campus in the dark, with nothing more than my imagination and my visible breath to entertain me. I twiddle my thumbs as I strut down the street, dodging mysterious puddles and oncoming traffic on my journey home. As I pass 109th street, I catch a whiff of something unfamiliar. It’s the smell of Christmas trees. Trees line the sidewalk, ranging in height from 7 feet to 2 feet. I browse through them as if I could actually buy one, judging the sturdiness of their leaves and trunks. The smell envelopes me, transporting me to a Massachusetts winter wonderland. I’m no longer on the streets of New York City; I’m sitting by the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate, gazing out the window at the falling snowflakes.

Yes, it really is the little things. I take what I can get. Regardless, stopping to smell the Christmas trees on my cold and dark walk home has improved my mood significantly. I hope others consider stopping to take a look for themselves.

Tree via Pixabay