Hello dear friend. After a poll on my Instagram page, I decided that the blog post about Harry Potter and Christmas is necessary, as many consider HP movies to be Christmas movies. When I first arrived in Edinburgh, some of the places that are said to inspire Rowling made lots of sense to me. So, here is how I see HP tying in with Christmas.
Now, imagine a picturesque view of Scotland's snow-covered Highlands with the sweet scent of pine filling the air. The magic of the land seems woven into its very fabric. Now, picture this setting as the backdrop for the captivating Harry Potter series. Join me on a journey where Scotland's magic meets the enchantment of Christmas, and let your heart be inspired.
According to J.K. Rowling, amid Scotland's breathtaking landscape stands Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a castle inspired by the country's grand architecture. It appears like a fairy tale in the snow, and the white grounds create a magical winter wonderland, evoking the spirit of Christmas.
In Scotland, Yule is a festive season closely tied to ancient pagan traditions and modern Christmas customs. Celebrated around the winter solstice, Yule marks the return of sunlight during the darkest days of winter. In the Harry Potter books, the Yule Ball is a magical and grand event that takes place during the Triwizard Tournament in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." While the Yule Ball is not explicitly connected to the historical Yule traditions in Scotland, it does capture the enchanting and festive spirit of the holiday season. The Yule Ball in the wizarding world mirrors real-world winter celebrations with its elegant attire, formal dance, and lavish decorations. This event brings students from different houses together to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of Yuletide magic and Scottish togetherness. So, in the wizarding world's Yule Ball, a sense of unity and festivity resonates with the holiday spirit celebrated both in Scotland and in the magical realm of Harry Potter.
J.K. Rowling found much inspiration in the natural beauty of Scotland, incorporating majestic places such as Glencoe and the mysterious Loch Shiel into Harry's magical world. These breathtaking landscapes encourage us to appreciate the wonder of our own surroundings.
Discovering that some of Harry Potter's most iconic scenes were filmed in Scotland, particularly the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, offers fans a unique real-life experience. The Jacobite Steam Train, affectionately known as the 'Hogwarts Express,' recreates the magic of the Hogwarts journey through the Scottish Highlands. Riding this historic steam train allows you to cross the very same viaduct featured in the films, immersing you in the wizarding world's enchantment while enjoying the rugged beauty of Scotland's landscape. This experience is a true gem for Harry Potter enthusiasts and nature lovers, leaving an indelible impression and adding an extra layer of enchantment to the Harry Potter saga.
Let's remember that at the core of the Harry Potter series lies the magic of friendship and love, which shine brightest during the holiday season. The cozy Burrow of the Weasley family, filled with laughter and warmth, teaches us the true meaning of togetherness and inspires us to cherish the bonds we hold dear.
As snowflakes gently fall on the Scottish Highlands and the pages of Harry Potter's story turn, we're reminded of the magic that lives within us all. The connection between Scotland, Christmas, and the wizarding world of Harry Potter is a source of inspiration that warms the hearts of fans, young and old. So, this holiday season, let the magic of Harry Potter transport you to a world where dreams come true and the spirit of Christmas shines brightly.