Dreaming of a Different Christmas?

Let's be real: a 'white Christmas' in the UK mostly just means grey skies, cold rain, and maybe a chilly breeze. If you'd rather skip that scene, why not switch things up? Whether you’re craving sandy beaches, snowy mountains, or simply want to leave the holiday hustle behind, here’s a quick guide to making your Christmas as cosy or adventurous as you’d like!

Option 1: True Christmas Escapes

Imagine swapping out the cold for warm sunshine. The Canary Islands, for example, stay nice and mild even in December, or if you're feeling more adventurous, jet off to Florida or the Caribbean. Picture yourself lounging on the beach, while your friends back home are wrapped up in scarves and coats!

Or how about a holiday a bit farther out? You could head to Australia for a Christmas down under or take a trip to Japan if you want to skip the festivities altogether - plenty of people in Japan don’t actually celebrate Christmas, so it's perfect if you want to avoid them completely.

And finally, one of the most underrated perks of spending Christmas away? Not having to do all the cooking and cleaning! Book yourself a spot at a nice restaurant, and let someone else handle the festive feast. No 6 am wake-up to get the turkey in the oven, no defrosting the dessert, no washing-up… just good food and complete relaxation.

Option 2: Embrace Winter Wonderland 

Still craving that traditional Christmas magic? Travel straight into the festivity of the season! Go classic with a New York Christmas, go colder with a trip to Scandinavia, or you could even just cross over to Germany for a legitimate Bavarian experience. These places take ‘merry and bright’ to a whole new level - lights, decorations, and festive cheer aplenty.

If snow’s essential for your holiday mood, then Canada’s a solid bet. Quebec City’s cobblestone streets are blanketed in the white stuff, making it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Hallmark Christmas film.

Option 3: Stay Home and Keep It Cosy

Let’s face it - travelling at Christmas can be pretty pricey, so staying home is way easier on the wallet. Plus, there’s no place like home! Nothing quite matches the cosiness of your own living room, decorated just the way you like it.

You’ll be able to enjoy those home-cooked meals, with all the usual Christmas comfort right at hand. Lounging in your pyjamas, napping after lunch, and cosying up with a Baileys watching the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special. No packing stress or worrying about which presents you’ll be able to fit in a suitcase. If what matters most for you at Christmas is connecting with family, staying home might just be the best choice.

Either way, whether you're home or away, the best part about Christmas is making it yours. You could be beachside with a Santa hat, in the mountains sipping hot chocolate, or watching Love Actually with the fam trying not to fall asleep. However you do it, Christmas should always be memorable.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 25TH NOVEMBER 2024