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Feet Do Blogging

5 Christmases in 5 Continents

18/12/2016

64 Comments

 
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
​I grew up in England where Christmases are generally wet and miserable and if you were lucky, just a little bit overcast and grey! In 2010 we had snow, proper snow where it covered the ground making it pretty and white – now for us Brits, that is the perfect Christmas, the stuff kid’s dreams are made of!

When I was 17 years old, I lost my Grandmother on Christmas Day so for me, the “magic of Christmas” had gone. I didn’t feel I could “celebrate” in the same way so over the years, I discovered that being away from the UK made me the happiest, plus, any excuse to have a holiday, right?

​I have since experienced Christmas in five different continents with both snow and sun. I love them both for different reasons, but one stood out for me the most … when I was 3ft deep in snow!

The cold isn’t for everyone …. so which do you think you would prefer? 

How do the Brits celebrate?

Us Brits make up for the miserable weather by celebrating BIG style! Shops begin the run up to Christmas around October with the same Christmas tunes regurgitated year after year driving you craaaaazy! Houses and streets are illuminated and larger cities like London or Manchester hire a celebrity to “switch on the Christmas lights”. Theatres run pantomimes during December, children hold nativity plays at school and carol singing services are popular throughout the country.
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
A traditional British Christmas tree with decorations and presents
​A “traditional” Christmas for families in the UK is pretty much the same as other countries, i.e decorated Christmas trees where presents are teasingly displayed and tables are laiden with crackers and colourful paper hats. We eat turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes and, the crème de-la-creme ... pigs in blankets aka sausages wrapped in bacon! Yum scrum! We have a plethora of stodgy desserts served with brandy sauce or cream and choosing just one to eat is never enough, ooooo, plus chocolate – lots of chocolates are consumed ... and don’t forget the mulled wine! It’s not surprising that the average person puts on around 7kg weight over the festive period
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
A table decorated ready for Christmas Day lunch
The main difference in celebrations around the world is when families have their main meal and open their gifts. Some countries do this on the evening of 24th December but in the UK, everything is celebrated on 25th December.

My first Christmas away … Africa

My first ever Christmas overseas was in South Africa where it’s celebrated on 25th December due to their history with the UK. I was in Umhlanga Rocks just outside of Durban and, to be honest, it didn’t feel like Christmas at all. Maybe it’s because it’s a small place and maybe things have changed since my trip back in 1999 (check out this website for “Christmas around the world” it does appear to contradict what I experienced). There didn’t appear to be any tinsel or trees decorated with baubles, in fact quite a few shops and cafe’s were actually open on Christmas day but none of them were playing Christmas songs as we are generally used to in the UK. It just felt like any other ordinary sunny day. 
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I spent my morning basking in the hot sun and dipping in the sea to cool off – it’s a tough life isn’t it!?
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Angie eating a Bounty chocolate bar on the beach Christmas Day
I didn’t need to book a table for lunch, I simply rocked up to Razzmatazz seafood restaurant without a booking. It was an ordinary menu charging normal prices; no traditional turkey at extortionate prices, so I ordered penne pasta which I enjoyed overlooking the beach watching families playing in the sand and leaping over the waves.

Overall, it was a pretty chilled out day which isn’t a bad thing at all, sometimes it’s nice to just slow things down and enjoy.

How does Australia compare?

I backpacked around Australia on a year’s working visa so my Christmas in 2002 was spent at Trekkers’ backpackers in Southport on the Gold Coast. I had arrived two days before which meant I had made a whole bunch of friends with whom I had been out partying with on Christmas Eve into the early hours – needless to say, Christmas day started a little bit quiet and ropey!
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Christmas Eve partying in 70's style at Trekkers Backpackers
Australians celebrate on 25th December ... similar to UK traditional style! We had a tree with all the trimmings, decorations adorned the room plus there were secret santa gifts – distributed by Father Christmas and his elf helpers!

Lunch was the only thing that differed – traditional Aussie style meant ... a BBQ! We all sat in the sunshine filling our plates and tummies with good old fashioned Christmas tucker which included crackers on the table and typical cheesy paper hats! 
​
A home from home really ...with the added bonus of glorious sunshine! Would love to do it again someday.
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Christmas Day lunch - complete with crackers and paper hats!
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Christmas party drinks!
Europe – my favourite place to celebrate

Most of Europe celebrate on 24th December where gifts are exchanged and their traditional family meal is enjoyed in the evening. 

My absolute favourite Christmas EVER was in Iceland 2011 – in 3ft of snow! Magical! Talk about all your Christmases coming at once.
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Tourism is pretty big in Iceland so decorations were a-plenty which gave it a real Christmas buzz. As Sy and I are used to celebrating on 25th December it felt natural to do the same whilst in Iceland. When we woke in the morning, to our absolute delight, snow had fallen silently during the night covering everything with nature's pristine powder white blanket. We were both super excited so quickly dressed in warm clothes and ran outside like young children!
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
​Daylight doesn’t reach Iceland until about 11.30am so the dark, empty streets were lit by pretty lights. It was very beautiful but very surreal – hardly a soul in sight. We made snow angels and loved listening to the crunchy snow underfoot, we couldn’t resist having our photo taken by the giant Christmas tree that we found in a quiet residential square. 
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Angie - making a "snow angel"
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Christmas tree in a quiet residential area
​Most tour companies ran excursions on Christmas Day which meant we had our hotel restaurant pretty much to ourselves! We drank champagne, ate a superbly rich but gorgeous beef lunch and it was brilliant!
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Champagne before our Christmas Day lunch in Iceland
There is something about snow that touches my heart in ways I cannot explain. I hate the cold, I am the literal sense of a “sun worshipper” but there is just something so very special about a glistening blanket of white snow, especially on Christmas day. Like I said, it’s what children’s dreams are made of ... and I am clearly still a child at heart!

Iceland has a very special place in my heart, and this Christmas has yet to be beaten!

From snow to Caribbean sunshine
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do TravelChristmas Tree in the Iberostar Hotel reception area
Dominican Republic was our Christmas choice in 2013, mainly because the majority of the Caribbean is super-expensive at this time of year and we couldn’t justify the cost! Dominican Republic suited our budget and we were very happy we visited!

​With Spanish roots, Christmas in this Country is celebrated on 24th December and boy-oh-boy, didn’t they pull all the stops out! We stayed at the Iberostar Punta Cana  and they ensured that all guests were shown Christmas in style! There was a gigantic tree in reception, decorations everywhere and at 4pm, they even arranged for Father Christmas to hand out Christmas presents to the children on the beach... he arrived in a helicopter! Rudolph must have had a cold and couldn’t lead the pack of reindeers so Santa had a helicopter instead! As you do!

White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Father Christmas arriving by helicopter to distribute presents ... naturally!
​A Gala Dinner was prepared for the evening with canapés and champagne, they even had turkey carved to your liking! Gorgeous!
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Carved Turkey anyone? This friendly lady with her meat cleaver will be happy to serve you.
​We still wanted to celebrate on 25th December so opened our presents on the beach listening to Michael Buble’s Christmas album, then spent the rest of the morning relaxing in the scorching Caribbean sun with huge smiles on our faces. 
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
In the afternoon – we swam with dolphins. At the time we enjoyed this activity, sadly since our encounter we have learnt a lot more about the way dolphins are taken from the wild, and how they live in captivity for tourists' entertainment. If we would have known this at the time we definitely wouldn't have chosen this activity. In truth, I am ashamed that we participated in this event and thought about whether I should include it in this blog post. The only reason I have made this confession is in the hope people will learn why it's not good to partake in any event where you swim with dolphins, or watch a dolphin show. If you want to know the reasons why, read "The Disturbing Truth Behind your Swim with Dolphins"
In the evening on Christmas day we enjoyed a few drinks and laughs with friends we had made earlier, a lovely family who were also from England. On this occasion, being in an All Inclusive Caribbean hotel at Christmas was spot on! Another cracking holiday! This was actually Sy’s favourite Christmas away, mainly due to the hotel festivities, the enthusiasm of the staff and the fantastic food and atmosphere, not forgetting the warm Caribbean climate! Feliz Navidad!!
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel

​Asia – where we have spent our last four Christmases

Borneo was our Asian Christmas destination in 2015 and 2016, on the island of Mabul; we stayed at Scuba Junkie. We were here with a mixture of people from all over the world, some celebrated on 24th and others on 25th December ... I was prepared for both! I brought with me a bunch of Christmas hats and traditional treats like Christmas cake and stollen and shared it amongst the new friends we had made. Scuba Junkie did a fantastic job of decorating with the resources they had on the island and there were paper chains dangling from the beams, tinsel draped around the bar and paper decorations hanging from the ceiling – brilliant!
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Angie with "Arnie"
​On 24th December, my day was spent lazing on the beach with some friends, until we saw a few people walking excitedly past us. It transpired that the final nest of turtles were hatching!! Wow! It was amazing – we wore gloves to pick up the tiny Green Turtle to ensure we wouldn't pass any human germs or oil from sun cream onto the newborn. I named turtle Arnie (Schwarzenegger, to give him the greatest start in life) and after placing him onto the sand, I watched him scamper towards the ocean. Sy named his Bruce Lee, again for the best possible start in life – what a pair!

Incredible! Scuba Junkie are massively into conservation so they protect the nests and educate as much as they can about these adorable reptiles. They are part of Project Aware, a team of worldwide divers who are passionate about protecting the ocean. Scuba Junkie have now stopped allowing tourists to release the turtles, one of the reasons is because plastic gloves are worn and they are keen advocates in reducing single-use plastics.
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Sy with "Bruce Lee"
​On 25th December, we went diving in Sipadan! I wore a Christmas hat and our guide wore a banana suit ... as you do! It was the most hilarious diving we have ever done and we had a fabulous time – despite the 5.30am early start!
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
​In the evening, Scuba Junkie gave us the best traditional meal they could with chicken, roast potatoes, stuffing ... even gravy! We all had a fantastic fun time and, despite meeting everyone only a day before, it really felt like we shared our day with friends.
White Christmas in Iceland, Christmas in Europe, Christmas Vacation, Feet Do Travel
Chilling out on Christmas Day with our new friends - check out our Christmas hats

​Have you spent your Christmas away from home? How was it for you? Were you in sunshine or snow? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below – we want to know!

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Christmas vacation – is it for you? Do you want Christmas in Europe, maybe a white Christmas in Iceland? Do you prefer Christmas in the sun? Feet Do Travel help you decide as we have spent 5 Christmases in 5 Continents. #christmas #christmasdestinations #unusualchristmasdestinations #christmastravel #destinationsaroundtheworld #travelinspiration #travelbloggers #christmasstories #christmastales #christmastravelstories #travelblog #traveladvice
Christmas vacation – is it for you? Do you want Christmas in Europe, maybe a white Christmas in Iceland? Do you prefer Christmas in the sun? Feet Do Travel help you decide as we have spent 5 Christmases in 5 Continents. #christmas #christmasdestinations #unusualchristmasdestinations #christmastravel #destinationsaroundtheworld #travelinspiration #travelbloggers #christmasstories #christmastales #christmastravelstories #travelblog #traveladvice
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64 Comments
Tracy McConnachie Collins link
19/12/2016 07:23:16 pm

Great post Angie!! I have spent Christmas in UK South Africa Canada and France - I am not keen on a hot Xmas as it were lol as it never feels like Xmas to me - I loved it in Canada. We had loads of snow and I loved the build up to the day - cookie swopping parties

France was great too - one of the best meals i have ever had - it lasted forever!

Looking forward to next year's in Australia maybe a hot Xmas will grow on me!!!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:05:08 am

I think I have to agree with you .. although I love the sunshine, a hot Christmas doesn't feel like Christmas (as I have just spent my Xmas Day on the beach this year and it didn't feel Christmassey at all lol). You better get used to it though, in Oz it's the height of summer so hot, hot, hot :-)

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Jenn
20/12/2016 06:09:37 pm

Wow, you guys have had some great Christmas adventures. Christmas has really changed over the years for us. When I was young it was celebrating on Christmas Eve (we always celebrate then) and then flying off on Christmas morning to visit my grandparents in Los Angeles and later Tucson, AZ when they moved there. For my twenties and early thirties, there were just presents and time with family - no travels. The last few years, Darin and I traveled, which was great, but also not so great, and this year we are looking forward to staying home, getting things done, and preparing for our 2017 adventures. So, while we haven't experienced Christmas on 5 continents, we do know about the joy and stress holiday travels can bring. I love that you've had so many great memories and that you're willing to try new things with a hint of tradition still tied in. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and can't wait to hear from you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:07:37 am

I love that you have had varied celebrations throughout your life, it's good to mix things up and find out what you prefer :D Hope you had a wonderfully relaxing Christmas this year and were able to just relax after the busy 2016 you have had! Happy New Year to you & Darin xx

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Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe link
23/12/2016 11:38:23 am

We had our first Christmas away from home last year. We spent it in Vienna and Christmas night was a magical Christmas concert in Karlskirche.

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:08:52 am

I hope you enjoyed your first Christmas away from home - Vienna sounds like a fantastic place if you attended a Christmas concert! Here's to more travelling in 2017!

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2born2travel link
23/12/2016 12:07:35 pm

WOW! So many awesome places to experience Christmas 👍

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:09:56 am

Yes we have experienced a few ... hopefully there will be many more to come so we can find new traditions around the world :D

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Live And Die In Afrika link
23/12/2016 12:08:14 pm

I have really loved your Christmas experiences in 5 continents. I am really amazed by Christmas in the Dominican Republic & In Europe. Looking forward to traveling the world just like you do!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:22:09 am

Thank you so much for your kind words, they are very much appreciated :D It's great hearing about different ways of celebrating around the world and I hope to find out more! Hope you have amazing adventures on your travels!

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Monica @We Travel Together link
23/12/2016 02:01:27 pm

Wow, it must be so much fun experiencing Christmas all around the globe, and see the differences between how they’re celebrating this holiday. This was an interesting read, so thanks for sharing!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:23:55 am

It is fun finding our how Christmas is celebrated around the globe - so many different traditions! I definitely need to experience more :D

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Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) link
23/12/2016 03:40:48 pm

Wow, I just love your 5 ways of Celebrating Christmas and now your back to celebrate another Christmas in Boreno. :-)
I love to celebrate my Christmas with snow. First I love the beach which calls for my scuba trips before Christmas then off to somewhere cold usually Europe for the snow. :-) Thanks for Sharing!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:25:38 am

I do love Christmas in snow, it definitely has my heart and makes it feel like the festive season is here, I hope to get a chance to do it again on my travels (will have to dig out the snow gear though lol) Merry Christmas to you and here's to many more travels in 2017!

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Simona Barbu link
23/12/2016 05:02:06 pm

Great post! I loved the photo when you are scubba-diving with a Santa hat! In Romania we also celebrate Christmas on 25th, but since in the last two years I am living in Russia now I celebrate Christmas two times: once on 25th (Romanian Christmas), and once on 7th (Russian Christmas). I am curious now to see where your next Christmas will be!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:27:28 am

I did enjoy scuba diving with a santa hat I must admit :D I am very interested to hear how Russia celebrates Christmas and it's fascinating how some of Europe celebrate on 24th and others on 25th - but for you, I love you get to experience it twice :D I wonder where we will be next Christmas as well ....

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Shaly link
23/12/2016 06:44:28 pm

Lovely post. You've really had some great Christmas experiences. My Christmases have mostly been in India (my home country) and Oman (where I presently live as an expatriate.) Other than that I've spent one Christmas holidaying in Chicago and one in Sri Lanka.

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:29:08 am

It's lovely to hear where you have spent your Christmases Shaly - all in hot countries so you are used to the warm weather on Xmas day. I hope this year in Oman you had a wonderful day and I wish you a Happy New Year!

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garth link
23/12/2016 07:36:14 pm

Wow you guys really have had some very different Christmas days to our usual traditional ones! I remember my parents taking us to Lanzarote when we were kids for 3 weeks and the sunshine totally ruined the magic of Christmas. So not sure how I would feel about going away somewhere hot ..but hey never say never ... but your Iceland trip would win hands down!! I would definitely do that as I want every cliche for my perfect Christmas, snow, the cold, fairy lights and to top it off making snow angels! Perfect. Ok I'm logging onto Icelandic air now!! Merry Christmas ! Look forward to hearing from u too

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:43:45 am

Iceland definitely won hands down Garth, as much as I love the sun, snow for Christmas is the best! I sincerely hope we get a chance to experience a cold Christmas on our travels ... may meet you there :D Merry Christmas to you and Phil and wishing you many wonderful travels in 2017!

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Allison link
23/12/2016 08:07:46 pm

Love this! I am very interested in learning about how people around the world celebrate Christmas. Normally I prefer to be home for Christmas. I grew up in Seattle which has weather similar to the UK (cold and rainy) so I rarely had white Christmases. Now I live in Chicago and we often have white Christmases. I actually think I prefer it without snow since I'm not much of a snow person. But one of my favorite Christmases was in 2008 when I spent it in Germany with my parents (who were living there at the time). We went to Christmas markets and Christmas Eve mass and celebrated in true German fashion. It was awesome. #weekendwanderlust

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:46:41 am

Christmas markets are great aren't they so I can understand why it was one of your favourites - especially as it wouldn't have had snow (most people I know don't like snow to be fair so you aren't alone!). I didn't know Chicago had cold weather at Christmas, so thank you for sharing this, at least I know a USA state to celebrate in when we are travelling over there where we can spend a snow Christmas :D

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Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) link
24/12/2016 02:04:19 am

Wow! You have spent Christmas in some pretty awesome places. We are having Christmas on Koh Lipe.... I have no idea what we are doing yet. Merry Christmas to you both!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:47:48 am

I'm pretty sure you can guarantee sun in Koh Lipe, and hopefully mojitos? :D Whatever you do, hope you have an amazing day and here's to many happy travels in 2017!

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Michele {Malaysian Meanders} link
24/12/2016 07:30:17 am

Wow, you've really celebrated Christmas all over the world. I've always pictured a British Christmas with deep snow drifts. I guess I was actually picturing Iceland? That trip sounds incredible. As for myself, I've typically celebrated Christmas with my parents in my childhood home on the 24th. We do a joint celebration with my parents and hubby's extended family on the 25th. Then,it's off to hubby's childhood home an hour from my parents to celebrate on the 26th. The one time that we missed so that we could go to Australia, both sets of parents plus my kids were so sad that we've never done it again.

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:49:49 am

Sadly, no Britain doesn't get deep snow so yes, maybe you were picturing Iceland and other places in Europe :D Christmas is about family time to many people so I'm not surprised you didn't enjoy the one you spent away from your kids in Australia, hope this year you had a wonderful time with both sets of parents! Merry Christmas to you!

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Paul and Carole link
24/12/2016 11:37:55 am

Interesting to see how other countries celebrate Christmas, sorry to hear about your losing your Grandmother on Christmas Day, that does affect how you want to spend it, this year is going to be difficult for us as unfortunately Paul's Mum is really poorly in hospital. However, my sister has bought 48 pigs in blankets so they will go down well! It is another grey miserable day in the England so you are spot on with the weather. We would love to spend it on an Australian beach one year! Merry Christmas :) #feetdotravel

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:51:40 am

I hope Paul's Mum wasn't too poorly for Christmas, it's always sad when a family member is in hospital over the festive season, it just doesn't feel the same does it. Love that you have 48 pigs in blankets though, they are my favourite part of the meal! Hope you get to spend one year on the beach in Australia :D Merry Christmas to you and a happy 2017!

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Travel Lexx link
24/12/2016 04:42:06 pm

Angie, how amazing! You're a serial Christmas Abroad Traveller (CAT). Love all your experiences - all so different! Christmas in Australia is amazing and even though it doesn't feel like Christmas, I would take the sun over our British weather any day!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 03:59:00 am

Haha yes Lexei, I'm definitely a serial CAT and intend to be for sometime :D I would definitely rather have Christmas in the sun over a British one with miserable weather any day, it's probably why we go away so much (and to get away from all those dreadful regurgitated Christmas songs lol). Hope you had a Merry Christmas and wishing you many more travels in 2017!

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Lisa link
25/12/2016 01:57:07 pm

Love this post! Look at all the wonderful memories and experiences you have had because you decided to get out of your comfort zone. What a great comparison from snow to sunny isles. Most of my life has been spent in the south of the US and now in the north with tons of snow, freezing temps and dull skies. I prefer the warmer climates but I can appreciate your love for the snow and the ambiance it brings.

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 04:44:29 am

We certainly do have wonderful memories from our Christmases away! That must be a shock to the system moving from the sunny South to the freezing north and I can understand why you prefer the warmer climates! Hope this Christmas hasn't been too cold for you and you had a great day! Here's to many more travels in 2017!

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ThriftyTrails link
25/12/2016 08:41:08 pm

It's great that you got to experience so many different Christmases. I spent nearly all my Christmases in the sunshine state of Florida, with an exception once when I was a toddler in Peru. Iceland sounds so beautiful but I'm not sure I would be able to handle the cold!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 04:58:18 am

If you are used to the sunshine, Iceland in the snow can feel pretty cold and it's not for everyone that's for sure, despite how beautiful it is. I was cold, but that's because I love the sun lol however I was happy to trade that to feel like a kid in the snow again lol.

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Stephanie Fox link
26/12/2016 05:33:36 pm

I've never spent Christmas anywhere at home and if I was asked to go away I would definitely choose somewhere cold! Iceland sounds absolutely incredible and that tree with the snow looks exactly how I would want Christmas Day abroad to look! I just feel like I'd have missed Christmas if I went somewhere hot!

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FeetDoTravel
2/1/2017 07:00:05 am

I also feel as though I am missing something when I spend Christmas in the sun in truth, there is just something about the snow that makes Christmas seem like .. well, Christmas! I hope you get to experience a snowy Icelandic Christmas one year :D

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Anne link
26/12/2016 05:38:47 pm

I have spent a few christmasses in Australia and just didn't like it. Being from the UK, Christmas should be cold although like you my preference is for snow. My best Christmas away was in Austria skiing although a close second was going to Atlantis in the Bahamas one Christmas even if it was toasty!

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FeetDoTravel
5/1/2017 06:28:39 am

My preference is for snow as well, it's what some of us Brits dream of isn't it :D My first Christmas away was in Austria actually, it was here that I fell in love with the snow! I don't blame you for liking a Christmas in the Bahamas as well despite the sunshine - I would love to visit there!

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Nathan link
27/12/2016 04:39:15 am

My last four or five Christmases have all been in Asia also! It would be so cool to dive Sipidan for Chrismas. I've been diving there before but never on Christmas. So cool!

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FeetDoTravel
5/1/2017 06:30:48 am

I would love to hear where in Asia you spent your Christmases! Sipidan is cool to dive any time of year isn't it and it was a great Christmas present for us, shame we never saw the hammerheads though :(

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Ticker Eats The World link
27/12/2016 08:05:39 am

It's really nice to have celebrated Christmas all across the globe over the years and experience such diverse weathers and cultures in doing do. We were actually in UK in 2010 when it was one of the coldest winters and actually got stuck at Gatwick but were home in Birmingham by Christmas time. While we didn't celebrate Christmas in the Caribbean that's where we were returning from so I know how different it is there weather wide especially. I'm sure Australia would have been similar in terms of the weather and a BBQ sounds great in December. All the best and wishing you a wonderful new year.

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 05:00:56 am

Yes I remember that winter in 2010, it was unusually cold for that time of year! Hope you had a wonderful holiday in the Caribbean, it's a beautiful part of the world and we hope to travel around there more. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas this year and wishing you many happy travels in 2017!

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Anna link
28/12/2016 02:16:05 pm

I´m generally more of a "White Christmas" lover: can´t live a year without European Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, Switzerland,France etc.
I´ve spent Christmas in Spain for the last 4 years and I could say that the absence of snow and 17°C in Dec barely gives you a Christmas mood. However, nice weather, sun and beach - make you feel great no matter the season! I really love the Dominican Christmas in your post... It made me consider skipping the cold European Christmas next year and just enjoy the Carribean blue waters! By the way, love this Michael Buble´s Christmas album!

Have an amazing holiday season!!!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 05:03:13 am

I do agree that the absence of snow doesn't give you the Christmas spirit, something is definitely missing and it doesn't feel Christmassey at all but you are right - the sunshine does still make you feel great :D Hope you do decide to take Michael Buble's Christmas album away with you to the caribbean one year to experience a sunny festive season! Hope you had a fabulous Christmas and wishing you many travels in 2017.

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Kreete link
29/12/2016 09:20:51 am

Fantastic read Angie! I have had Christmas in London by myself in a house with my ex and his new girlfriend with no food and gifts haha and I have done Aussie Christmas twice. Needless to say, Estonian Christmas is very much like you described in the European section although most of the time we don't get snow anymore. It's a bit sad when you think what we have done with climate change. Id love to experience xmas in Iceland and in a tropical all inclusive hotel. And what a brilliant idea going diving with costumes on! Love the photo!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 05:05:39 am

Your Christmas in London doesn't sound fun at all haha so I hope this year in Australia you have a lovely sunny, happy one :D I hope you get to experience a snow Christmas one year, or maybe you can go diving yourself with a Christmas hat :D Merry Christmas to you and I wish you many happy travels for 2017!

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Suz link
30/12/2016 01:25:37 pm

I love this!! I have to admit, your Iceland Christmas as your Caribbean Christmas both sound like they'd be perfect for very different reasons. But they all look like they'd be very special celebrations.

This year we were away from home (the US) for Christmas. We spent the holiday in Berlin, Germany, and we tried to embrace it as best as we could. We celebrated and opened our presents on the 24th and then on the 25th we Skyped and called all of our family and watched movies and ate the biggest brunch ever. It was fun! I think the best part of celebrating Christmas away from home is learning about the country you're in - you don't always think to learn about holiday traditions when travelling!

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 05:07:37 am

It does sound as though you had a lovely Christmas this year! I do agree that the best part of celebrating away is learning about the Country you are in and their traditions, I definitely want to experience more of it in the future! Wishing you happy travels in 2017!

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Anisa link
31/12/2016 10:53:27 am

This was my second Christmas in England, so getting used to some of the traditions now. I do love the crackers and wearing the crowns. Please I have found I really look forward to the Queen's speech. As far as food goes I have learned I love Game pie, yorkshire pudding, Christmas pudding, pigs in a blanket, and Christmas cake. Not so big on bread sauce, I also prefer cornbread stuffing. Overall to me, the most important things is not the food or the place, but the people you spend it with. Happy Holidays Angie! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 05:17:31 am

Yummm pigs in blankets are my favourite part of the meal :D So glad you have discovered (and are enjoying!) English traditions, that's lovely to hear. You are right though, it's not about the food or the place, it's about the people you are with and as long as that is right, everything else will fall into place! Merry Christmas to you and wishing you many happy travels in 2017!

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Anda link
1/1/2017 12:12:38 am

It seems you celebrated Christmas in a lot of places. I'm not surprised you don't like Christmas in England if it's wet and cold. I am a 'White Christmas' person, but now that I live in Southern California I don't get that many of those. Have a wonderful New Year! #TheWeeklyPostcard

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FeetDoTravel
1/1/2017 05:19:07 am

In my heart I am definitely a white Christmas person as well and I can imagine part of you misses that if you have sunshine (not that sunshine is a bad thing of course, I am a true sun worshipper after all lol). Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a Happy 2017 with many more travels!

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Brown Gal Trekker
1/1/2017 11:31:20 pm

I love the Iceland portion - the fact that it gets dark early would be an interesting experience by itself. I grew up in Asia and Xmas can be crazy and extravagant and go on for days.

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FeetDoTravel
5/1/2017 06:33:21 am

Iceland was amazing and yes, to experience the darkness was very interesting, I would love to be somewhere for the midnight sun and really see what it's like to not see the sun (but not for too long, just a few days lol). We hope to experience more Asian Christmases on our travels :D

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Punita Malhotra link
2/1/2017 04:45:52 am

I think there's nothing quite as beautiful as a traditional white Christmas. The BBQ and the beach sound like fun, but what makes Christmas Christmassy is the snow, and the cold. I'm a little old-fashioned that way :)

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FeetDoTravel
5/1/2017 06:35:07 am

I totally agree with you - there really is something beautiful about a traditional "white Christmas" so I am joining you in being old fashioned :)

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Katie Featherstone link
2/1/2017 02:44:30 pm

I've ended up in three different continents so far too, but the UK is still my favourite place to be. I don't think you can be home for Christmas. :)

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FeetDoTravel
5/1/2017 06:38:23 am

At the end of the day, you should absolutely be for Christmas wherever it makes you happy and "home" (wherever that may be for people in the world) with family and all the traditions we are used to cannot be beaten :D

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Travelling Tom link
2/1/2017 03:32:18 pm

Spot on with Christmases in England, although you missed out the most important part, all the football on TV! That's the best part for me haha!

I agree with Christmas in Australia, it was great having a BBQ and all the sunny weather, if a little strange! I think I prefer my Christmases with a bit of snow!

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FeetDoTravel
5/1/2017 06:47:11 am

Darn, I missed out Boxing Day football! It's not a sport though, it's a form of religion isn't it :D Snow at Christmas seems to be most Brits' idea of a perfect Christmas, I'm liking this trend!

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David link
6/1/2017 06:36:46 am

It's cool to see all the different Christmas traditions you've been able to be part of through the years. Glad you got to try an Aussie Christmas, although not everyone has a BBQ some people actually do stick quite close to the English (although never had pigs in a blanket!!!). Iceland for Xmas would have been magical and the short days would have just meant more Christmas Lights! Hope you and Simon had a wonderful Christmas in Malaysia ;)

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FeetDoTravel
15/1/2017 12:57:03 pm

Oooo you should try pigs in blankets and let me know what you think. Yes the short days did mean more Christmas lights which I think are always so pretty so that was cool. We had a wonderful Christmas thank you, hope you enjoyed yours back home in Australia!

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[email protected] link
9/1/2017 07:40:15 am

Love the post! After moving to the UK from Lithuania, where we sometimes get -20, it took me some time to get used to the rainy and, like you say, miserable weather during the festive season :) But in 15 years it became normal :)

This year we celebrated Christmas in Malta and I just couldn't get into the festive spirit, it was too mild and sunny :) We made mulled wine and did other Christmassy things, but it just feel right :)

Charlie has spent his Christmas in Belize and Australia, but I've never had Christmas anywhere hot and wonder what it would be like :)

I think, no matter how much I'd enjoy hot countries, like you, my favourite place to celebrate the festive season would be Europe :)

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FeetDoTravel
15/1/2017 01:00:31 pm

I have to be honest, I still don't think I'm used to the rainy UK weather despite living there all my life lol. I admit that I do find it so much harder to get into the festive spirit in the sunshine, but give me snow and I feel super Christmassey! Mulled wine is lovely isn't it, I would make sure I had as much as I could of that to get me into the festive spirit lol.

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