3 Soulful, Salty Ways Beach Towns  Redefine Christmas

This post highlights three ways beach towns in warmer climates celebrate Christmas with coastal charm and soulful traditions.

My friend Jules just loooove Christmas and the atmosphere it brings

She is one of those persons who binge-watch the Hallmark Christmas movies in July series. Yes, it’s that serious.

Living in a beach town in the tropics, we attend any public Christmas celebratory event. Why?

Christmas has a vibe its own. Doesn’t it?

Like Jules, I’ll be biased and say it’s especially true if you live in a warm climate.

Because in a tropical beach town, the beach isn’t just scenery—it’s an integral part of everything you do. And I mean everything. Regardless of the time of year.

The weather.

The environment.

The beach culture.

All of them shape and eventually infiltrate your daily life. And before you realize it, those same elements quietly redefine what Christmas looks and feels like in that beach area.

If you are a ‘snowbird,’ a term which refers to a seasonal winter visitor, or you recently moved there, you may find it almost impossible to keep clinging to your familiar.

Whether you are there for a getaway, chasing warmth, or purely for the fun, food and f... (keep it clean)😄

Try as you may, you will be gently bombarded by the addictive aura of the beach lifestyle.

It silently creeps up on you.

Like the margaritas being sipped by the flirty young lady sitting at the bar… who suddenly realizes standing up might require a strategy.

A blend of traditions and cultures enveloping you — carried by salty sea air, warm weather, and a lively, open environment.

So how do coastal towns redefine Christmas?

Simply

1.Learn to accept the dictates of the environment

It’s easy to forget that beaches can be found in all climates.

Beach tourism features fancy getaways. Ads focus primarily on sun, warmth, and endless summer. And Christmas may look the same too.

That's certainly not the case everywhere.

Christmas looks different in wintry areas. The entire ground, including the beach, may be covered with snow. You may experience extreme temperature such as blizzards and winter storms.

I have childhood memories of my family receiving Christmas postcards. Pictures of houses with snow-covered triangular roofs. They seemed quite exquisite and intriguing.

Through the window, you could see a little bird sitting on a branch of a leafless tree.

The entire ground was covered in snow, with glistening snowflakes slowly descending. An invitation to something unknown and surreal.

But I couldn’t imagine the freezing cold that radiated from that beauty.

I only understood it when I experienced it.

Christmas in warm coastal towns doesn’t look that way.

The picturesque beach postcard of summer, sun, sand, sea still stands as our foundation and our reality all year round.

There’s no change in the greenery of the flora and fauna. The palm trees do not lose their leaves.

They are actually wrapped with colorful Christmas lights as part of the decorated landscape.

Of course, every now and then, there's a drop in temperature, which reminds us that it's winter. The discomfort, however, is short-lived and lingers only a few days.

No. There is no expectation of any lasting phenomenon, so no major preparation is needed.

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And yet, the meaning of the season is still rooted and evident.

The beach becomes an even tranquil place of meditation, introspection, and reflection.

This is especially important as people evaluate the past year and make resolutions for the new year.

Want to know how else beach towns redefine Christmas?

2.Create and participate in relatable activities

Guess what?

You can plan to hold all your activities outdoors.

Yep, Christmas time is not associated with any repetitive meteorological occurrence such as storms or hurricanes. However, there is always a plan in case it rains.

Your balconies, rooftops, gazebos, lake or seafront areas are all primary areas of utilization, in this season of endless parties and celebration.

You can still engage in seaside activities such as swimming, fishing, water skiing, boating whatever you wish to do. You may sunbathe and even get a tan.

And walk the beach!

As an avid beach walker, any day, time or season is an ideal time to do so.

And it is advisable to have a picture-taking device. You never know what interesting, unique sights you may encounter.

Recently, on a walk in West Palm Beach, Florida, I discovered a ‘sand’ tree.

​Sounds interesting, right?

​A giant Christmas tree carved out of sand. Various sea creatures were also engraved around the base. The tree was decorated with colorful lights. At night, it was the center of a spectacular light show synchronized with music.

​In addition, there were other sand sculptures engraved with other sea creatures engaged in playful activities.

And a large sandbox as the play area for the children.

​Another unique find on my Christmas beach walk was a ‘snowman’ made of sand. Standing formidable like a statue in a park or a soldier in a parade. He was holding on to his anchor.

Posted at one of the beach entrances, smiling invitingly like a welcome host.



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Yes, it's sunny. (smile) I know. It's a night pic

Isn’t it what we gloat about?

And I’m so excited to be outside. The intensity of the heat, in summer, can be quite challenging to endure.

But now,

How can you not talk about the lovely weather? A way to start the conversation.

Everyone does, because you will feel like you skipped seasons. Spring in winter.

The weather is the connector. To meet people and be authentic.

There’s no way you’ll feel the same after the interaction with your ‘holiday families’ and new friends.

​So now that you have found a new tribe, it's time to enjoy the events.

Did you know that many towns have an annual boat parade?

A myriad of boats of all sizes illuminated with a kaleidoscope of colorful lights and seasonal decorations. Large expensive yachts, catamarans, small boats and even dinghies are included in the procession.

Some beach towns also hold seaside events such as boat races and even onshore events for fisherfolk.

By the way, have you forgotten about fireworks?

It is deemed safer to set off the display over large bodies of water.

Wait, wait! The most anticipated event of the season.

The crossing over from one year to the next

Coastal cities have their own version of ‘ball’ drops at midnight.

I’ve heard of an anchor and an orange as the object of replacement for the ball in Florida.

A winter game?

Rare! In a warm area?

How about Ice-skating?

What are your chances of finding an ice-skating rink?

Welll...

Sometimes, a temporary one is created to facilitate an ice hockey game.

And there are parents who would like their children to experience sliding down a snowy mountain.

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Well, recently a city created a temporary replica for a few hours. Until the ice melted and it turned to slush. You could see the happiness on the faces of the little ones.

So you see, just ask.

By the way, the circus is here. Along with outdoor fairs, there’s no shortage of fun for children. Simply being outdoors is a welcoming option for parents.

I have to reiterate the benefits and joy of simply taking a walk. The beach, the boardwalk, the shops. To watch, engage in games, or just walk.

No, I know you may not be able to participate, but you can engage from the sideline.

​You become immersed in the saltiness.

3. Incline your appetite to a variety of seasonal dishes

How we celebrate is rooted in our own traditions. Think about it. Our food choices and how we prepare them. You cannot begin to truly celebrate without food.

So if you are a foodie, it's okay. This is the time everyone indulges.

There are some foods that are prepared specially at this time of year. For example, eggnog is a drink that is more consumed around Christmas time. Sorrel is my Christmas drink.
Of course, seafood is always available and abundant. Duh!

Balconies and boardwalks become dining areas - and not just areas for hanging out. Actually, many friendships are cemented over a good meal.

We still engage in end-of-year parties, Christmas parties, and staff parties, which are common at this time of year. And, restaurants and party venues do vibrant business.

Similarly, high fashion is evident in the ball dresses worn to these parties.

New traditions are formed out of the blending of different religions, cultures, and backgrounds.

And yet, the beach remains open to everyone.

People dress comfortably. Summer--wear all year-round.

Mind you, the slightest dip in temperature and visitors laugh about locals dressed in winter wear. But the mood remains light.

Warmth is more than weather. It becomes a feeling, soulful.

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Christmas is rooted in families, friendship, warmth, sharing, stories, memories, camaraderie and the meaning. Redefining means salty and soulful.

You never know what you’ll see, encounter, or who you’ll meet during a routine beach walk.

Sandman, sand tree, parades, tree lighting, impromptu conversations.

The saltiness in the air, beautiful sunshine and sunsets somehow still manage to warm your heart.

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