If you imagine a traditional Christmas, you'll conjure up images of roaring log fires, icy cold weather and steaming mulled wine. There are however, some people whose Christmas is quite the opposite. They get to spend Christmas on a sandy beach, sipping cold margaritas and laying under sunny blue skies. So what’s it like spending Christmas in the the Caribbean vs. the typical winter wonderland we see in the movies?
It's Christmas bikinis instead of jumpers
The weather outside is delightful, and the idea of a log fire is frightful! There’s no place for a wooly jumper in 30 degree heat but that doesn’t mean you’re absolved of dressing up! In the Caribbean, it's all about grabbing a festive T-shirt, a Santa hat and some Christmas-coloured swimwear to get into the spirit.
Christmas decor is way cooler
Twinkling lights wrapped around a palm tree just look better. On an island where almost everything is imported, trees are shipped in which means that if you don’t snap one up quickly you'll miss out. This spices things up a bit and you'll find Christmas just about everywhere you look.
We don’t have to dream of a white Christmas.
White sand is just as good as snow!
Turkey isn’t the only thing you’ll eat
With so many different cultures sharing one small island, Christmas is a great time to try new food and delicacies from other nations and learn about traditions different from your own. Sorrel, stew beef and casava cake are a few of the truly Caymanian dishes you have to try! If cooking’s not your thing you can dine out at one of the incredible brunches at some of the best restaurants across the island.
Gifting requires creativity
Unless you’re incredibly organised and shop off-island ahead of time, you’ll have to explore the boutiques around George Town, Camana Bay and along the Seven Mile Strip. There are no high-street chains in Cayman, but there’s an increasing number of unique stores selling gifts including crafts made by local artists - or you can make your own.
Your friends are your family
For expats, being away from family is tough, but when all of your friends live less than a 5 minute drive away, there’s never a more important time to be close with your “Cayman family” than at Christmas.
Santa doesn’t always come on his sleigh
Luckily the big man in a red suit is a resourceful chap so he’s found other means of transport to make it to the islands.
