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Christmas 2009 must have been my most surreal festive season as I spent it cruising around the Caribbean with family and family friends. The day itself was spent kayaking to a secluded bay on Saint Lucia with my best friend. There were some definite moments where I paused to think 'hang about, it's Christmas Day, what am I doing here?' but this was overthrown by much shouting at each other over which oar to use and ultimately paddling around in a circle. Although I love the Christmas markets, festive gift shopping and Starbucks eggnog specials that come with the season I've realised that it is the build up to Christmas that I actually enjoy. The day itself always seems to be something of an anticlimax, especially as I've gotten older and Christmas has lost the magical sparkle it once held for me, and I have no younger siblings to maintain the excitement. Thinking back to what I know I would be doing at home (most probably watching the Eastenders Christmas special and tirelessly trying to teach my Grandma how to use her new Nintendo DS), sunbathing on a sunny beach has no comparison.
Finally when we figured out how to paddle in a straight line and reached the bay we got chatted up by an American boy boasting about sneaking in vodka to the Kid's club that evening for a party. However, we politely declined what I imagine must have been a crazy night and spent the evening enjoying a slap-up roast dinner dressed in the finest attire we could manage. I find it hard to believe that anyone enjoys peeling dozens of potatoes and trying to stir the lumps out of gravy so having a meal cooked for you is a definite bonus. Also as much as I like to believe I help, it is so much nicer to see my mum happy and unstressed rather than slaving over a hob and making sure potatoes have the perfect crispy-skin-to-inner-fluffiness ratio. However stuffing your face with pigs in blankets is even more of a guilty pleasure considering the bikini I had to wear the next day instead of the festive jumper I would be rocking back at home.
Of course I know I'm lucky to be able to experience such an extravagant Christmas but I would encourage everyone to try at least one alternative Christmas to staying at home. I know people who have never set foot outside of their living room and seem to forget that anything still exists outside of their front door on that day. However, I think spending Christmas away allows you to put the day into perspective. There is no space in the suitcase for presents, no need to deck your home like Santa's grotto or prepare a meal that Heston would be proud of. Instead of getting caught up in Christmas pedantry, you can just enjoy the day with those around you and if that involves swimming with sting rays, getting obscenely burnt and coming over all Titanic on the bow of a boat like mine did, then more power to you!
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