Christmas is a global celebration that transcends location, age and even religion. All kinds of people in all kinds of places celebrate Christmas in their own way around the world.
It is a wonderful time of the year and a perfect time to share with your loved ones, family and friends on holiday. Whether it is a relaxing break, a special gathering or experiencing new cultures there is something for everyone from the warm tropics, to frosty Europe or a voyage to the ends of the earth cruising to the Antarctic Peninsula; there is an abundance of choices.
The holiday season can be a wonderful time for a city visit when the streets sparkle the brightest and brim with lively shopping and festivities. Beginning in mid to late November, many cities are transformed into festive holiday destinations with special decorations, events and traditions. In Scandinavia, it’s all about snow, reindeer and cosy fireplace hearths. In Australia, Christmas means backyard barbecues, cricket in the park and trips to the beach.
Thanks to countless movies, New York City is renowned for its festive season spirit and an array of fabulousness – the world’s tallest Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre, ice skating at Central Park’s Wollman Rink and the best window displays in the gorgeous 5th Avenue shops.
When the commercialisation of Christmas starts to overwhelm you and you’re looking to reconnect with the traditional spirit of the holiday, a trip to Bethlehem will remind you of the real meaning of Christmas. Every year, thousands of locals and foreigners make the pilgrimage to Bethlehem to gather in Manger Square, where Midnight Mass is held at the Church of the Nativity on Christmas Eve. There’s quite a lot to see and do around Bethlehem over the Christmas period
It can be an exciting adventure to travel somewhere new during the holiday season, so ask yourself: if you could go anywhere in the world to celebrate Christmas, where would it be?
Late next year Rebecca will be escorting a small group for a Christmastime luxury European river cruise. The tour will depart Coffs Harbour in late November and will have everyone home in time for Christmas – with armfuls of beautiful gifts from the Christmas markets!
Wishing all my readers a wonderful and safe Christmas, see you in 2019!
