Christmas time is when destinations become competitive. Cities step forward with their most elaborate sparking lights, ice rinks grow in size by the year and shops puff out their most dazzling feathers. The ultimate question however remains: Is Christmas season best in the northern or southern hemisphere? As with most things in life, there are two sides to the story.
Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere
A cold, wintery and possibly white Christmas allows you to cozily practice hygge at home. For those unfamiliar with the trendy term, hygge refers to the art of being homely and snug. It’s all about lighting plenty of candles, embracing fluffy throws and nursing cups of hot chocolate. The ultimate display of hygge is hauling in a fresh Christmas tree to make your house smell the part.
Christmas is the ultimate excuse to turn your house into a warm oasis. It’s not however only about staying in, there’s plenty to do outside and northerners are surprisingly proactive in getting out there. In Europe and the UK there are Christmas markets galore. Here you can feast on roasted chestnuts, sizzling bratwurst and waffles drenched in warm chocolate. For the energetic readers out there, there are plenty of active things to do too. From Montreal to London, you’ll find countless ice-rinks on which you can put your skills to the test and if skiing is your thing, the northern hemisphere is where you need to be. A walk through the streets of London (or Kew Gardens) is a magical journey of sparkling lights. Festive season in the northern hemisphere embodies the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere
Those in the southern hemisphere scoff at their brothers and sisters in the north. Of course Christmas is better enjoyed under a summer sun! Shops turn equally festive with decorations and gift ideas and Christmas parties start as early as November. There is of course less focus on creating the warm and cozy home environment. Instead family members and friends may spend the morning of the 25th soaking up a few rays on the beach or playing a game of beach bats.
Traditional Christmas recipes are firm favourites, but you may find a pot of mussels or a homegrown salad thrown in between. Your Christmas party is also likely to work its way into the garden, as the day turns into a balmy evening.
The question remains, which is best? Tell us what you think.
(Photo Credits: Pixabay, except photo of three women)
They are both fantastic! And so many of us are lucky to have experienced both.
But my preference is 80% sun, 20% winter. Winter should always involve mulled wine, skiing, Christmas markets and winter festivities 🙂