Whilst sitting on the deck of a cruise ship, perspiration rolling down my cheeks at 7:00am due to 35 degree heat, I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s an irony to spending Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere.

An epiphany as prolific as Santa bursting forth from the depths of the pool suddenly strikes me: Southerners should make up NEW Christmas carols.  Somehow, it just feels ‘off’ to be listening to Bing Crosby singing ‘Let it Snow’  whilst smothered in sunscreen.  The idea of long johns, fur jackets and gluhwein, unimaginable.santakidpool

If you’ve grown up having Christmases in the sun, there is however still a special sweetness to the idea of hot balmy days, floating in the pool, eating cold turkey with a large pina-colada in hand, long lazy evenings under the stars, aftersun cream painted on Rudolph-like noses and fluorescent tan lines worn as badges of honour.

So in order to start a new tradition here’s my version of what should be playing.

“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to float on a pool donut for the day.”
(switch tunes now)
“Last Christmas I gave you Factor 15 and the very next day you had sunstroke in a big way.
This year to save you from pain, I’ll make sure Factor 50 reigns”.

No wonder we stick to the originals.  Anyhoo moving along…

No matter where you spend your festive season, Christmas is a time of family, friends, relaxation and indulgence.  Take a breath from all the festive panic to stop and savour the moments, and to feel the warmth of those around you.

Wishing you much love, light and sunscreen this festive season.

Tanya xx

2017/12/24

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