A Traditional But Non-traditional Christmas

I decided to stay in Bermuda this past Christmas. Flights were very expensive, and the weather in Canada is so damn cold. I figured that it would be good to experience at least one Christmas here. Plus, I've never been anywhere warm over the holidays, so being on the beach on the 25th sounded like a novel concept.

Just in case I got 'cold' feet and found a cheap, last minute flight home, I'd booked the 24th off work. However, a friend contacted me to say that she was thinking of coming to visit – which meant that the decision was made, I'd be staying. Having a guest meant that I didn't have time to miss my family, which was a bonus.

Christmas day we went to join the crowds down at Elbow Beach. We made it there around noon after a traditional Swiss breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, lox and capers (my guest was Swiss-German). This is the view we had upon arrival. Lots of people, and lots of Santa hats.



I'd come prepared with some bubbly at a wine tasting earlier that month, so we walked around talking to friends with the bottle in one hand, and a wine glass in the other. After a few hours of this, we headed home for a much-needed nap. Or rather, my friend had a nap while I skyped my family. We opened presents just like I was at home with them.

By then it was time to head over to join some friends at Jill & Alex's place for Christmas dinner. Since Alex is Swiss, they decided to break tradition and serve Swiss cheese fondue instead of turkey. It was absolutely amazing! Dessert was courtesy of Valérie who cooked chocolate molten cakes. Delicious!


After dinner we returned to tradition and played games. When the first game didn't really work out, we resorted to poker. Good old Christmas gambling!