Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy Christmas in Barbados. ‘Is it strange to be somewhere hot over Christmas?’ is a question I'm often asked and my answer is resolute, ‘No, it’s absolutely amazing!'. Just imagine Christmas on the beach or relaxing around the pool sipping a rum punch, eagerly anticipating a sumptuous Christmas dinner to the background of the Caribbean Sea lapping at the shores. Not to mention the boost that some natural Vitamin D brings before the dark January winter days ahead.
And of course, Santa still comes to Barbados, be it four hours after his deliveries to children throughout the UK. You’ll often see him having some well-deserved ‘me time’ on Christmas Day, jet skiing down the West Coast and waving to the excited children along the beach! He’ll even pay a little visit to many of the hotels throughout the day.
If you’re in any doubt whether you'll feel ‘Christmassy’ in Barbados, the Bajans LOVE Christmas and celebrate the occasion gloriously, and those that have visited Barbados in early November will know that the radio stations start playing non-stop festive tunes even then. Of course, this ramps up spectacularly in December when the hotels magnificently decorate their properties with an array of lights, and not to be outdone, you will see many a local chattel house decorated in their festive glory too.
As for the big day itself, locals will visit church as early as 5 a.m., and whilst the early start might not appeal to visitors, many churches open their doors for midnight services on Christmas Eve. As the day progresses, most hotels and restaurants will serve a spectacular Christmas dinner in the evening, and whilst turkey with all the trimmings might not be on the cards, a glass (or two!) of champagne followed by lobster or steak most certainly is!
