Top 5 Reasons to Spend Christmas in the Sun

Not everyone dreams of a white Christmas. For some, the idea of trading frosty mornings for golden beaches, heavy jumpers for sundresses, and roast dinners for fresh seafood feels like the perfect festive upgrade. If you’ve ever wondered whether a warm-weather holiday is for you, here are the top 5 reasons to spend Christmas in the sun.

1. Escape the Winter Blues

By December, many of us are craving sunshine. Short days and cold mornings can make the festive season feel a little grey. Choosing a Christmas winter sun destination is the ultimate pick-me-up.

Imagine starting Christmas Day with a swim in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, or sipping coffee on a sunny terrace in Tenerife instead of scraping ice off the car. Sunshine has a way of lifting spirits, and spending Christmas in the sun can feel like a gift to your wellbeing.

2. Make Christmas Feel Extra Special

Because it’s so different to what we’re used to, a warm-weather Christmas feels unforgettable. Instead of the same old traditions, you’ll create new ones: barbecues on the beach, rooftop dinners under the stars, or desert safaris as the sun sets.

A trip like this doesn’t replace Christmas, it reinvents it. Whether it’s Dubai’s glittering skyline, Mexico’s cenote swims, or festive lights strung through palm trees in the Canary Islands, these are the kinds of memories that stand out for years to come.

3. Swap Presents for Experiences

One of the best parts of a December beach holiday is shifting the focus from gifts to moments. Instead of buying more “things,” you’re giving yourself (and your loved ones) shared experiences.

Snorkelling among coral reefs in the Caribbean, exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico, or watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand , these are the presents you can’t wrap, but they’re the ones you’ll always remember.

And if you do want a keepsake to capture those moments, something small but meaningful makes all the difference. A Journeys Made travel keyring, with engraved tokens for each destination, is a beautiful way to carry your memories of Christmas in the sun with you long after the trip is over. It’s a reminder of the places that mean the most.

4. Celebrate Without the Stress

Let’s be honest: Christmas at home can be stressful. Cooking, cleaning, hosting, shopping… the list goes on. Spending Christmas in the sun takes all that pressure away.

Hotels and resorts often put on festive feasts (sometimes with local twists, like seafood barbecues or exotic desserts), so you can still enjoy a Christmas meal without the washing up. Markets and malls in places like Dubai and Mexico also embrace festive decorations, so you won’t miss out on the sparkle. All you need to do is relax and soak it up.

5. Start the New Year Refreshed

A warm-weather Christmas isn’t just about the holiday itself, it’s about how you feel afterwards. Instead of trudging into January tired from endless to-do lists, you’ll return energised, tanned and full of new memories.

There’s something powerful about starting a new year having just climbed a volcano in the Canary Islands, swum in Caribbean waters, or wandered colourful Mexican towns. It sets the tone for the months ahead: adventurous, inspired, and open to new experiences.

Final Thoughts

Spending Christmas in the sun isn’t for everyone, but for many it’s the ultimate festive treat. It’s about swapping stress for sunsets, routine for adventure, and cold days for the warmth of new traditions.

Whether you choose the Canary Islands, Dubai, the Caribbean or Mexico, these December beach holidays remind you that Christmas can be celebrated in more ways than one. And when the sun has set and the decorations are packed away, carrying those memories with you is priceless.

That’s why a Journeys Made travel keyring makes such a thoughtful Christmas gift, a way to keep every festive adventure close, whether it’s Christmas markets at home or sunshine escapes abroad.

Back to blog
Stylish travel keyring with leather strap, perfect for holding your keys while taking memorable travel photos.

Collect & cherish your travels

Our Journeys Made leather travel keyrings are the perfect way to keep all your travel memories together. Collect a token for each destination you've been to and you've got an ever-lasting reminder of all the adventures and memories you've made along the way.

Shop Now