Festive Frolics in Fuerteventura
I’d previously only spent one Christmas in my lifetime outside the UK, and that was when we were in the middle of our big, life-changing year’s backpacking around the globe nearly twenty years ago. A day spent on the beach in New Zealand, whilst still stuffing our faces with our ex-pat host’s family turkey, was indeed a strange experience, but one of many we had at that time it did not feel that unusual. This was our first holiday we’ve taken specifically over the Xmas period, so wondered how it compared to being at home for the festivities. The choice was one of the Canary Islands, with it’s almost guaranteed sunshine and warmth, and we headed away with three friends to find out.
Firstly, whilst Christmas in Spain is a massive celebration, there was nowhere near the same level of over-the-top decorations, fake snow and endlessly piped ‘Xmas Classics’ blaring over the shop and hotel sound systems as we seem to get in the UK from mid-November. It was quite nice to hear gentle German carols and Spanish choirs playing in the background rather than being blasted by Noddy, Shakey and Cliff every 5 minutes – no offence guys
Naturally, it was warm and sunny. Every day in fact. I’ve only ever experienced one ‘white Christmas’ and generally Christmas Day in the UK is mild and a little drizzly, though sometimes a heavy frost can provide a little some sparkle to the scenery. On the Canarian beaches there is not even a small glimmer of a possible Yuletide snowflake. It will not happen. So, you wake up, exchange pleasantries, and head to the breakfast buffet in shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. And don’t forget the sun cream as the average temperature hit the mid-20’s.
To be fair to the resort we were staying at, all the staff and Animation Team were dressed as Santa’s or elves, wore reindeer antlers and Santa hats, and performed around the beautifully decorated hotel Christmas tree, with perhaps a few extra beads of sweat with the additional layers they were performing in. Even Santa himself paid a visit, handing out gifts to the holidaying children…. but, to be honest, it still did not quite feel like Christmas to me
After our breakfast we stuck to a local tradition back in Devon and headed to the beach for a Christmas Day dip on the ocean. Every year, the good folk of Exmouth gather and shiver on Exmouth Beach in the morning, to leg it in to the freezing English Channel, spend 1-2 minutes screaming ‘Why are we doing this’ to each other, then run as fast as they can back to their family and friends for towels, or perhaps a foil blanket and a warming Bovril. In Fuerteventura we were able to casually stroll down to the warm sand, don our choice of fancy dress this year, then gleefully strolled in to the (actually not so warm) waves. But we stayed in longer, and even went in for another dip. And a glass or two of champagne on the beach was a much better refreshment than a hot beef-based beverage
So, the weather is better, the sea swim warmer but what of the food? After a “Pool Party”, with games and music, and a bit of a sunbathe, we headed to the Gala Dinner in the main restaurant in the early evening. And the hotel did not disappoint. There was the usual buffet, but with delicious Lamb, Beef and turkey of course. Loads of lovely starters and sweets, various cheeses and very tasty wines to wash it all down with. My only gripe would be where were the Brussel sprouts, pigs-in-blankets and Xmas pud? Minor omissions to be honest.
Of course, one of the joys of Christmas is spending time with family and friends, and I must admit I did miss seeing mine, but with the wonders of modern technology, I was able to speak to mum and dad on the phone, send various Text messages to others, and post and read loads of messages and updates on social media. You can take some photos, send them to each other, and they can send some back. You can even talk to everyone ‘face-to-face’ on most phones now. So, the connectivity available today makes that distance feel all the shorter.
Overall, having Christmas abroad in a beach resort is something I would totally recommend trying. It’s warm and sunny, people are all there to enjoy themselves and the resorts really make an effort to make Christmas special. And, if you’re a sports fan like myself, you will always find a bar or restaurant showing the big Boxing Day fixtures. I imagine there will even be somewhere showing the joyful Christmas day EastEnders’ special.
You won’t miss the cold and damp back home, maybe just a spending time with family and friends, but you can always take some of them with you, and all the fun will follow If this blog makes you crave next year’s festivities overseas, whether that’s sunning yourself on the beach, or winter sporting in Europe or further a-field, please just get in touch, and give you and your family an early Christmas present.