Uncommonly Coastal

Savoring Love by the Sea: Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner

As you know, a Valentine’s Day dinner can be the perfect way to express your feelings. Why not celebrate the occasion of love with an intimate romantic meal for two? Entice your taste buds by setting the mood for an unforgettable evening.

Every year, I start the search for ideas about Valentine’s Day and eagerly look for new ways to include creativity and meaning. Ultimately, there is a special joy in discovering innovative ways to turn this day into a fun celebration. Following, here are FIVE WAYS ways that you can take your celebration to the next level and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Thankfully, we’ve also included some wonderful recipes at the end too. 🙂 

Comfort Food from the Coast: Warm and Wonderful Wintery Soups

As winter settles in with its chilly winds and gloomy skies, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of coastal-inspired wintery soup to lift your spirits and transport you to sun-kissed shores. Embracing the flavors of the sea, these comforting soup recipes not only provide a delicious escape from the winter blues but also bring a taste of coastal serenity to your dining table. Join us on a culinary journey that blends the coziness of winter with the freshness of the coast. This collection of soul-warming soup recipes promise to brighten even the coldest of days.

Christmas in Spain: This Is One For the Books

Christmas in Spain is a time of vibrant celebrations, where centuries-old customs blend with modern festivities, creating a tapestry of holiday spirit. The occasion captivates both locals and visitors alike. Today we embark on a journey and see that Spain is a country full of unique rituals – and some may actually shock you. From their December Fool’s Day to El Gordo and more, Spanish Christmas traditions are more unique than you might think!  We’ll explore their timeless rituals, delectable culinary delights, and the undeniable spirit of togetherness which characterize Christmas in Spain as simply enchanting.

Christmas in Germany Spreads Wonderful Traditions Throughout the World

The air is crisp and the scent of cinnamon and cloves fill the streets as Germany transforms into a winter wonderland in preparation for the most enchanting time of the year – Christmas. Steeped in rich history and cultural significance, Christmas in Germany is a tapestry of unique and time honored traditions which have been cherished for centuries. From the Advent calendars counting down the days to the heavenly aroma of fresh-baked Stollen, these timeless rituals bring families together for creating memories. Join us on our journey through the heart of Christmas in Germany. We think you’ll recognize quite a few of their favorite customs…

Down Under Delights: Unwrapping the Magic of Christmas in Australia

As the Southern Hemisphere embraces the warmth of December, Australia undergoes a unique transformation. It’s not just a celebration, it is an invitation to experience the holiday season in a way that is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself. The customs are a curious mix of cherished global customs and homegrown traditions which make Christmas in Australia truly exceptional. Join us as we unwrap the delightful tapestry of Christmas traditions Down Under.

Embracing the Rich Tapestry of Swedish Christmas Traditions

Swedish Christmas traditions embrace both the past and present. They combine old and new, reflecting a mix of history and innovation.  It’s not just a celebration, but a blend of time-honored customs along with added contemporary elements.  Each coastal community adds its unique flavor to the festive season.

Join us on a sleigh ride through the enchanting world of Sweden, where the traditions creating a holiday collage are both familiar and refreshingly distinct. Against the backdrop of the winter wonderland, the customs are a blend of traditional Scandinavian ones, foreign influences, local festivities, and the commercialized modern age. 

Navidad en la Playa: Christmas in Beautiful Venezuela

Beyond the palm-fringed shores and beneath the bluest skies, Christmas in the coastal paradise of Venezuela is a captivating blend of long standing customs, culinary delights, and lively music. Join us as we explore the Christmas traditions that grace the shores, where the warmth of the season is not just felt in the sun, but also in the hearts of its people.

Barbados Tropical Christmas:Unwrapping Joy in the Caribbean Sun

The small package appeared mysteriously under the Christmas tree.  It’s gift-wrapped differently than the other presents, and it’s topped with a velvet red bow tied by hand with a tiny tag.  The message reads:  Open me first!  You can’t believe your eyes- Two tickets to paradise!  You’re going on American Airlines for a Barbados Tropical Christmas!

13 Yule Lads and Northern Lights: Wonderful Christmas in Iceland

Christmas in Iceland is the most wonderful time of year.  In December, the conditions are excellent for viewing the Northern Lights, one of the world’s most spectular sights to behold.  There’s Jólabókaflóð, Þorláksmessa, Aðfangadagur, and numerous other cherished customs to enjoy!

However, there are a few traditions which are exciting in a slightly different way.  For example, there are human-eating ogres and a Christmas Cat that has been known to kidnap and eat children during this time of year.  And be advised, seals take on human form during the holidays!

Konnichiwa! Christmas in Japan is AMAZING!

Christmas in Japan?  Absolutely!  Some of these may totally surprise you, but we want to share several great reasons why this trip could be your new holiday tradition!

What makes it so special? Christmas in Japan has been evolving over the past years to include more and more of Western holiday customs, yet is able to still maintain their own culture throughout the season.