Uncommonly Coastal

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. 

Christmas in Greece:Celebrating in the Heart of the Mediterranean

Christmas in Greece is not just a holiday but a magical celebration steeped in rich traditions and cultural heritage. From the twinkling lights adorning picturesque villages to the tantalizing aroma of traditional Greek delicacies wafting through the air, Christmas in Greece is a time-honored affair that seamlessly weaves together ancient rituals and modern festivities.

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.

Fabulous DIY Gifts for Those You Love at Christmas

Is money a bit tight this year?  Relax!  We will show you how to head into the holidays stress-free!  Here are 15 unique DIY gifts that even the most difficult-to-please person on your list will LOVE!

EASY + UNIQUE = DIY GIFTS

Turkey Talk: All You Need to Know about Thanksgiving Trivia

I love Turkey Talk and Trivia! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year – and we celebrate big at our house.  Thankfully, an entire day dedicated to eating and family time make the perfect holiday.  In our home, we start the day with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, then gather around the table to roll out lots of sausage cheese balls, a family tradition.  Then, we enjoy a casual lunch of the best ham and Swiss sliders, while continuing to prep for dinner. Everyone gathers in the kitchen to help – and I love the big family chaos that ensues.

Call of the Ocean – Vacation Time

Sometimes I just NEED the beach.

Seeing the coast relaxes my mind and heals my soul. There’s just something about it – something calming about the ocean.

In our area, most people we know go to the same beach – Destin, Orange, Rosemary – somewhere around the corridor of 30A. Many of our friends are drawn back to the same place year after year – and it becomes a tradition and a way to connect with extended family and friends.

I grew up going to those same beaches, in the summers and around Easter. We enjoyed it and made cherished memories with our family. As a college student, we visited Florida beaches and had a great time with friends.