Summer Christmas vs. Winter Christmas: How Do You Prefer Your Holidays?

What does Christmas look like in your imagination?

Perhaps you picture snow-covered streets, glowing fireplaces and mugs of hot chocolate held between gloved hands. Or maybe Christmas means sunshine, shopping malls filled with decorations and a festive feast enjoyed in shorts and slippers.

Christmas arrives at very different points in the seasonal calendar depending on where you are. December falls during winter across much of the Northern Hemisphere but during summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Countries near the equator, meanwhile, may experience warm tropical weather throughout the festive season.

These contrasting conditions have produced two very different versions of Christmas. One comes with beaches, barbecues and long sunny days; the other promises winter markets, cosy evenings and at least the possibility of snow.

So, which is better: a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?

The case for a summer Christmas

Image Credit: (L) screengrab from Friends, (R) adamkontor

The most problematic part about a winter Christmas is having to put on so many pieces of clothing. For those who have been to cold places, a day out might mean having to wear your long johns, t-shirts, sweaters and coats. When you reach your warm and cosy home, you spend 10 minutes just trying to take off all these layers of clothing.

A summer Christmas doesn’t require layering. In fact, you even take off the layers you’re wearing once you’re at the beach! All you need is a tank top, shorts and slippers, and you’re ready to conquer a summer Christmas. Oh, and a change of clothes for the beach too!

Image Credit: Johanna Dahlberg

A winter Christmas also means shorter daylight hours. This comes with the freezing weather, which becomes even worse once the sun sets. As the day gets shorter, you will also spend most of Christmas season being cooped up inside your house. With the cold and gloomy weather outside, no person would want to spend their Christmas outside.

Instead of wanting to stay at home, a summer Christmas allows you to go out and enjoy the festivities. Forget turkey dinners, why not have an outdoor barbeque feast instead? Spend time with family and friends playing sports or getting a tan at the beach, followed by a dinner of spare ribs and and ice cold beer.

But let’s not forget the winter Christmas

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Now, that doesn’t mean a winter Christmas is bad. Some people might like cold temperatures and wearing layers of clothing. In fact, the number one reason why a winter Christmas is preferred might be the ability to play in the snow. Which other season would you have the opportunity for snowball fights and making snow angels?

Besides playing in the snow, winter is the season to go on ice. Ice skating rinks become crowded with families and couples, while sledding options are available for the kids. Those of us celebrating a summer christmas will never be able to truly experience these kind of activities. Sure, there are ice rinks and “snow cities” to be found, but it cannot compare to the real thing. That’s why most of us travel in search of authentic things and experiences.

Why not enjoy both kinds of Christmas?

Both Christmas in summer and winter feel completely different from each other, but they still involves lots of celebrations, get-togethers and food. Perhaps if you have the opportunity, you can fly northwards or southwards and enjoy a different kind of Christmas.

No matter a summer or winter Christmas, it’s still the most wonderful time of the year!