For Christmas, we flew from São Paulo to Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Island’s biggest city. Not that there’s anything special going on there for Christmas, it just happens to be one of our favourite spots in Brazil with dozens of beaches to explore.

We should be there for a little while.

Celebrating Christmas when travelling isn’t easy because a typical Christmas—as depicted in the media anyway—involves a huge gathering, tons of presents and a sumptuous feast in a cozy family home.

We have none of that on the road. Besides, not everybody celebrates Christmas. Feng doesn’t mind it but he didn’t grow up with Santa, and as an atheist, the birth of Jesus and all is lost on me. As for Mark, he invariably gets his presents before our trips and he finishes his Advent Calendar (… if there’s any chocolate left!) when he comes home in January.

We’re travellers. We’re flexible and we’re happy to make the most of what’s available wherever we are—here it’s sunshine, hot weather, lovely Christmas decorations and delicious seafood.

We spent December 23 at Praia de Canasvieiras, then Christmas Eve at Praia de Moçambique.

We bought shrimp (Feng’s favourite) and fish (mine) at the market and we cooked a nice dinner. Mark got a football and a new bodyboard I immediately stole from him.

Not bad so far, I’m quite happy with our Brazilian Christmas!