Planning to Spend Christmas in Belize? Follow Our Guide for a Picture-Perfect Vacation

December 7, 2021
by denidimchev@webohub.com +

If you’ve decided to skip the drama associated with dashing through the snow to Grandma’s where Uncle Fred drinks too much, the kids eat too much sugar, and unwrapping gifts turns out to be such a free-for-all, you wonder why you spent so much time on the bow, congratulations. You’re as wise as the Magi and twice as likely to cherish every moment if you get out of town to a place filled with sun, fun, and tropical breezes. Belize at Christmas is so laid-back, it could forever change the way you celebrate the season. Make it the journey of a lifetime by following these helpful tips.

1. Shop Belize resorts, hotels, and eco-lodges for a holiday deal that also meets your criteria for Shangri-La. Go posh or go native. Stay on an island. If you’ve wanted to sleep in a treehouse since you were a kid, don’t deny yourself. There are plenty of unique accommodations throughout the nation, one of which will delight you.

2. Take advantage of last-minute flight deals to Belize. Justfly, Kayak, Expedia, Orbitz, Skyscanner, and other consolidators may have exactly the date and price you seek. Visit all these websites to compare deals, stay flexible on dates and you’ll be rewarded big time.

3. Get your quota of vaccines, COVID tests, and take other health precautions so you’re not hung up at airports back home or in Belize. Head here to get the skinny on current rules and regulations.

3. Pack sandals, shorts, swimsuits, and separates. It’s Christmas casual everywhere you go, except for church, of course. Pack essentials, but don’t overpack. Basics include sunscreen, grooming aids, meds, your phone, and items you can’t live without. No need for translation apps since English is Belize’s primary language.

4. If you never miss Christmas Eve Mass back home, wait until you experience the color, pageantry, and beauty of Misa de Gallo rituals that bring meaning and a holy presence to this sacred holiday. Yes, you’ll have to change out of your shorts, but you won’t mind.

5. If staying wet sounds like your idea of heaven, bring extra swimsuits so you always have a fresh one at the ready. Consider your resort host the epicenter of resources. Whether you need diving gear, scuba equipment, a kayak, catamaran, or you want to rent a sailboat, just ask. Ditto guides are eager to show you the majesty of the barrier reef, atolls, and other stunning sites.

6. Passionate about learning about other cultures and their holiday traditions? You’ve arrived at the perfect destination because celebrations held within Garifuna, Creole, British, German Mennonite, Maya, and Mestizo communities will blow you away. Especially if you are fortunate enough to watch Garifuna Jankunu and Charikanari dancers do their thing.

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7. No dieting allowed. Who needs dry turkey, overly glazed hams, and boring sweet potato casseroles when you can feast on soul-satisfying white Relleno soup, roasted pork, and gravy (pibil) and chocolate prepared in so many ways, you’ll never again look at a candy bar, liqueur, and hot cocoa in the same way. Oh, and if you’re offered Rumpopo, say yes. It’s eggnog, Belize style.

8. Get your fill of the past. Hospitable weather and the manageable size of Belize combine to give you access to as many ancient Maya sites as you care to see. From towering cities to newly excavated digs and enough underground chambers to satisfy any part-time sleuth, there are 900 ancient sites sprinkled across the country and if that’s not enough to keep you busy, you can always cross into neighboring Mexico and Guatemala to see more.

9. Leave your travails at home! It’s Christmas and whether you shopped until you dropped before you left home, you decided to write checks this year or you gave everyone an IOU for something special plucked from shop shelves during your Belize holiday, remember the reason for the season isn’t about the amount of money you spend; it’s about the amount of love you give.