Christmas in...

So there was this family I knew growing up who, instead of buying their kids Nintendos and such, spent every Christmas travelling somewhere exotic. And each year their obligatory Christmas card photo was a photo of them on last year's trip. I always that that was the coolest. In fact, I anticipate that I will go home in a few weeks and search my parent's Christmas card basket (yes, there is such a thing) to see if they've continued the tradition this year (harder when there are grandchildren and such). I rather hope they do. So, with that thought in mind, here are some thoughts as to where I would spend the holidays, were I ever able to convince my family to do so.

Brazil. Seems odd, I know, but there's some logic here. First thought: it's cold as heck and somewhere warm would be spot on. Brazil is warm. Second thought: it'd be kinda nice to go somewhere where Christmas is celebrated so you don't feel totally alienated. The Brazilians do the Christian holidays (see, e.g., Carnevale). I think it makes sense. Were I to do this, I think the way to do it would be Rio over Christmas itself, then to the beaches in Bahia for some lazing and eating of fresh fish. And there's apparently a pretty cool local festival on New Year's Eve in Salvador, complete with a midnight dive into the waves. Plus, I really, really keep meaning to go to South America and it just hasn't happened yet.

The Philippines. Not only is this a shoutout to the Tothanos, currently following this plan, but Manila is the only place in the world I've ever spent Christmas other than scenic Cleveland. And it was pretty cool - midnight mass in the streets was definitely one for the ages, plus I kind of dig parol - the stars that are traditional holiday decorations there. Plus, another opportunity for post-holiday beaching at one of oodles of spectacular beaches. Okay, okay, I'll link to the place I'm dying to go again - this private island. But I'd settle for Palawan. Who am I kidding? I'd settle for Fort Meyers right now.

Arosa, Switzerland. Skiing is obvious, admittedly, but a place like this would allow for full on skiwear plus enough of a scene to keep the nonskiiers among us entertained. And swank hotels. And raclette (potatoes and cheese - how can you go wrong?).

Edinburgh. A bit random, admittedly, but I feel like if you're going to do the tartan-wearing British Isles version of the holiday, this would be prime territory. I have visions of holing up in a castle, pheasant on the table, scotch in the library after dinner.

Vienna. The germanic bits of Europe have never really grasped my attention, but there's something appealing, in a gingerbread house, cinderella way about Christmas in Vienna. They have the whole Christmas Market thing going on. Plus the Vienna Philharmonic. Plus you can bring your gown and stay for the Imperial Ball for New Year's. I'd go all out and stay in a palace.

Rome. Seriously, must this even be explained? Home of the pope. Food and wine that can't be beat. Cute streets for wandering with your muffler on. Plenty of apartments to rent for sipping mulled wine and reading. Plenty of restaurants with hearty fare to indulge in when you feel like venturing outside. Plus, you could spend a whole day stopping in for an espresso to warm up.