Merry Christmas from Us (And a Look at How the World Celebrates)

Christmas Eve is officially here. Our suitcases are unpacked (for now!), hopefully your out-of-office reply is on, and the holiday magic is officially in the air.

We know this is a busy time of year, so we are keeping this short. We just wanted to pop in to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Looking back on the craziness of 2025, we are filled with so much gratitude. Whether we helped you plan a honeymoon, a family reunion, or a solo escape, being a small part of your memories is the best gift we could ask for. We have enjoyed every moment spent talking to you, planning for you, and reminiscing on your travel experience with you!

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How the World Celebrates Christmas

Brittany and her bestie celebrating Christmas in Taiwan!

While we are getting ready to decorate sugar cookies, open presents, and eat all of the apple pie, we love looking at how different cultures celebrate this season. When I lived in South Korea, I learned that Christmas there was a date night, with couples treating it almost like Valentine's Day, and children getting just one or two simple presents. I was also able to spend Christmas in Taiwan one year, where people spent the day shopping, taking pictures at Christmas light displays, and eating delicious food. Learning about the celebration of Christmas around the world reminds us that it is a big, beautiful, and wonderfully unique place.

While we haven't experienced these ones, here are three of our favorite holiday traditions from around the globe:

1. Japan's "Kentucky for Christmas": In Japan, Christmas isn't complete without... Colonel Sanders? Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, eating KFC is now a national Christmas tradition. Families place orders weeks in advance just to get their holiday bucket of fried chicken! Some families add a delicious cake as well. Fried chicken and cake for Christmas...sign me up!!

2. Australia's Beach Day: While we sing about a "White Christmas" here in the US, Christmas in Australia takes place in the middle of the summer season. This means that Australians often switch the roast turkey or ham for a seafood feast and the pie for pavlova (I hate pie, so I approve!). They also tend to spend the day in the pool or at the beach, enjoying the warm weather. What a tradition!!

3. Ukraine's Lucky Spiders: If you see a spider web on a Christmas tree in Ukraine, don't panic and don't remove it! Based on an old folklore legend, decorating the tree with spider web ornaments is considered a sign of good luck and fortune for the coming year.

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From Our Family to Yours

However you are celebrating this holiday season—whether you are eating turkey, fried chicken, or just stealing a quiet moment with a cup of cocoa—we hope your day is filled with laughter, peace, and the people you love.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey this year. We have some amazing things planned for 2026, and we can’t wait to explore the world with you in the New Year.

Merry Christmas!

With love, Brittany & Shana

The Serenity & Bliss Team