Merry Christmas everyone!

Our first Christmas Day in Cyprus is drawing to a close – and what a great day it’s been.

It began like a typical British Christmas; cold and drizzly. But Cyprus is rarely miserable for long. By mid-morning the sun was shining and we were enjoying one of the driest days of the week. Perfect timing because we were about to spend our Christmas morning on the beach with all our lovely neighbours.

I’d heard talk of a traditional Christmas swim in the sea, but I was having none of it. Dressed in two jumpers, a woolly hat, Uggs, furry-lined Christmas socks and sunglasses, I headed to the beach with Matt and Goobie. When we got there I saw that most of my neighbours were either in the sea or preparing to go in. Perhaps it was good old-fashioned peer pressure or the 4% Bucks Fizz that had gone to my head (gasp), but I decided to join them.

I’d been told the best way was to just get yourself in the sea asap. No faffing around testing the water temperature. Donning a wet suit (cheating apparently) I sort of just ran at the sea, losing a sea shoe on the way. It wasn’t particularly elegant, but I felt assured that, once in, it would be fine.

Once in, it was freezing. And it continued to be freezing. Until my body went numb. Then it was FANTASTIC. It was actually very invigorating (or was that the 4% Bucks Fizz?). And I had to remind myself that apparently winter sea in Cyprus is still warmer than summer sea in Britain.

I’m in the sea on Christmas Day! I’m in the sea on Christmas Day! 

But mulled wine was calling in a Thermos flask bought especially for the occasion (yes, really). I ran out of the sea and into a fluffy towel that Matt was holding, then headed for a bonfire built in a portable barbeque. A cup of hot mulled wine was put in my hands and I drank it while I chatted with my neighbours – warmed by the fire and by good neighbourly cheer.

After a couple more glasses of wine, we all headed back to our respective homes to enjoy our individual family Christmases. It was a surreal way to spend Christmas morning. And I loved it.