A line from the classic French Christmas song to Santa Claus, when translated in English, advises him to bundle up before he leaves (to distribute gifts most probably). However, he would not need to in Mauritius! While in many countries – in France or England for example – Christmas is synonymous with the cold, Mauritius still beams under the tropical summer sun in December. So much so that the island has become a perfect getaway for tourists, especially during this season.
Make the most of promotional offers on stays in hotels
Why not surprise your loved ones with a ticket to Mauritius in order to celebrate Christmas and the end of the year? Indeed, many hotels offer special rates during this festive period. Enjoy the warm Mauritian weather that allows you to practice water-based activities and spend unforgettable holidays with your family on the island.
Festive atmosphere and shopping
The vibe in Mauritius becomes different since the very beginning of December; bliss can be felt everywhere in the streets. The atmosphere of the paradise island becomes different. Children get their gifts request lists ready, even those who do not believe in Santa Claus. Toys and decorative objects of all sorts are displayed in the streets of the capital and in shops. There are crowds of people indulging in shopping everywhere. Happiness prevails over the island.
Fresh Christmas trees are sold in some areas, even if more and more people buy artificial ones, in an attempt to care for the environment. There are decorations and entertainment everywhere throughout the island. Banks, offices, supermarkets, malls bring out Christmas trees, artificial snow, reindeers, and of course, Santa Claus dolls. Someone has even got the amazing idea, this year, to decorate a crane on a construction site near the Phoenix Mall with an inflatable, enormous Santa Claus doll.
Christmas dinner
Just like everywhere else throughout the world, the Christmas meal is a family gathering in Mauritius too. The menu does not always include the dishes and desserts traditionally found in other countries, like the turkey or the famous Christmas Yule log. Grilled spicy seafood, roasted chicken, sausages, ice cream and/or chocolates, are served in Mauritius for the Christmas dinner. Mauritian families do their utmost best in order to spend and make their loved one spend a merry Christmas.
Exchanging gifts
For littles ones and grownups of all religious beliefs, Christmas means gifts. Indeed, even those who are not Catholics exchange presents. This has in fact become a tradition in many workplaces in Mauritius.
Thinking about others
For many Mauritians, Christmas celebrations do not solely equate with buying gifts and making one’s family happy, but also with sharing. Some private radios as well as NGOs on the island collect gifts to offer to deprived kids so that they can celebrate in a proper way too.
How about you change from the traditional white Christmas? At a time when everyone would want some warmth during the chilling winter, why not relax on a Mauritian beach and spend a warm Christmas?