12 nautical tips for a Merry Maritime Christmas!

Feeling nostalgic for sailing during the colder months?  Here's how to infuse your Christmas with as much sailing spirit as possible. From tips on gifts for the skipper in your life, nautical traditions and customs, and a variety of holiday activities that bring the essence of the ocean to your celebrations.

Break away from the usual stars, comets, and tree motifs. Embrace a sailor's theme in your holiday decorations. Consider adorning your space with glowing boats, rudders, and anchors. Alternatively, drape lights over a model sailboat on your shelf. This approach keeps the holiday spirit alive while adding a touch of maritime charm to your home.

For seasoned sailors, a splash of alcohol is often the preferred choice at sea. This holiday season, why not enjoy a classic sailor's drink - tea enriched with a hearty dose of rum. Indulge in this warm, spirited blend without worrying about navigating the boat in port. Raise your cup and toast to the festive season, sailor-style! Cheers!

Have you not yet earned the title of 'Captain'? Consider enrolling in a captain's course. There are many options available, so ensure you select the right one for your future travels. Each country has its own rules for accepting captain's licenses. 

Tired of the same old bells, hearts, and snowflake candy cutouts? This year, dive into a sea-themed twist for your gingerbread creations. Look for cookie cutters shaped like boats, rudders, or even fish from specialty stores or online. Decorating your gingerbread houses and cookies will become a delightful oceanic adventure, with an array of boats and fish, reminiscent of the sea's wonders.

This Christmas, trade the traditional festive jumper featuring reindeer or Santa Claus for a more nautical ensemble. Opt for a striped t-shirt, embodying the classic sailor look, or get playful with your socks – wear one red and one green to mimic the navigation lights of a ship (just remember to keep the correct sides!). You might be pleasantly surprised at how well these red and green socks complement your Christmas tree's colour scheme.

If you've had your fill of watching Christmas classics every year, why not add some sailing-themed movies to your holiday watch list. For recommendations, take a look at our list of the best sailing films of all time.

Break from the routine of "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," or "White Christmas," this year and introduce some sea-themed songs into your holiday repertoire. Singing about the sea and its adventures is a great way to fill your home with a nautical spirit, providing entertainment for both you and your children. Embrace the sailor within and explore a variety of maritime tunes for a refreshing change this festive season.:

• "Wellerman" (Nathan Evans)
• "What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor"
• "Blow the Man Down"
• "Spanish Ladies"
• "Sloop John B"  (popularized by The Beach Boys)

For some, the most important part of Christmas is the giving of gifts. What to give a sailor or do you have an aspiring young sailor at home? Fortunately, we've already covered this. So, check out our 30 best gift ideas for every sailor or for a truly exhaustive list, our 99 Christmas gifts for sailors. 

When the winter chill sets in, it's a delight to curl up under a blanket with a captivating book. This season, let your reading adventures be about the sea, sailing, intrepid sailors, Atlantic crossings, and historic maritime journeys. We've selected our top 10 sea-themed books, offering you a perfect list to dive into during these cozy evenings.

If you have a boat, no matter the size, consider decking it out with Christmas lights and decorations. Illuminating your vessel will create a stunning spectacle on the water, drawing the admiration of fellow sailors and onlookers alike. This festive touch is sure to make your boat a shining attraction during the holiday season.

The cold weather season is an ideal time for getting a tattoo, as healing is generally better and there's less risk of sun exposure affecting the fresh ink. If you've been contemplating a nautical-themed tattoo, like the classic sailor swallow, this could be the perfect time. Learn more about the symbolism and history behind sailor tattoos. Not keen on body art yourself? Think about giving a tattoo voucher as a unique Christmas gift for someone who appreciates this form of expression.

While all the suggested nautical Christmas activities are wonderful, nothing quite compares to a yacht holiday. Consider spending your Christmas holidays at sea this year. Popular destinations for winter cruising include the Caribbean, the Seychelles, and Thailand. Imagine celebrating Christmas surrounded by clear skies, avoiding any snowstorms, aboard a catamaran. You'll get to enjoy maximum comfort, stunning azure waters, and plenty of sunshine, making for a truly unique and memorable holiday experience.