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Three island residents enjoy a festive glass of cava and tell us how they usually spend Christmas

‘ LAST YEAR WE WENT TO MOUNT TEIDE AND WATCHED THE SUNSET’

Claire Nadaud, lives in Torviscas Alto, with husband Sam. Works as a designer for Tenerife Property Shop. Originally from France, moved to Tenerife nine years ago.

I sometimes go back to my hometown of Limoges, but usually spend Christmas in Tenerife. For me, it isn’t really Christmas if I’m not with my family, so Mum and Dad always come to Tenerife if I don’t make it to France. I don’t need loads of family around me, just my husband and my parents.

The traditions are a bit different here; there are less decorations and lights in the streets and obviously the songs aren’t the same. The biggest difference is that Santa isn’t all that important - it’s the three kings that bring all the presents. But I’ve got used to it.

On Christmas Day I do find myself missing the cold weather. It’s just so nice to see white rooftops and wear gloves and boots. But you can’t have everything. Or I could lock myself in the freezer for an hour!

During the Christmas period, I love having a busy house, full of people with lots of presents under the tree. My Christmas Eve is usually a blend of Spanish and French traditions, even some British ones – I’ve discovered Christmas pudding!

Last year we went to Mount Teide and watched the sunset, wrapped in blankets with a bottle of champagne. There wasn’t any snow but the views were absolutely stunning. This year we’re staying in Tenerife and Mum and Dad are coming over from France. Christmas Eve is usually a family occasion; we have canapés and champagne, and spend the evening looking at old photos and watching videos. On Christmas Day we carry out a very special family tradition, which involves watching Merry Christmas Mr Bean - yet another British thing I’ve discovered since living in Tenerife!

‘ I LOOK FORWARD TO SITTING ON MY NEW TERRACE AND ENJOYING THE VIEW’

Joy Hunter, lives in Los Cristianos, with husband Henry. Born in Manchester, retired to Tenerife 10 months ago.

Christmas starts far too early in England; in August they’re already stocking Christmas cards in the shops! The build up leading up to the 25th is so exciting in the UK that when the big day finally comes it’s all a bit of an anticlimax. Christmas here is much more relaxed; I enjoy it far more.

Last Christmas we spent the morning on the beach, then we came back and had roast lamb and Christmas pudding. We love being able to take long walks after dinner, which is another reason why I don’t miss the cold weather in England. The only tradition I really make an effort to keep up with is putting up Christmas decorations and lights.

Although we’ve spent the last five winters in Tenerife, this year is extra special because it’ll be the first time we’ll celebrate Christmas in our new home.

The first Christmas we spent here felt a little strange - we just didn’t know what to expect. But we were pleasantly surprised. Everyone’s so friendly here and the weather’s wonderful. In England you can’t go out because it’s so cold so you sit around a lot. But here you can go for strolls or go to the beach.

I honestly don’t think I could go back to spending Christmas in the UK. Back home everyone seems so stressed out, rushing about and spending so much money on food and gifts.

This year we’ll probably have Christmas dinner with some friends we met here. I’m really looking forward to sitting on our terrace and enjoying the lovely view of the beach, the mountains and maybe seeing a little snow on Teide.

‘ I LOVE WORKING DURING CHRISTMAS’

Xavier Montagné, lives in Guia de Isora. Runs a restaurant and is also an entertainer. Originally from France, moved to Tenerife 11 years ago.

I’m an entertainer so I always have to work during Christmas. But, there’s a special atmosphere during the festive period, so I don’t mind at all. Even though I have to work, I have a lot of fun. For me, it’s important to give tourists a special Christmas they will always remember.

It’s magical to have people from all around the world watching the show, seeing all of them applauding and calling you back on stage – it’s a great Christmas present.

I don’t miss spending Christmas in France. It’s nice to be able to escape all that turkey and Christmas cake – long live tapas! Also, I end up spending much more if I go to France for Christmas because I end up buying loads of presents for everyone and I have a lot more time to look around and shop. When I’m here working I just don’t have time to spend money.

I’ve already got one show booked but I’d like to take on a couple more if I can. My parents will be coming over from France for a week. My family prefers spending Christmas in Tenerife; they love the weather and the people. They’ll probably come and see my Christmas Eve show and spend the rest of their holiday sightseeing, going on excursions and sunbathing at the beach.

Last year I didn’t have any shows on, which was unusual. I spent the break with a very charming girl but, unfortunately, it all ended disastrously. Let’s just say that this year I’m looking forward to working again for Christmas this year!

This article has been supplied by kind permission of Living Tenerife Magazine. Read more articles like this on Island Life, Golf and Property Tenerife.

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