Celebrating Christmas On Board Your Yacht

Thinking about doing Christmas a little differently this year? If you can’t get away for your usual warm-weather vacation, consider celebrating out on the water.

Just imagine waking up nestled all snug in your berth, cuddled up to the one you love. The boat gently rocking, the tabletop Christmas tree aglow, and coffee percolating on the stovetop. You’re anchored at your favourite quiet harbour. No one else is around and you feel total peace and tranquility.

Do you feel more relaxed already? Why not try a scaled-down Christmas celebration on your boat? Make sure your boat is winter-ready, then string some lights, grab a 2-foot tree and get ready to create a truly unforgettable holiday!

Décor and Ambience

Décor is quintessential to really feeling that holiday spirit. There’s nothing quite like the twinkling of lights and the scents of spice and cedar in the air to evoke nostalgia and joy. Some ideas:

String up a live or faux garland around the cabin. You can make your own fragrant garland with dried orange peels, popcorn and scented pinecones
Hang a fresh cedar bough or wreath from the cabin door
If you have the table space, consider a tabletop tree. A potted ornamental is a great option for a live tree. Decorate it with cute miniature ornaments and twinkle lights
Add faux tea light candles to an unbreakable candleholder for instant ambience
Hang lights inside and out. Hang a single string or go all out and create an eye-catching display. The newer LED lights don’t get hot, making them a safe option for any space. *One note: LED’s are extremely efficient, but always make sure that your generator can support the additional load created from having lights on. Alternatively, you can use battery operated lights
Change up your pillow covers and bedding. Plaids are always stylish for winter, without being too garish, and they really add a warm, cozy feeling. Add a knitted or faux fur throw for an extra layer of comfort
Don’t forget the music! Holiday tunes are an essential part of that Christmassy feeling. Impressive audio systems now come standard with many newer boats and include features like built in speakers throughout

Gifting

Space is at a premium on pretty much any boat, unless you are the proud owner of a superyacht or megayacht.

Some gift ideas for kids from one to ninety-two

E-book gift card or book
Board or card game for everyone to bond over
Magnetic building blocks
Animal figurines
Flashlights
Fishing gear (tackle box, floats, etc…)
Watersports gear
Pocket knife / multi-tool
Walkie talkies
Fish finder
Fishing rod

Boatmodo also has some other very cool and practical gift ideas for boaters right here.

Food and Drink

The beauty of having an intimate Christmas is that you can serve something as simple as turkey burgers with cranberry sauce. You can also go bigger and barbecue a roast, chicken or ham to really emulate the feeling of a decadent feast. There’s probably nothing better for the avid fisherperson than spending Christmas Day fishing then pairing the catch with festive side dishes.

Other ideas for a modern, downsized holiday feast, courtesy of The Spruce Eats

Pan Roasted Fillet of Duck Breast– Make the sauce in advance and it’s a snap to create a luxurious breast of duck in lieu of turkey or chicken. As long as you have a skillet and an oven, you can easily make this

Pear Salad with Walnuts and Gorgonzola– Skip the prepackaged salad mix and make your own quick and easy pear salad. There’s no cooking required, so it goes from fridge to plate in no time.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower-Easy to make ahead or roast on your barbecue, roasted cauliflower is nothing like the bland, soggy cauliflower you might remember from your childhood holidays. Instead, it shines with a few simple ingredients.

For a carefree meal, prep ingredients or even just cook your favourite sides ahead of time and just store them in your fridge, freezer, or insulated storage. Reheat using your oven or microwave once the main part of the meal is cooked so the meat has time to rest and everything is hot and delicious.

Cooking in a galley is obviously a lot different from cooking in the average kitchen. There’s not as much surface area, the boat is moving, you’re carefully conserving propane, and more. To make it simpler, here are 13 tips for cooking on your boat, courtesy of the boatgalley.com.

If you’re ready to make this dream a reality, it might be time to treat yourself to a new or upgraded boat this holiday season! The gift that keeps on giving, a new boat is guaranteed to be at the centre of your adventures for years to come. Contact our knowledgeable team of broker elves or stop by our world-class sales dock to take a look at our selection of luxurious Pursuit Boats and new and pre-owned yachts today. At Van Isle Marina, we’ll help you find the perfect boat for your fishing, cruising and holidaying wishes.