Snow at the beach

I'm sure everyone has a 'snow story' to tell right now. So here's mine...

I'm more than relaxed to say the least. No tearing around the shops trying to find the last gift on my list for me. We have just returned for a stress-busting 3 days at the beach. Beach I hear you say? With all this snow and freezing temperatures? Yes indeed! We have been staying at the Noordzee Hotel & Spa, at Cadzand Bad on the dutch coast, very close to the Belgian border and about 20k from Brugge.

The 2hr drive was relaxed and calm. No snow drifts or endless lines of cars. Snow glistened in trees and fields but the roads were clear. We checked into this lovely family owned hotel, decorated with Christmas trees, candles and log fires. We wrapped ourselves up in all our warmest clothes and spent the afternoon walking on the beach, playing football and clearing the cobwebs.

We spent 3 days enjoying the indoor heated pool and sauna, having Swedish massages, relaxing in our lovely room with views over the beach and indulging in family R n' R time watching Christmas movies and eating popcorn. Delicious meals in the restaurant and hot chocolates with whipped cream in the afternoon next to a roaring fire. Bliss.

And we got more than our fare share of the white Christmas feeling as well. With temperatures hitting -6, we woke up Sunday morning to a huge snow storm. Snuggled in our outdoor gear we walked on a snow covered beach where dunes and break-waters were covered in sparkling snow and oh so pretty. On the beach we built a snowman and made snow angels. We slid on our bums down the path which had turned into an ice slide. We could hardly see where the beach ended and the sea began as the snow storm was so heavy. Amazing and beautiful and so much fun. A trip we will always remember.

No shopping, no crowds, nothing to do but relax and be together. If you have the opportunity to get away at this time of year, I highly recommend it. A hotel with all the festive trimmings and nothing much for you to do. You will be revived and chilled out, and ready to welcome your guests, get that turkey stuffed and enjoy your festivities even more on Christmas Day.

We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Expecting snow?

Then maybe you'll be wanting these 'handy' things to help make the best snowman on your street.

Snowman Maker, Snowman Kit and Sno-Baller!

As seen on this lovely blog and available to order at this US store.

You might also fancy a new pair of cosy boots to keep your toes toasty and warm. These styles look just the ticket don't you think?

Top L to R. UGG Snowpeak, Merrell Oslo

Bottom L to R. Merrell Puffin, Sorel W Suka

We've had a fine sprinkling of snow here this afternoon, so I dug out Luca's snow boots to make sure they still fit, just incase it gets heavy tonight. Last year I was soo unprepared and had to bomb around town looking for snow boots that were cool enough for a 6 year old. We had a huge (for the Netherlands) dumping of snow and nearly every store had sold out of kids boots (apart from pink ones - definitely a no-no). Thankfully I found a pair that were just about acceptable to him and they still fit (must have been massive last year)!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know...