A Belgian Christmas

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

After leaving Amsterdam, Mike and I headed for Brussels. We arrived on the 23rd and headed to an apartment we had secured through AirBnb. I truly feel like we hit the jack pot with this accommodation. While looking for a room to book, Mike came across a listing by a woman who needed someone to take care of her cat. Of course, she greatly discounted the cost of renting out her place. So, not only did Mike and I spend Christmas in a cozy one bedroom apartment… I also got to spend some time with a cute little kitty. I could not have asked for a cozier Christmas abroad.

The evening of our arrival we hopped on a bus and headed towards the town center where Christmas was in full swing. We spent the evening enjoying the holiday lights, festive crowds, and Christmas market.

On Christmas Eve the weather was wet and windy. We only ventured out for Christmas dinner supplies and some Christmas shopping at HEMA. This is the second year in a row that Mike and I have decided to follow a $10 (or Euro) budget for Christmas gifts. Since we’re often on the move, it’s the most practical way to enjoy unwrapping gifts. It’s also a lot of fun. You have to get creative! Hopefully it’s a tradition that will last.

Christmas Day was spent unwrapping gifts, talking to family, and enjoying a walk around the city. We paid a special visit to Brussels most famous resident, Manneken Pis. The santa suit really made it for me. We eventually ended up at a closed Le Botanique and sweet talked our way into the lobby for a Christmas Day photobooth session. It felt like quite the triumph! (I like to use this site to scout out photobooths when we travel.)

It was another lovely Christmas abroad. The only thing that could have improved it would be the presence of friends and family.

xo, jill

P.S. – Other Christmases spent abroad here and here.