Christmas is a time that many of us want to experience uniquely. In the rush of daily duties, we seek a moment of respite, joy, and time for our loved ones.
What if we did it differently this year? Breaking the Christmas routine gives us a chance to discover a new dimension of 'Christmas.' A trip to a place full of silence, peace, and close to nature is an opportunity to celebrate the holidays in harmony with the surroundings – during walks on the beach, singing carols under the stars, or indulging in wellness rituals. Instead of repeating familiar traditions, one can create their own – ones that will be more authentic, personal, and tailored to the needs of the heart. It is worth trying to find the true magic of the holidays… in simplicity :)
Photo: Christmas at Grano Hotel Solmarina
Sobieszewska Island – a place full of unique Baltic nature – is the perfect destination to spend this special time in an unconventional way. From walks on sandy beaches, through rejuvenating saunas, to winter baths – Sobieszewo offers an alternative to traditional, bustling holidays. Of course, there will be opportunities to indulge in beloved Christmas customs :) I warmly invite you!
Traditional Christmas Eve dinner or a dinner with a thrill?
For many of us, the Christmas Eve dinner and a table groaning under the weight of twelve (hopefully only ;)) dishes is absolutely the most important point of celebrating Christmas. However, there will be those who, instead of breaking the wafer in beautiful dresses and suits, would rather share a fresh roll on the steps of a village shop after a long hike. And since tastes are not to be debated, I tried to find proposals for everyone :)
The Celestial Sphere of Michelin Stars
Imagine a Christmas Eve dinner on the beach, with a view of the twinkling lights of ships at anchor and a starry sky. Snow gently dusts the sand, and the sound of waves becomes the natural accompaniment of the evening. Let’s spread a thick blanket, swap elegant dresses and high heels for warm sweaters, crystal glasses for thermoses with winter tea, and twelve dishes for festive snacks that can easily be transported in a picnic basket. Let’s break the wafer, but, perhaps more importantly, share time with loved ones.
May wishes for happiness and joy gain power when voiced in this magical atmosphere. It is important that they come from the heart.
Photo: Christmas Eve on the beach in Sobieszewo
Christmas Eve Dinner – traditionally with a touch of modernity
However, if you dream of a more traditional celebration, the Solmarina restaurant offers elegant Christmas Eve dinners full of warm, festive atmosphere. The menu will feature flavors of dishes cherished since childhood… seasoned by the hands of Master Chefs. During the Christmas Eve Dinner, a true feast of flavors awaits you, bringing back the most beautiful Christmas memories. Traditional borscht with dumplings, full of aromatic spices, delights every lover of classics, while creamy mushroom soup with noodles is the true essence of holiday warmth. On the table, you will also find exquisite carp in Jewish style in gray sauce, a recipe reaching back to old traditions, and cod in a salsa of colorful vegetables and tomatoes – a perfect combination of tradition with a hint of modernity. Each dish is the result of the passion and talent of our Master Chefs.
Though there are still nearly three weeks until Christmas, I am already drooling at the thought of these specialties :)
Photo: Christmas Dinner at Solmarina Restaurant
Midnight Mass – a mystical moment close to nature
For many Catholics, Christmas without midnight mass is not Christmas. Therefore, the midnight mass commemorating the birth of Jesus takes on a special dimension on Sobieszewska Island.
In a small church of Our Lady of Salette, wrapped in the silence and darkness of the December night, the gathered faithful will fill the space with the common singing of carols. The melodies of 'Silent Night' and 'God is Born' will, as every year, merge voices into one harmony rising to the sky.
The scent of the Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and the gentle glow of candles will amplify the atmosphere of focus and joy.
If you want to experience this time even more deeply, to pause and allow yourself to be close to another person, I encourage you to drive to the relatively close beach, e.g., Orle, after mass. The twinkling flakes, the trees guarding the miracle of this night and the sound of the waves, combined with the glow of the stars, will become a unique experience that you will certainly remember for a long time :)
This Christmas night is an ideal time for quiet reflection – on the miracle of birth, the power of nature, on your own desires and plans.
Healthy, peaceful and… active holidays
If holidays are primarily associated with eating, sitting and idleness for you – it's time to think about a little variety ;) Movement can be the best gift we give ourselves and our loved ones. And what should we do? I dream that this year Christmas will be truly white, and my suggestions feasible :)
Cross-Country Skiing and Walks
Cross-country skiing is something worth waiting for almost as much as Christmas Eve. I hope the winter cooperates and right after separating from the festive table, we have the opportunity to get active. This proposal is dedicated to both older and younger, both more and less physically fit, as this type of skiing does not require from us initially exceptionally good condition. It rather improves it and supports the body's endurance. It is also an excellent opportunity to spend time in nature, and breathing in the fresh, iodine-rich air can bring additional health benefits.
Large areas of forest, beach, changing natural circumstances – all this makes Sobieszewska Island an interesting option for winter sports. After all, I encourage you to see for yourself and watch the recording of cross-country skiing in execution I am going further.
If, however, there won’t be any hope for snow – that’s no problem. I have an equally good alternative – walks along the sea shore. The cool, iodine-rich air works wonders for health, and the view of the Baltic in winter is a feast for the senses. Especially if you only know the sea in summer.
And, what is undoubtedly important – every activity allows for extra servings of cheesecake and dumplings ;)
Photo: Cross-Country Skiing on Sobieszewska Island
Warm hearts and cool Baltic – the perfect combination?
Although plunging into the ice hole during the holidays reminds me of Scandinavia, who said that it is not worth writing new traditions?! For the brave and challenge-thirsty – Christmas swimming in the Baltic! This tradition is gaining more and more popularity in Poland, so there is a good chance we won’t be the only daredevils on the beach.
Diving into cold waters is not only a test of character but also a way to improve well-being and health. Particularly valuable when a free day is ahead, which we can spend in the warmth of family gathering or… sauna ;)
Christmas rush, or recovery in wellness style
All those who enjoyed activities, but also those who want to feel better, relax and simply warm up should consider holiday sauna use. After an active day, it is worth taking advantage of hotel amenities such as saunas, pools, or jacuzzis. The ritual of alternating sauna use and cooling baths is a way to improve circulation and strengthen immunity.
And again – we help to fulfill Christmas wishes for health ;)
Photo: Wellness Area in Grano Hotel Solmarina
Merry Christmas on Sobieszewska Island!
Christmas is a time worth spending in a way that best meets our needs. For some, it will be silence and peace, for others noise, community, laughter, and activity. Sobieszewska Island perfectly combines these worlds, offering space to be yourself, close to nature, away from haste, but in the company of loved ones.
I wish you that these holidays are better than all previous ones, and that the magic remains in your memory for a long time ✨
Photo: Christmas at Grano Hotel Solmarina
Author of the entry: Daria Bałdyga
