Christmas always seems so very far away in July — but not when I was with Makati’s only five-star hotel in the 70s. Every first Wednesday of this particular month marked the start of what we simply called the Christmas Meetings. From then on till December, Wednesdays were synonymous with planning and execution. As the holidays drew nearer, those sessions were more frequent to ensure that nothing was neglected and everything was attended to.

The first order of business: the overall theme. One year, Traditional Silver Bells. Another, Stylized Angels with Trumpets. Then it became the Mystifying Mistletoe, then our very own Much-loved Parols.

Once the concept was adopted, there was no stopping. By the first day of December — in addition to the towering tree at the center of the lobby, from a sustained forest in Scandinavia — faithfully followed festive decorations sprouted overnight throughout the property: in restaurants, function rooms, floor hallways, elevators, restrooms and even the swimming pool area. I must admit nearly every corner reflected the merry times.

Oh, yes, we had Christmas stationeries, greeting cards, holiday menus, tent cards and more. It was clearly impossible to miss the spirit — the holiday season had arrived.

Not much has changed today. Nes, a close friend who now serves as a consultant for several hotels starts his travels around the country — yes, you guessed it right — as early as July. His calendar quickly fills up with meetings for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies, which have become annual traditions for many properties. Together with the representative of the owning company and hotel executives, they discuss themes, schedules, invited guests of honor and community holiday activities months before the first ornament is hung.

These conversations reminded me of families and friends who planned early and in time have spent countless vacations on ocean liners across continents and laid-back sails on the grand rivers of the world. They all speak of voyages primed with history, culture, adventure and food. Just listening to their seemingly never-ending narratives, I found myself asking an obvious question: why not plan a Christmas cruise as early as now?

For years, several have opted to spend the holidays away from home, from staycations to getaways in foreign shores. So instead of spending the happiest season of all in one place, you may treat yourself to a magical leave, where you can wake up each morning to another charming destination dressed in festive decors and glowing and glaring Yule lights.

After weighing my options, there was one standout: AmaWaterways’ seven-night Christmas Markets on the Rhine, which takes travelers through France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland aboard one of its luxury river vessels.

The sail docks at Europe’s most beloved Yuletide markets. Strasbourg, often called the Capital of Christmas, welcomes holidaymakers with centuries-old traditions dating back to the 16th century. Cologne impresses with its magnificent Gothic cathedral overlooking one of Germany’s most celebrated holiday markets. Rüdesheim, Heidelberg, Colmar, Freiburg and Breisach offer their own festive character, where cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, handcrafted gifts and the aroma of warm glühwein — spiced wine to you and me — all make for memorable moments.

During the hours between ports-of-call, the river cruiser plies the Rhine Gorge, where castles rise above vineyard-covered hills. Guests may likewise choose from guided walks, challenging hikes and bicycle rides which all end up at historic landmarks such as Slot Zuylen, Heidelberg Castle, Freiburg’s Münster and Strasbourg’s Grande Île. After some wine tastings along the way, evenings bring everyone back, where regional cuisine, with curated wine pairings, pride-of-the-port entertainment — all with attentive service — complete each day.

Kindly reflect on it. It’s about time perhaps Christmas needs no longer to be celebrated at home, or at the same place season after season. As Filipinos, we might even feel the urge to go out and experience the forthcoming winter cold! You may be in search of new traditions, have fun and create memories. A Christmas cruise along the river Rhine may be one of the finest gifts for your loved ones… and you.