Make Your Summer Vacation the Perfect Holiday Card Spot

Why wait until the Thanksgiving crazy to pick the perfect Christmas card image? When you get a jumpstart when you’re on summer vacation, thinking back to the good times and warmer temps make the crackle of the yuletide even warmer.

Almost every New Englander is familiar with the Cape Cod family beach photo card — pleated khakis, starched white shirts and boat shoes. But at Winnetu on Martha’s Vineyard, photographer Randi Baird specialized in personalized portraits along the Atlantic for more than 25 years. Concierges can arrange sessions with her to include much more than the static beach blanket. Hiking, crabbing or lighthouse hopping, she shoots images for cards or compiles whole albums. Just think, all your vacation photos won’t be stuck on your iPhone.

It’s always time to visit the man in red at Santa’s Village in New Hampshire, where it’s Christmas almost year-round. Take a spin on the reindeer carousel, enjoy a free fall on the chimney drop ride and visit the animals at reindeer rendezvous. Even better? Santa’s Village in Jefferson is right near Story Land, with Cinderella’s coach ride, a polar roller coaster and swan boats.

South America celebrates winter during North America’s summertime, so you can get a jumpstart on the opposite seasons. At Puyuhyapi Lodge in Chile, deep in the heart of Patagonia, you can soothe yourself in hot springs while admiring snow-capped peaks. Designed to look like a classic German lodge, you’ll enjoy all of the warmth of its rustic setting and interiors, perhaps getting a view of dolphins swimming in the waters from your room. Enjoy the heated indoor pool or outdoor hot springs heated with geothermal waters.

Seiffen Church. Photo: Lianem | Dreamstime.com

There’s nothing more classic Christmas than a German village, and Seiffen is among the most quintessential. Tis the season year-round with 100 family-run toy workshops; many are open to admire the handiwork. The half-timbered homes and towering pines make for postcard-worthy memories — and there are plenty of souvenirs to take home.

What could be more apropos than Christmas Island for an amazing holiday — and holiday card? Much different from the North Pole, the warm temperatures and high rainfall here mean there is all kinds of wildlife for kids to enjoy. Much of the island is a national park (almost two-thirds). Don’t miss the walk through the rainforest to Hugh Dale’s waterfall for your perfect shot, but do remember to watch where you step, since the ground is covered with small red crabs!