Expats abroad: Tim Rogers in Bermuda
Tim Rogers' parents Ed and Patricia still live in the Bridgnorth area, but their son will be celebrating Christmas thousands of miles away in the pink-sanded paradise of Bermuda.
"I met my wife-to-be, Mary Anne, at university and have lived in Bermuda now for 24 years," Tim explained.
"Christmas in Bermuda is very special. With temperatures around 24C we can swim on Christmas morning and many expats head to an all-day barbecue on a local beach.
"With older children, Ethan, 17, and Shane, 13, we now start the day with a leisurely breakfast followed by a good long walk, often on our local famous pink sand beach. The kids usually end up 'overboard' (swimming) as we say. Lunch is usually a simple affair of a sandwich and, in the afternoon we open presents under the tree – our trees have to be imported from Canada or US as fir trees don't grow here. In the afternoon you might find us going to a local hotel to watch the Gombeys – a local dance tradition brought to the island by slaves.
"Dinner is fairly traditional, except we add a local dish called cassava pie (a sweet meat pie) and dessert, well, we try to stock up on our UK visits with a Harrods Christmas pud.
"Since my parents find travel too difficult these days, one of the most precious parts of the day is 'Skyping' them. Wishing everyone who remembers me a 'Bermudaful' Christmas and Happy New Year!"