CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — As Christmas approaches, families across the globe engage in unique holiday customs, each as distinctive as the next.

Some families embrace the classic tradition of gathering around the Christmas tree to unwrap gifts together. Meanwhile, others opt for unconventional celebrations, such as enjoying the festive season at Clearwater Beach.

Visitors to the beach are redefining the concept of a “white Christmas” by swapping snow for sand.

“There’s nothing quite like spending Christmas in the Sunshine State. Today, Clearwater Beach is the place to be,” shared Lisa Williams.

Families interviewed by 8 On Your Side revealed they traveled to Florida to bask in the warmth of the season.

“It definitely became a traditional thing, being from Boston originally, we are used to the cold, we’re used to the snow and it’s a little different here where we actually have to bring sunscreen and some tanning oil on December 25th,” said Rob Rocha.

“The temperature is great, it just turned out perfectly, God worked it out in all ways for us,” said Tony Weber.

For some families, spending the holiday at the beach is a new tradition.

“I think this is the first time we’ve done Christmas; we usually stay home for Christmas. A: What made you come here this time instead of staying home? Alisia: Just needed a trip,” said Alisa Weber.

For others, celebrating at the beach is something they do year after year.

“I come every year to Florida for Christmas to visit my family, my brother and my dad,” Williams said.

From Santa hats to Christmas onesies, people showed up to the beach filled with Christmas spirit, with many people’s favorite part being putting their toes in the sand and hitting the waves.

No matter how you celebrate, people on the beach were glad to be doing what matters most this Christmas, which is being with loved ones.

“Being able to get together and my brother has driven down from Delaware, he’s at my dad’s house right now in Trinity and we’re all going to be meeting up for Christmas dinner and stuff like that,” Rocha said.

All the families 8 On Your Side spoke to said they cannot wait to come back to Clearwater Beach to celebrate Christmas again next year.