Mele Kalikimaka
For the first time in years, the holidays are going to be blissfully simple. Travel-free, present-free, stress-free beautiful simplicity. Brian and I are staying here in Hawaii, and my family is coming to us to celebrate. My parents just left after a fantastic and far-too-short visit, and Melia and Darren are staying through Christmas (cheers to work-from-home buddies).
Matsumoto’s shave ice in Haleiwa
We all agreed that we don’t need to spend more money or receive more things, so instead of exchanging gifts we have been treating ourselves to some amazing meals together. It’s a tradition we’ve been moving toward the last few years, and I fully support all future gifts being offered in caloric form.
Yet another classy toothless photo of Brian
I’m a little bit sad I won’t be in Sonoma for Christmas (through all my moves over the years, I have always made it home), but I’m mostly relieved to be able to stay put for once. No flying from coast to coast or trying to pack a dozen dinners and happy hours into one week; no frantically shopping for gifts at the last minute because I am a horrible, horrible procrastinator. Just taking it easy in my new home with some of my favorite people.
The biggest challenge of spending Christmas in Hawaii will probably be convincing myself that it is, in fact, Christmas. It’s a bit of a tough sell when it’s 80 degrees out, I’m planning a boating trip for next weekend and Brian recently got a vicious sunburn at the beach.
And no, I am not complaining about living in a tropical paradise; I am not a cold weather person, and I am absolutely OK with wearing flip-flops (I’m sorry… “slippers”) in the dead of winter. But there is something a little off about decorating a tree, listening to “White Christmas” and drinking egg nog when every fan in the house is on full blast and I’m in a full-body sweat. It’s already December 15 and I am nowhere near the holiday spirit. This will not stand, man. I need some Christmas cheer and fast. I propose a three-pronged plan of action:
- Carols. Lots of ’em. There is nothing like “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Santa Baby” on loop to set the mood. Melia brought our family staple, Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas,” and I just purchased our childhood favorite, New Kids on the Block’s “Merry, Merry Christmas” (we have it on cassette back home). We may or may not dance and sing along to “Funky, Funky Xmas” every single time it comes on. Brian and Darren are in for quite a treat.
- Cookies. Our mom makes some unbelievably delicious Christmas cookies every year (one recipe is called “butter dream cookies” if that is any indication) and brought a huge container of them all the way to Hawaii for us. Brian and I got a KitchenAid mixer (read: the appliance I have lusted after for years) as a wedding present, which means I can finally make Lil Mom’s crack-filled cookies away from home for the first time ever. Good thing we burn so many calories dancing to NKOTB.
- Decorations. Brian’s parents sent us a beautiful wreath for our door, and every time I walk by it, I have to bury my nose in it and breathe in that glorious pine smell. My neighbors are starting to ask questions. I absolutely need to buy a Christmas tree that I can sniff to my heart’s content and decorate with the pipe-cleaner-and-clothespin ornaments I made in elementary school and have been saving until I had a tree of my own someday.
It’ll be a blend of new and old traditions this year, which I suppose is fitting for my first year as a bona fide grown-up married lady. Happy holidays, everyone. I’ll be sure to drink a mai tai and have an extra funky, funky Christmas for those of you who are far away.
7 comments
What a fantastic idea, Gill. I love the idea of spending gift money on food and company rather than gifts. TJ and I are spending our money on an extra date day or two, if we can find a sitter!
I’m so glad your family was able to assemble there with you for an early holiday, even if it doesn’t quite feel like Christmas. I’ve always thought that Christmas lights look ridiculous when there’s no snow on the ground, but for the past several years it hasn’t even snowed until January around here anyway!
Have a mai tai for me, my friend, I’m thinking about you!
Usually I read your posts about Hawaii and try to imagine what you’re experiencing, but now I know firsthand! I’m so with you on the no-presents Christmas with the fam. Travels and bountiful dinners are plenty.
I think we’ll have to execute your three-pronged plan of action immediately. I, too, am finding it a challenge to get into the Christmas spirit when we’re away from Sonoma in tropical weather. But as you say, I’m not complaining. We’ll just have to make mai tais a new holiday tradition.
It is so weird to be away from “home” during the holidays. We’re just so lucky to have found such a cool group of people to celebrate with. And in your case, you’re so lucky to have family here as well.
Mele Kalikimaka!
In these group photos, why do I always seem to be standing in a hole?
Sara, you and TJ most definitely deserve some date nights. Food, wine, good company… perfect.
Melia, I know! It’s so fantastic to have you here to start some new traditions (as well as stay true to the classics like NKOTB). We may start speaking in unison even more than we already do, though.
Tracey, I totally agree! I can’t believe what a freaking awesome group we have here. It makes it much easier to be far from home when we can drink cider and watch “It’s Always Sunny” together.
Lil Mom, I could just put you in my pocket.
GREAT posting Gill. I am also focused on “experiential” holiday gifts – sharing good times with food and drink vs. exchanging pointless stuff. Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful holiday, even if it is 80 degrees – it’s not like Christmas in Sonoma is ‘white’ lol
I like to think the “white” in our white christmas will be the white sandy beaches. That will just have to do.