Quote of the day: “Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more….” ― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Homemade Hawaiian Christmas Tree
Merry Christmas everyone! I am experiencing the simplest Christmas ever—no Christmas tree to decorate, no cookies to bake, no gifts to wrap (or unwrap), no Christmas season stress.
For the past 3+ weeks I’ve been staying at a small, very simple bed and breakfast in a small village north of Hilo Hawaii. There is no television where I stay, or radio, or cell phone signal, and minimal access to wireless internet.
View in rain on Christmas Eve from Hilo Bayfront
Even in the stores of Hilo the signs of Christmas are quite minimal. There are no over-the-top displays and very little Christmas decoration. I found a few houses in Hilo with lights and decorations, but mostly, nothing. I’ve seen no Christmas tree lots or traditional Christmas trees anywhere.
Hawaiian Christmas Decorations, one of the few houses with lights – Note Covered patio with tables – much needed in the pouring rain yesterday
There is a Russian family staying at the B&B right now and I have enjoyed their young daughter. She’s delightfully full of energy and wonder. Last evening the family returned to the house after dark in a pouring rain, laughing and giggling.
On the way back, the Dad had seen a fallen branch from a large fern that was tree-shaped. “That’s our Christmas tree!” he exclaimed. So they brought it back to the house, propped it up in a flower pot and decorated it with flowers and things at hand.
Fully Decorated Tree
It was the most delightful tree trimming ever! After the “tree” was decorated, Sasha (the daughter) placed her stuffed animals in front of the tree. So simple, so beautiful.
After the “tree” was decorated the family shared cognac with me and we all toasted to a Merry Christmas.
Church Service at Malia Puka O Kalani Church
I attended Christmas Eve services at Malia Puka O Kalani Catholic Church in the Hawaiian Homelands in Hilo last night. The service was wonderful. A man with a ukelele led the songs and liturgy, many sung in the Hawaiian language. The kids did a short pageant with Joseph and Mary, the shepherds, and the angels. It was very lovely and the music was wonderful.
The Littlest Angel
Ukelele and Hawaiian Language Liturgy
I came back to Akiko’s and had a simple Christmas Eve supper of yogurt and granola and then listened to music and knitted. While I am missing sharing Christmas with my wonderful family back home, I am enjoying the wonderful peace of a simple celebration focused on music and fellowship, and not giving and getting stuff.
Wishing everyone a peaceful day filled with fellowship and fun.
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