Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality.”
—Washington Irving
“Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there’s music in the air there.”
—Bruno Mars
As most of you know, we spent half of the Christmas season in Maui, in the land of swaying palm trees and abundant tropical cheer. So as they say in Hawaiian, Mele Kalikimaka. While the much anticipated holiday season may have looked different than last year, the precautions we took to stay safe during the pandemic were worth the exercise for us to enjoy time in the sun and and engage in island-style holiday cheer with our kids, Kyle and granddaughters Lyla and Emmy.
Maui is a stunning island with beautiful beaches, balmy winds and a plethora of palm trees. But the best thing about the island is when you can go there and do absolutely nothing and still have an amazing time. It was a time to enjoy some much needed R and R, and to reconnect and enjoy being together without having to do anything touristy. As always Lyla and Emmy were the source of our entertainment and joy. We grilled, ordered in, and frequented a number of fabulous restaurants nearby and visit with friends. There was plenty of space for everyone. Hearing the waves lap up on the shore, listening to soft, relaxing island-style Christmas songs, while sipping on Mai Tais that Jason and Kyle prepared and kept a pitcher in stock in the refrigerator daily.
When Cecile and I started to come to Hawaii over forty years ago it felt a little strange to see Christmas celebrated on the islands. After all, I was used to a very different kind of Christmas growing up in New Jersey with the cold weather and snow. I really did experience a white Christmas. But, it didn’t take long to adjust to a Christmas season in paradise.
I included some photos of Christmas decorations that added to the holiday spirit.
A virtual holiday hug to all,
Dennis and Cecile and Family
