During the early part of December, when Christmas songs had become prevalent on all the Maui radio stations and stores, I started wondering how one gets into the holiday spirit in a tropical paradise like Hawaii. The Hawaiian sun, Pacific Ocean, and tropical vegetation just don’t say “Christmas” like snow covered mountains and a cozy warm living room while it’s frosty cold outside.
And yet, I was feeling more and more like Christmas as the days passed. My conclusion was that it’s our traditions – bringing out our holiday decorations and Christmas ornaments (yes, of course our are Hawaiian Christmas ornaments), writing and receiving Christmas cards, and seeing gift ideas for friends and family in so many of the stores get the holiday spirit going.
But was really brings the holidays alive, at least to me, are two things:
One is the opportunity to help worthy organizations and individuals that merchants all over the islands are making easy for us – giving is truly more rewarding than receiving.
The other is wishing others Mele Kalikimaka, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. There’s an extra bit of warmth that I get to feel when I extend my wishes to another person, that’s a real gift to me in our interaction.
Mele Kalikimaka
to all our friends, neighbors, suppliers and customers
and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2013!