I awoke on Christmas Day to the sounds of birds and ocean breezes flowing rhythmically against the sliding glass door.  It wasn’t cold outside and I didn’t expect any of the cold weather themed Christmas traditions.  So, in beginning my day this December 25, 2005, it was a mix of tradition.  For Amy and me, it was our first Christmas together – indeed, a memorable and special occasion.  But, for us both, it was a slightly depressing experience being away from our families who reside on the mainland.  So, in line with our traditional Christmases of past years, we listened to Christmas music, ate a nice breakfast, and opened some small gifts.  We even planned a nice meal later in the evening featuring sweet potatoes, Cornish game hen, and assorted veggies. 

The non-traditional part of our island Christmas was the fact that we decided that Christmas morning would be a great time to go to Megan’s Bay and enjoy the beach.  So, shortly after 11:00, we set off for the beach.  Although it had been slightly cloudy earlier that morning, the sun came out nicely and the beach was at its best.  We found a nice place to lie near the east side of the beach.  After setting our things down on the sand, I decided to go for a swim.  But, after a few steps in to the water, I noticed the temperature was fairly cold (at least by island standards).  This time of year, colder waters seem to be more typical as the “winter” brings in colder ocean currents and the outside temperature are more mild (i.e. 75- 85 degrees instead of highs of 95 with no breeze).  So, I had to pause and determine whether it would be bearable for me to become fully immersed.  I stood there with my legs in the cold water and my torso in the comfortable sun.  Suddenly, while contemplating the pros and cons of cold versus hot, I saw a slender object skid swiftly across the ocean surface.  I was startled at first but soon realized that I had seen an eel.  Now, I wondered, what animals might lurk in these cool waters and whether the cooler temperatures might somehow attract different wildlife.  So, I took the cold plunge and swam around part of the bay.  While swimming, a baby sea turtle was feeding nearby.  I came up for a breath and noticed that the turtle was now swimming around a few feet below me.  I shouted out to the beach to let Amy know about my discovery.  She smiled approvingly but was chatting with family on her cell phone.  After the turtle swam away and I got tired of swimming, I returned to shore and sat next to Amy.  She was talking to various family members on her cell phone and wishing them a Merry Christmas.  When each one asked what she was doing, she replied that she was in her swimsuit sitting on the beach.  I also decided to give my family a call and spoke with my parents and grandparents.  They seemed rather enveloped in their holiday gift-opening and socializing.  My description of the beach and my day seemed to be taken as something imaginary and seemingly worlds away from their reality of cold weather and true Christmas. 

Amy and I returned home after going to the beach and began to prepare a lovely dinner.  Amy had invited her co-worker Ms. Hodge over for dinner and we had to clean and prepare food.  Ms. Hodge is originally from the island of Anguilla but has lived in St. Thomas for more than 20 years.  Amy and I hope to visit Anguilla soon because it sounds lovely and each Caribbean island has unique characteristics.  During dinner, Amy and I chatted with Ms. Hodge about her life in the Caribbean, her experiences with hurricanes, and Christmas traditions.  It was a nice time.

Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean with a total population of about 14,000 people

THE ISLAND WAY

The island Christmas – as confirmed by my conversations with true islanders – is quite different from the mainland Christmas.  Islanders don’t go to bed early and wake up for an early breakfast.  After all, its hot outside and they have fermented local guavaberries for the entire year (making a guavaberry liquor) in anticipation of the holiday celebrations.  Drinking and dancing all night are the norm for Christmas Eve.  They party hard, listening to steel drum music, calypso, reggae, and drinking all types of libations.  Amy and I did not partake in the island partying on Christmas Eve --- but we saw a glimpse of the action when we went to “Miracle on Main Street.”  Miracle on Main Street is a huge “Carnival-like” party that occurs on main street.  It’s packed with steel drum bands, dancers, and people shopping, eating, and socializing into the late night.