christmas in the USVI.

Christmas is over and the New Year has moved in on this beautiful island. Our first holiday season was rich with celebration, love, and inclusion. There was a million things to do, everyday somewhere a tree was lit, cookies were decorated, or something holiday-ish was happening. I couldn't believe it. I would say that the hustle and bustle was not in the retail race, but in the social gatherings, the connection. I think that was probably what it was about to begin with, ya know, if you don't go too far back and accidentally get in with the Pagans. 

Scarlett had a sweet little friends party where she handed out little ornaments, we ate pizza together, and had gelato and coffee at my friend's little shop, it was amazing to see her little giving spirit, she was thrilled. We got to honor some of the parents that we are so grateful for too. 

The Miracle on Main celebration was not oversold, it was truly lovely, the streets were lined with old Christmas lightbulbs that made it look like the 1940s, bands on every corner, steel pan and singers galore, street-food of all kinds, and a parade of decorated boats, lit up like Macy's Day Parade, well, kind of like that, except with all kinds of character and personality! It was magical. 

My Mom and Poppy came for the whole time, they arrived on the 16th, they were supposed to leave on the 30th, but my momma just couldn't, she stayed a bonus 8 days! 

Christmas Eve we all went to the beach and made SANDMEN, and basked in our choices even more. I have dreamed for so long what it might feel like to be in the warmth in the holidays, and finally we have done it, but really, the best part was still the family I had around me, my sweet husband, and of course, our little piece of who ever you worship, Scarlett. She was so fun this season, Santa was her main focus, she cleaned the entire house the night he was coming, ya know, to get in good with the BIG GUY. We made sugar cookies and carrot sticks for the reindeer, and off to bed we went, and what did we see out of the window? Right on the horizon? Santa.... he was coming! A brightly lit Sleigh flying right in! It could best be described as looking like a cruise ship on the horizon, but it was the man of the hour, and Scarlett basically climbed me to get into bed. 

Christmas morning, we woke to find that Santa indeed rewarded Scarlett for her hard work. We relaxed and she opened her presents in her typical EURO-DINING form, open, play, relax, open, play, relax, eat, repeat. A bicycle happened. I still don't exactly know where she will learn to ride it, but likely, Yacht Haven Grand will be our safe haven. Mountains don't really work for new cyclers, unless you're looking to go viral. 

We even had snow thanks to my sister Katie! She sent a snow maker to Scarlett for her gift, it made her day! Nothing is more weird than to look out at the Caribbean and see snow on the deck. It's like too much beauty in one place. 

I have agreed to help my neighbor by getting her guests from the airport and settling them, in return she lets my guests stay in her villa when they come, they had 5 come in Christmas afternoon. Jason and I went to greet them and guide them back to the villa, because no one, and I mean NO ONE would be able to get down here without help. They were darling, and we invited them to our Christmas dinner! They came! So we had our newest chosen family, my neighbors, my parents, and our newest friends! We cooked cornish hens Sinatra style on the grill, and a bunch of other delicious food, libations, and great conversation, all while sitting outside. This just would not have happened in the Suburbs of Illinois, not any of it. Did I mention that we stared at the third largest Yacht in the Caribbean in our bay all day Christmas and Christmas night, allegedly it had Oprah on it, so now I am telling everyone that I had Christmas dinner with O, what ever, she and I ate within eyes view. 

I missed my sisters, Christmas has always been a time we get together, but in my heart, I know more than ever that this is not only where I want to be, but where I am supposed to be.

Because my Momma stayed Jason and I went to the New Years Eve celebration at Yacht Haven, it was so much fun, a masquerade all in white! The place looked fantastic, we looked fantastic, and we danced and celebrated with the gems we've found called friends! It was one of the most incredible nights I've had since moving here! 

New Year's Day we celebrated my Momma's birthday with a Spa Day and poolside relaxation, and I will never start another year differently if I can help it, it was wonderful! We relaxed and enjoyed the sun and each other. Later that night we had our sweet neighbors over for a little birthday celebration. Mom's favorite bbq chicken, chocolate cake, the whole nine. Scarlett had a reaction to the store bought cake, scared the shit out of all of us, she is okay, and now I will become the best nut free baker on this island! (Talk about a downer) 

The biggest differences that I noticed about Christmas here versus at home is that the stress levels were lower, I only noticed grumpiness the day before, that always happens, because let me be clear, some mommas and daddys cannot afford the Christmas' that their little ones want, and that is heart wrenching, and that is everywhere, but there wasn't the grumpiness from the people who have enough, because I noticed that people don't go nuts buying for everyone, maybe because the shit isn't here to buy, maybe they just have a little better grasp on Jesus, I'm leaning toward the lack of availability, but no one seemed stretched thin like usual. There is a lot of public get togethers, and everyone is included, and the Jewish people go to support their friends, and vise versa for Hanukah. Candy canes are a bitch to find, I guess there is a Candy Cane mafia, day one, they come in, swoop them all up, and the rest of the island is caneless. My mom was able to elbow, elbow, wink, wink, a box out of a girl at the Gourmet Gallery, but they were the fruity kind, not the nice festive white and red ones. I've got "Order Candy Canes" on my November calendar... Time to open my underground candy store from 8th grade again, chuck the sour balls, it's candy canes this time folks. Don't have to worry about the janitor stealing my stash, but I've got Jason to worry about. Other than that it was the weather, I cannot believe how beautiful it is here everyday. It is not hot, it is not cold, it is perfect, every. single. day.   

Now we start real life again, although, it all seems like a dream.