Christmas in the sand.

When I was little, Christmas equaled beautiful trees and snow covered neighborhoods. Christmas break was the best time of the year. Sitting at home with my family watching movies, eating popcorn, drinking hot cocoa by the fire are some of my fondest memories. Christmas was an anticipated time of year. Christmas music, lights, candles, nativities bringing with them smells of cinnamon and gingerbread.

However, I have learned to love Christmas in the sand. After my year abroad in the islands I have decided that Christmas in the snow is over rated, you can have just as good of a time in the sun as you do in the cold. Each has their own beauty and benefit, however, in the middle of the cold season, it is nice to get away and enjoy the sun for awhile.

This year for Christmas my family is going to Hawaii. Maui is going to welcome us with open arms and we will spend a week snorkeling and sitting on the beach, and enjoying the sun while my house gets dumped on with snow at home.

Sometimes you just don’t want to worry about shoveling your driveway anymore. You don’t have to worry about not slipping and falling in the parking lot, you don’t freeze your butt off anymore.

I can wear my swimsuit and not have to wear everything I own in hopes of not freezing on my way to class. I can change my warm tea and coffee for ice tea and shaved ice.

The holidays are about happiness and family. The islands are my happy place and my family is going with me so I feel like that is the holidays done right. Who said snow angels are only for the snow. Laying in the sand and building sandman and sand castles can make your Christmas in the sand the perfect way to spend the holidays.

Palm trees and coconuts, the wind in your hair and the sea creatures as your friends. Winter turns into Summer and Santa surfs instead of rides in on his sleigh. His reindeer turn into dolphins.

My Christmas anthem this year is by Colbie Colliat,

“I saw Santa in his bathing suit, trying to catch a wave, but he tried too soon. He laughed so hard that he could barely breathe. Then he looked at me. He said you look naughty but I’m sure you’re nice. With a present in his hand, he said it’s Christmas in the sand.”

I encourage you to consider a Christmas in the sand. As I run away to my island oasis and forget about the cold and snow. I will enjoy time with my family as we snorkel in the ocean and enjoy the sun as it dances on our skin. After finals and all the stress, the weeks of digging my car out of the snow, I will enjoy my Christmas in the sand.