It’s funny as I sit on my balcony admiring my blinking Christmas lights on December 23 in shorts and a tank top at 7pm and it’s still 26 degrees Celsius. One would think for a Canadian girl it wouldn’t feel much like Christmas.
Christmas in Canada was by far my favourite holiday. I loved the snow, christmas carols, family, days off, shopping, food, friends and the hustle and the bustle that came along with it. However, things have changed as I haven’t been “home” for Christmas in 6 years. I went to San Jose last week to shop for supplies and run some errands…I lasted 6 hours in the “hustle and bustle” and was dying to get out and back to my sleepy beach town.
It’s funny because now when the winds that blow in during December in Guanacaste it begins to feel like Christmas for me. They have “Festival de la Luz” where the bands march and the girls (and occasional guy) dance. Even the smallest houses have some sort of decorations whether it is a small lit up tree or one strand of lights. I love the fact that Christmas isn’t as commercial here as it seems at home. One small thoughtful gift is more than sufficient for most people here. And when it comes down to it…that is what Christmas really is suppose to be about.
Don’t get me wrong, this time of year I definitely do miss being surrounded by my family and dear friends at home. However, I do get “skyped” into most of the dinners to say hello, see everyone again, show off my tan and drool over their food. Fortunately, this is my busiest time of year so I guess I don’t have much time to think about what I’m missing at home.
My Moms’ Tree Last Trip Home!
This year I’ll spend Christmas with some of my closest friends here in Costa Rica. They have become “my family away from family”. I’m feeling incredibly blessed this year and I am excited for to start 2013. The idea behind writing this post was to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and only the best in 2013! Thank you to everyone for all their love and support through 2012 … It’s been a great year 🙂
Hugs,
Cheryl
MY COSTA CONNECTION 
Hi neighbor (in the next country up the road 🙂 There is something to be said for spending Christmas in warm sunshine. I hope yours is good and best wishes for the coming new year
Same to you!!!
Love the snow boarding photo! Ohh the memories 🙂
Fun until the pain set in hahahaha
Awesome things here. I am very satisfied to see your article.
Thank you a lot and I am taking a look ahead to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Thanks Gabriel! I just sent you an email 🙂