Tropical Tidings — A Christmas Escape

As much as I love Christmas cozied up by a crackling fire, there’s a special appeal to celebrating in the tropics, particularly in Hawaii. Perhaps it’s the irresistible allure of the aloha spirit — an embodiment of love, compassion, and respect — you feel everywhere you go. Or maybe it’s the profound connection to Hawaiian culture, steeped in spirituality and a deep respect for ancestral traditions, beautifully preserved through storytelling, whether shared through hula dance or mele (traditional chants and songs). Or maybe, it's the chill beach vibes that replace the hustle and bustle of what being in the city can bring...more mai tais, less holiday checklists. Whatever the reason, celebrating the Hawaiian way (albeit a few weeks early to accommodate family schedules) was a refreshing change of pace. We traded turkey for huli huli pork, evergreen wreaths for tropical fauna, and sweaters for bikinis — Mele Kalikimaka!