The lights are up on the roundabouts as the traffic grinds to a halt around them. The stores are playing the classics while the Christmas chocolates fly off the shelves. The hotel lobbies are filled with giant Christmas trees — one hotel even has a giant bow wrapped around the outside. The pastors are blowing the dust off their favorite Christmas sermons as they prepare for their highest church attendance of the year. The most wonderful time of the year is upon us in Grand Cayman.
This year, to save us from tears, we decided to stay home for Christmas. Our little one — while up for an adventure — is still figuring out this sleeping thing which regresses tenfold when we travel. I’ve also got to work through the holidays. Study accounting they said… It’ll be rewarding they said…
Sadly that means we miss out on spending this happy time of the year with family. Playing board games with our nephews and opening presents together while snow falls softly outside is magical and will be sorely missed.
Before traveling to Canada for the first time, I’d never even seen real snow. The closest I’d gotten was some sleet in Dublin on a short visit. I’ve grown up with hot Christmas days, family braais*, eating cold meats and swimming in the pool at my grandparent’s place. Living in Cayman is more of the same. However, for my wife who grew up with snow and cosy fireplaces, a hot Christmas is still an odd experience.
*barbeques, South African style
To try and make the most of Christmas at home, and because it’s our little one’s first Christmas, we got a real tree and blanketed the floor beneath it with presents. The air-conditioner is on max, Christmas sweaters adorned, hot chocolates in hand, and a faux fireplace crackles through the TV. Turkey and all the spoils are ordered for Christmas Day. My wife has even been practicing my sister in law’s amazing stew so we can feel a little closer, even from across the world..
While many escape to Cayman to celebrate Christmas away from the cold, Cayman residents who don’t have large families on island will often head off-island to spend it at home. Those of us staying put celebrate together with our blended families. Families made up of friends, colleagues, and friends of friends.
It’s a special time of year to appreciate the blessings we have. May this Christmas be magical, no matter how or with whom you get to celebrate. For me, the beautiful traditions are a reminder of an incredibly gracious God, who provided the ultimate sacrifice for an undeserving world.