Hawaiian Fir Tree

“Christmas is the keeping-place for memories of our innocence.” ― Joan Mills

My first Hawai'ian fir tree. I'm used to California-grown trees, and this was certainly interesting to watch Axel string lights on the tree. Literally, he had to use string to keep the lights from dangling. It took him a couple hours. He did a great job. Tomorrow, they will add decorations to the tree.

This is the first Christmastime that I have been away from my family in California.  Hawaii is an experience and new chapter in my life.  

Decorating Aunt Jeri's Tree

“Mankind is a great, an immense family... This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas.” ― Pope John XXIII

 

Ever since my sister Jeri moved into her Fountain Valley apartment in 1999, she always had my children come over to decorate.  First it was with my daughter, then my son Kalib, and then my son Christopher.  

Considering this is the first Christmas my kids and I would be apart, she sent me photos of them decorating her tree.  You couldn't understand the emotional pain I experienced seeing my kids having so much fun, when I was feeling so incredibly sad.  I know inside they were hurting because I was not there, but I am glad my sister was able to give them some sort of normalcy during this difficult time.  She kept the tradition going and for that I am so grateful.

Christmas Music Concert

“When purchasing gifts becomes the focal point of the season, we lose focus on what's truly important.” ― Joshua Fields Millburn

 

For the Christmas season, the children from Waianae Intermediate's school band got to perform at Ala Moana Mall.  Hekla was performing on her trumpet for the Christmas concert.  It was my first time seeing her play.  She did well and she had her whole entourage to cheer her on from the balcony.

My First Hawaii Santa Claus

“What do you think of Christmas?" "I like it," she said. "I think we should have it every year.” ― Liz Flaherty, One More Summer

 

I really enjoyed taking my kids to see Santa when hey were little.  I know I certainly was ecstatic the time I met Santa.  After not being near my kids for 4 months, I decided to go see Santa for fun.  I asked him if it was ok to have an adult take pictures with him, considering I put on weight and Trevor is not a small man.  Santa assured me that he's had numerous Polynesians on his lap and they aren't small people, and we weren't too old, because old women have sat on his lap plenty of times.  

He posed us and the pictures came out great.

Hello Kitty Stationery Set

“We sat on the floor eating donuts, completely dazed and hung over. I looked up at the window every so often to gaze at the Christmas lights. They were so beautiful. They blinked on and off in what should have been the early night dark but was really the early morning dark.” ― Chrissi Sepe, Bliss, Bliss, Bliss

 

I do LOVE Hello Kitty.  I have since I was very young.  My brother, Tommy, got me my very first Hello Kitty item for Christmas, when I was 7 years old.  It was a purse.

My friend and co-worker, Teonna, got this cute Hello Kitty boxed secrets set for me.  How sweet to think of me.  When we met, I didn't think she and I would get along, but over time she became really cool.