Popcorn and Christmas Movies

“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” ― Harlan Miller

 

I have been away from my family for 4 months.  I live in Makaha Valley, Hawaii, and live with a family that has 3 daughter.  The eldes is in middle school, the middle child in elementary, and the youngest is a toddler.  Her name is Leilani. 

Leilani wasn't sure about me in the beginning.  She would stop my bedroom and peer in.  She would hide and peek.  But, the more I would wave at her or let her walk into my room, we became fast buddies.  

Being away from my family makes me crave family interaction.  Leilani gives me comfort.  She's my little pal.  Her mom, Valerie, made popcorn tonight.

We sat around to watch the original cartoon "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  Leilani wouldn't share her popcorn, though.

Hawaiian Style Tree

“A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small.” ― Eva K. Logue

Ok, so the Hawaiian tree is weird compared to the type of fir tree I am used to, which is typically a Douglas Fir.  Anyway, this is the finishing touch.  I took pictures of the children I live with, Hekla, Athena, and Leilani and their cat, Kalia.  Kalia wouldn't leave the tree alone.  

Axel, the man of the house, did a great job stringing the lights on.  I was wondering how that was going to happen, because the tree branches are so sparse compared to ones that I am used to.  He had to use string to keep the lights from hanging all over the place.

The kids were so excited and the lady of the house, Valerie, pulled her decorations out and let her daughters add the ornaments.  I told the girls to try and get some of the ornaments inside the branches to fill the tree in.  

It was fun watching the kids parttake in family tradition, Hawaiian style.

I miss my kids so much and my cat Dusty.

x

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.