Merry Christmas

This past month has been busy with lots of different festivites for the holiday season here on the ship. On December 1st many hands decked the halls turning the ship into a winter wonderland!



"Winter Wonderland"

With an international crew representing over 30 countries, I got to experience and learn about some other traditions. The Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas on December 5th. We enjoyed a choir processional on December 13th for the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia.

St. Lucia



 On December 23rd we had a barbeque out on the dock per the Australian Christmas tradition. After sunset we sang Christmas carols by candelight.



Caroling on the dock

Singing by candelight

Christmas Photo Booth with friends!

 

CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!

 

Borrowing the Dutch tradition, everyone on the ship places a shoe outside their door on Christmas Eve. The pitter-patter of feet can be heard as people go up and down the hallways filling shoes with goodies.

 

Shoes lining the hallways!

 

Excited on Christmas day to find my shoe filled with goodies!

A big THANK YOU to the awesome galley and kitchen crew who pulled off the most amazing Christmas brunch! We had a breakfast buffet on one side and lunch items on the other. In the middle of the dining room was a spread of fresh fruit, cheese, pastries, and cookies! We spent about two and half hours in the dining room eating and talking with friends. The remainder of the day my friends and I played games, watched White Christmas, and made a few phone calls to family and friends!


Christmas Brunch

 

Excitedly waiting in the buffet line with my friends
Karin and Melina from Sweden and Switzerland!

I feel blessed to have enjoyed so many wonderful opportunities during this Christmas season and to celebrate in Africa with people from so many different places! The meaning of Christmas still remains the same no matter where I am, Jesus Christ the Savior was born!

 

Hoping that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Africa!!