Christmas on the beach

The Christmas holidays take place mid-summer in the southern hemisphere, so for me it will always be associated with seaside holidays. As a child, we lived inland and the holidays really began when after six hours drive, we caught that first tantalizing glimpse of the ocean above the sand dunes and my parents could finally answer “Yes” to the dreaded question, “Are we nearly there yet?”

 Durban South Africa 

My childhood memories are awash with holidays on Durban beach where the waves where gentle, and I could jump the swells and feel like a goddess of the sea before playing swing ball with my sisters on the soft golden sand, gathering shells, or diving into the pool at the caravan park to touch the blue mosaic dolphin at the bottom.

The walk to the beach took us past a group of Zulu women who sold their wares to tourists along the side of the road, everything from wood sculptures to handmade doilies and brightly colored bead necklaces and bracelets featuring traditional designs. I would have bought a necklace every day if I’d had control of the purse strings.

Darling Harbour Sydney

When we couldn’t swim, I’d bury my nose in a book. One of my fondest memories is of finding such treasures as the Nancy Drew mystery, The Clue in the Old Stage Coach, in a second-hand bookshop and waiting impatiently to return to the caravan so that I could sprawl on my bunk and read.

My mom always went to a great deal of trouble to ensure Christmas was merry despite the limitation of hosting it in a caravan. We’d have an artificial tree wrapped in tinsel and twinkling with light surrounded by presents. One year was particularly special. We didn’t have light and Mom found the sweetest Father Christmas candles, some fat and jolly, some thin like the soldiers in the Nutcracker.

The scent of sunscreen and seaweed and the gritty feel of sand lining a swimsuit are as much a part of Christmas for me as an artificial tree lined with gifts, glazed ham, roast potatoes and turkeys.

Balmoral Beach

These days I live in Sydney, Australia where the beach is near at hand, but my family is far away. The beach is too hot for me unless I have a large hat and am sitting under a beach shade. Sydney Harbour sparkles through the summer and I like to walk around the Opera House. I like to walk along Cremorne Point or the promenade at Balmoral Beach, enjoying the cool sea breeze and taking comfort from the excited cries of playful children. We have good friends who celebrate the day with us and take away some of the sting of absent family. It’s a bittersweet moment that reminds me that life is about choices, to celebrate my new life even as I miss family and friends. I am thankful for social media and the window it gives me into the lives of those far away.

Christmas_Sydney 

However you celebrate this December, enjoy the food and the company. I wish you happy holidays and happy memories.

Laura Boon is the author of The Millionaire Mountain Climber.

https://lauraboon.com/about/