Christmas on Vancouver Island

In many ways, it was a classic “Island” Christmas, minus the sand in the sheets and the little paper umbrellas.

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-1There was photo-worthy exotic greenery, adorned in glistening blossoms of glass, salt-dough, and crocheted silk.

(In truth, I think my technically-hip Dad was taking my picture as I sat in the the pink chair beside the tree in all my Christmas-morning, naked faced, and tousled-haired glory. Said photo will not be appearing in this blog, ever.)

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-2Native island beauties posed happily against the backdrop of their beloved sky line.

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-3Nosy tourists could be seen poking around in back alleys…

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-4… while cousins-in-law renewed ties over adult beverages and profitable, thought-provoking conversations…

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-5… expanded upon with the interpretive dance gestures common to many island cultures.

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-6My only sadness is that I wasn’t prepared to capture the subtle rare complexity and beauty of this art form on video. It would have gone viral on youtube.

Christmas Vancouver island Style-20-2This island Christmas marked the joyous return to birth soil of generations now making their own way forward across the waters…

 Christmas Vancouver Island Style-8… while others spoke quietly into the festivities with only their fashion sensibilities and the dulcet musical murmurings of, say, soft-shelled she crabs in heat.

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-9When you’re from afar, a gaggle of aunts around the hearth makes it all feel like home.

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-10
Whether they were deftly orchestrating traditional fare for the hungry hoards…

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-11... or sweetly obliging the paparazzo, magnificent family females are integral to the cohesion of island life. (Some island wildlife was mysteriously illusive: sorry, Uncle Ron!)

kathy monterey-1Plus, in the case of one’s paternal bloodline auntie, it can be startling to recognize and reel in one’s own DNA-themed heritage in the form of a lilting eyebrow asymetry or distinctive nose-tip nobility. (See my Aunt Mary, above.)

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-12Elders assembled in spirit, body and mind, although not necessarily all at the same time or with the same focus of attention.

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-13But when they did, it was a singular moment to celebrate, as in the blooming of a rare orchid or total eclipse of the sun.

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-14Another native interpretive dance movement lost to the moment without video… sigh.

Christmas Vancouver Island Style-16Yes, in many ways, it was a classic island Christmas: regardless of where we had come from, what strange offerings we brought to the table, or even what species we were, all were warmly welcomed home.

7 thoughts on “Christmas on Vancouver Island

  1. Susan

    Just beautiful Kathy. Wish we could have been there to join in the festivities. Maybe next year … xo

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  2. Charlie

    Happy New Year to you both! I am so happy you had time to enjoy your family. Kids have been home here and the house has been joyful!

  3. Sandi Fentiman

    Great post Kas, and your hair looked fine. I believe I was the one that took the picture of Santa by the tree.

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