Celebrating Christmas in Hawaii
Like in so many other parts of the world, Christmas is a special time in Hawaii. Some aspects of Christmas are the same, like families gathering to spend time with each other and the giving of gifts. But other aspects are different due to Hawaii’s unique mix of cultures and warm climate.
The first thing you’ll notice is that Hawaii doesn’t snow at Christmas time, because the temperature seldom dips below seventy degrees, so Hawaii doesn’t have a “White Christmas.” So instead of snowball fights and sledding, families may choose to spend a sunny Hawaiian Christmas Day at the beach, wearing shorts and bikinis, and santa hats, instead of overcoats.
Christmas trees are much more expensive than in other parts of the world, because they have to be shipped across a large ocean to get here. Some families compensate by growing their own Christmas trees in their backyards. While, others substitute coconut trees or palm trees for traditional Christmas trees. But in any case they are still decorated with bright lights and ornaments.
Often families will celebrate with a luau rather and a roasted pig, rather than a Christmas Ham. The luau will be filled with tropical flowers like anthuriums, heliconias and ginger, rather than mistletoe and holly. When Santa and the Elves arrive they will often be sporting shorts and aloha shirts, instead of thick winter coats. Traditional and Hawaii Christmas carols may be sung, and they’ll often be accompanied by an ukulele instead of the more traditional instruments.
In summary, Christmas in Hawaii combines the foods and traditions of Hawaii’s numerous ethnic groups and is shaped by Hawaii’s unique climate. So don’t be surprised if you find a little bit of everything here. And remember to say “Mele Kalikimaka” which is Hawaiian for “Merry Christmas” when you are visiting.