It seems that there is quite some interest on the way we do Christmas down here. Understandable.

• Palm trees VS cold winds
• Blue oceans VS grey cold asphalt
• Nice constant breezes VS winds that cut you to the bone
• Sun tan lotion VS Lip chap
• Sun glasses VS Ice scrapers

I could go on and on but ... why rub it in? There is, however another side to this island during the hollidays. I will share one day of it with you. OK?

On Christmas morning, I was subject to another failure in planning. The plan was that Junior would wake up at about 8:00 AM and he would come into the bedroom and let us know that Santa had done what he promised. There would be a nice breakfast after going through Santas gifts, we woud gather around and count our blessings.

NAAHHHH

Junior walked into the room at about 3:00AM (only an hour or so after we hit the sack with Ribbon glues still on our hands) and started poking at us (mostly faces - especially noses and eyes) to let us know that the tree was't lit and that there were presents there. He insisted on the lights needing to be on and with that childlike demand got things going at that illegal hour in the morning. My thoughts immediately went to some Jewish friends of mine that would still be sleeping soundly. The quirk of faith - or is it fate? Anyway, things got moving early, the plan was once again foiled and we were lucky to be sipping away at coffee.

All gifts were as expected and all were thrilled. At about 10:00AM I needed to get some things and knew that the only place that would be opened would be the VALERO gas station as you leave town on the way to the hotels. Junior hopped in and the two of us were off.

Then it hit me.

The streets were absolutely empty. Not a soul. It had rained a bit and there was that watered down look that I associate with movie set streets. It was almost ghostlike. My son (all of three and a half) even noticed and asked me where all the people were. I didn't have an answer.

After getting the groceries, I took the decision to drive through some of the residential areas. The houses were quiet and here and there there was someone taking out the trash or hosing down a car. Most of the homes had a very private look. Then curiosity got the best of me and we drove down the hotel strip. Same thing. Quiet. Absolutely still. Same watered down streets and same movie set reminder.

As luck would have it, I saw a friend of mine driving by and called him on my cell. We agreed to meet at the gas station for a cup of gas station coffee once I dropped off Junior. We met and talked and I learned some things.

First of all I learned that he does this ritual drive every year and encounters the same thing. The second thing we talked about is that the streets of Aruba are filled with the cars that carry the people that have so much to do with our most important industry - tourism. On Christmas day, delivery trucks do not deliver and taxis are reduced. Occasionally you will see a public bus but even they are trimmed down somewhat. The folks going to work are reduced to those working at hotels and in those cases the staff is thin. The airport and hospital are obligatorily open as is the police. Government vehicles are off the road as are cars going to shops since shop owners stay closed on Christmas. The hub-bub of keeping things going to maintain the tourist comfortable is not there that day. It was planned out many weeks ago and the cubbards are full.

It is a day of rest.

I went back to the down town area and looked at it again. I imagined it many years ago. It must have been a wonderful place to be. Aruba must have been one of those places that leaves you with your thoughts. I like that concept. Yet - I like us today also and so do the largest majority of the island.

At about noon, I made the decision to head back home and then saw the lines of cars on the way to church. They walked into churches in groups having parked their cars outside or down the street. Bells rang and sent out a message of its' own. The combination of the humble and the rich walking side by side made me aware of what it is we have on this island. When it comes to people and our neighbors, we are as color blind as we are aware that the plumber keeps the faucets working and the doctor needs that water to scrub his hands prior to doing his job. Everyone was walking side by side and it thrilled me. What would they be praying for? Forgiveness? Gratefullnes? Who knows? My kid would pray for Santa to come three times or more a year. Really - who knows anymore what we should pray for.

I finished my day with a single father friend of ours coming to the house with his son. His son and Junior are only a month or two different in age and the two of them cause equal havoc. Anyway they had been to church and I made the decision to ask if he had prayed. He said yes. I then asked him what he prayed for. He said the following:

"My mom is OK and my Dad is OK and maybe they will get married again". I smiled. Then he said " prayed for Batabee Hollidays" I looked at him and asked him again what he said. "Batabee Hollidays" he said and then went off to play. I dropped the topic and went on to watch foot ball with his dad.

When time came for them to leave the little boy said to me - You should pray too because her Mommy is sad and wants her home". He came to me and hugged me and whispered "Pray OK?" I nodded. At times like these, salt moves down from my eyes and on to my lips. I know that because big boys don't cry.

Life moves on at a pretty regular pace here on this island and I wish - so very much - I wish - that I could tell you just how much I love living here.

Even when the streets are wet and my face is ..... salty - cause little guys are profound.

Charles
arubafastphones.com

Once again, Charles, you paint beautiful pictures with your words. And you always throw in a little something extra to think about!

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Once in a while you can get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right.

I enjoyed your Christmas Story very much Charles! Thank you for sharing it with us!

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Charles: What a heartwarming Christmas you had. You never know what will come out of the mouths of little children. They are so precious

Thank you for sharing this with us.

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It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

But Charles, if there's no snow, there's no sleigh, if there's no sleigh, there's no Santa, and if there's no Santa, there's no knight in shining armor! I just wonder - could a knight ride a surfboard???

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elaine S But Charles, I just wonder - could a knight ride a surfboard???

Yes Elaine - he not only can but does and, he is very good at it. His board can be found next to any ocean at any beach in the world with a small sign on it that says ...

"Don't touch - gone to feed the reigndeer"

Be well

charles

P.S. Glad you enjoyed the posting.

Damn, my knight's all over the world feeding those 8 guys instead of knocking at my door!!! I may have to boycott Santa!!

Seriously, Xmas must be lovely on the island... and, your "salty face" speaks volumes!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Charles...That was a beautiful story...you are making me sooooooooo homesick...see you soon adn have a wonderful new year
Tico

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Home is where the heart is and my heart is in Aruba

Charles - Thanks for sharing your life with us - To share is to give of ones self, and we are the Lucky ones.

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I lead with my Heart and my Body follows

Dan & Sweet Georgene

Thanks Charles. I agree with everyone as you always seem to find a way to capture the moment! Also, thanks for leading me to this BB.

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year

Hello Charles. We have just had our first opportunity to read your description of Christmas in Aruba and want you to know that we enjoyed reading it very much. Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy 2006!

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beautiful....thank-you!