Celebrating the Holidays with My Family: Aloha Style

The holidays are a magical time for my family and me, filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Over the years, as life has changed, so have the ways we celebrate. But one thing remains constant: the spirit of Aloha guides every moment, making the season even more meaningful.

Morning Magic: Starting the Day with Aloha

Our holiday mornings are a little different from the classic snowy scenes you might imagine. Instead of waking up to frost on the windows, we’re greeted by the soft glow of the Hawaiian sun streaming through the palms.

Breakfast is a family affair, and we love putting a tropical twist on holiday favorites. Pancakes are drizzled with coconut syrup and topped with fresh pineapple and macadamia nuts. For a savory touch, there’s always spam musubi—a favorite that never fails to bring smiles around the table.

While we eat, we share our goals and gratitude for the season, a family tradition that keeps us grounded and connected.

Holiday Adventures in Paradise

One of my favorite things about celebrating the holidays in Hawaii is how we’ve embraced experiences over material gifts. My family loves spending the day exploring the islands together.

We might hike through lush rainforests, where the air smells of earth and flowers, or snorkel in crystal-clear waters to see the vibrant coral reefs. Some years, we head to local festivals, where we shop for handmade crafts, listen to live Hawaiian music, and enjoy malasadas—those delicious Hawaiian-style doughnuts that are impossible to resist.

These moments are our true gifts to each other, creating memories that we’ll treasure forever.

The Magic of Hawaiian Holiday Traditions

No holiday season is complete without a little magic, and in Hawaii, that magic often comes with a tropical twist. One of our favorite traditions is heading to Waikiki to catch Surfing Santa in action. Seeing Santa ride the waves never fails to delight both kids and adults alike.

In the evenings, we walk along streets lit up with twinkling lights, where palm trees take the place of evergreens, and the festive decorations blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the islands.

Back at home, our Christmas tree may be small, but it’s adorned with ornaments we’ve crafted together—seashells, sand dollars, and kukui nuts, each one telling a story of a family adventure or a favorite memory.

Honoring Community and Connection

The holidays in our family aren’t just about us—they’re about the connections we share with our community. Every year, we participate in local events like holiday potlucks or church services that incorporate traditional Hawaiian music.

We also make it a point to give back, whether it’s donating to local causes or supporting artisans at holiday markets. For us, the true spirit of the season is about spreading Aloha—love, peace, and kindness—throughout our community.

Finding Joy in Togetherness

The heart of our holiday celebrations is time spent together. Whether it’s playing games on the beach, telling stories under the stars, or simply enjoying each other’s company, every moment feels special.

Even though our traditions have evolved over time, they’ve grown to reflect what matters most to us: family, love, and the beauty of living in the moment.

Mele Kalikimaka from My Family to Yours

As I reflect on our holiday celebrations, I’m reminded of how much joy can come from blending the old with the new. The essence of the holidays isn’t about where you are or what you do—it’s about the people you share it with and the love you carry in your heart.

From my family to yours, Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou—Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

May your season be filled with joy, warmth, and a little bit of that Hawaiian magic. 🌺✨

Ready to plan your own Hawaiian holiday or chat about how to bring the Aloha spirit into your celebrations? Chat with me HERE!