Mele Kalikimaka: Reflections on Family, Friends & Beaches

Happy Holiday's and Merry Christmas

Mele Kalikimaka!  This morning, as so many of my early mornings, I greeted the sunrise on the beach.  The Christmas sunrise did not disappoint.

For reasons I cannot fully explain, the Hawaiian Merry Christmas speaks to my heart and soul more than any other tongue’s Christmas greeting.  I have spent Christmases in China:  “Sheng Dan Quai le”; Germany: “Frohe Weihnachten”; Mexico:  “Feliz Navidad” but never in Hawaii.   I may love Mele Kalikimaka because I fondly remember Don Ho’s AND Bing Crosby’s versions of “Mele Kalikimaka” sung in so many of those corny Christmas Specials on television in the 60s and 70s.  “Mele Kalikimaka speaks to me even more than Bing’s infamous “White Christmas”.  It is a song that brings a smile to my face and visions of ALL the happy, cozy and magical memories of family Christmas traditions.  (And, lets face it, dreaming of a “White Christmas” is simply a dream; especially in Florida!)

More recently, Mele Kalikimaka has become my theme song for the Treasure Coast, Vero Beach and the Beach Lifestyle.  It is one of my most played songs in iTunes ANY time of the year and happens to be blasting from my iPad at this very moment.  The Beach Lifestyle is as much a part of my family traditions and legacies as Christmas.  Beaches are what I envision when I recall the fondest memories of grandparents, parents, siblings, children, friends and dogs.  The recollection of fun times with these beings on beaches around the world warms my heart and soul.

As we wrap up the “Old Year” of 2014 and open the door to 2015, Vero Vine wishes ALL of you a VERY MERRY MELE KALIKIMAKA!
Happy New Year too and look for Vero Vine to kickoff 2015 with it’s MOST EXCITING Contest yet: Vero’s Beach Lifestyle Photo Contest.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSUT8Inl14

 

Sherry Nist