Island Kitsch Christmas

Season's Glow by Peggy Chun

Maybe its the year-round warmth or the complete lack of snow (except atop the volcanoes) that makes Hawaii the last place you would associate with Christmas. But don't write it off too quickly. There are a number of traditions that take advantage of the unique nature of the islands to inspire "peace on earth and goodwill toward men."

1. Surfing Santa - this image of the jolly St. Nick surfing in shorts or lounging in an Aloha shirt with Mrs. Claus by his side is classic kitsch.

2. The Hibiscus wreath - it's the state flower and looks great in a wreath of palm leaves.

3. The Christmas Palm Tree - even though the image was popularized by a Corona commercial, I look for it every year and remember Maui.

4. Ukele Christmas Music - The traditional favorites seem to play on the radio earlier every year and by New Year I'm ready to have my eardrums removed, but just the first few bars of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" makes me believe in humanity again. (Look, I know that it's not strictly a Christmas song, but they do play it on Christmas Radio programs and ever since it was used in the commercials for the now defunct etoys.com, I've associated it with toys >> presents >> Christmas)

5. The Spirit of Aloha - the philosophy I associate with the islands is one of welcome, kindness, generosity and love. What could be more Christmas than that?

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Maybe you can't make it to the islands for the holidays but still want a memento to remind you of the sun, sand and warmth during the current record breaking cold snap. I'm here to help. I put together a small collection, available in time for the holidays.

Hawaiian Christmas at Amazon.com