To all my friends and family,
As we continue past the winter solstice here in the northern hemisphere, marking the shortest day of the year welcoming the beginning of longer days and warmer sunshine, and step into the new year and the new chapter of our lives, I am reminded of my experiences at this time of last year while traveling in New Zealand.
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Living out of a van sleeping next to two other salt encrusted surfers while camped outside a small coastal town on the north island of New Zealand was not the most comfortable way to travel, but is was there we found ourselves for the holidays. For us, waking up to sunrise and surfing until noon was just another day at the office. With the afternoons of exploring the beach and reading the good books we’d picked up from a recent book exchange, our months of travel had become well entertained.
The only hint of the holidays approaching were seen when my travel buddies and I would head into town for food supplies and a change of scenery. The small town of Raglan would be our stop for the holidays as a large swell was due to arrive on the 25th (What a gift!). Having been on the road for a couple months I didn’t really see much of a winter decorated home of holiday cheer in my future so I focused on being with friends on the gorgeous coastline before us. Entering the hustle and bustle of town, we found the warmth of the southern hemisphere summer through images of a surfboard toting Santa in swim trunks greeting us as we walked down the produce isle of the market.
On the 24th we went into town to see if any festivities were on. To our surprise a large parade was about to lining up for a stroll down the main street. The whole town had come out of the woodwork to take part in this seasonal tradition. With an hour to burn I had been playing my guitar out front of the small grocery store on the main street. Having accumulated a small mountain of change I decided to use my earning to take everyone in our small camp out for Christmas dinner at our favorite burger joint in town. What a treat is was to have a hand-made hearty meal made by the fabulous couple who owned “Organic Burger”. And to think our meals had been provided after playing music for only a short time for the local shoppers. We were bursting at the seams with smiles ear to ear as we found a spot on the street for the parade.
This grand social gathering was a real treat for us travelers who were feeling a bit empty in holiday spirit knowing we would only hear our families on the other end of the phone line this season. Santa, cruising in on a giant water-spouting firetruck, even made an appearance handing out candy to everyone to celebrate the eve of his grand journey around the globe. Even Santa, it seemed, wouldn’t be home for the holidays this year. We all couldn’t help but feel the warmth of the holiday season in this very special moment at this particular place we found ourselves in the world.
The real treat that made this day unforgettable was when I was invited onto the porch of the small pub overlooking the main street to join a handful of local musicians who were gathered to sing Christmas Carols. They had seen me busking out front of the market by myself earlier and welcomed me to join their gathering that evening. How did they know of my love for singing Christmas Carols?!
Offered a seat in the circle, I found myself surrounded by a handful of older Maori women singing accompanied by a few guys playing guitars and ukuleles. All were singing the classics out to the street in gorgeous three and four part harmony as many walkers-by gathered to listen. It was a treat to hear them sing many of the songs in their native Maori and even changed some of the lyrics to fit more of the local island lifestyle. The whole time I was adopted by an elderly woman seated in a rocking chair who linked arms with me and encouraged me to sing and helped translate the songs sung in their native language. I was so thankful and appreciative of their warm welcoming. It truly made my day.
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Two years have gone by since I have been home, here in northern California, to enjoy the holidays with my friends and family. It took missing out on these once thought “cheesy” and over-the-top traditions my family has continued throughout the decades for me to realize how good I have it and how much I missed being surrounded and supported by so much love at this time of year. Whether it be decorating cookies with my dad, singing with my mom or decorating the tree with my sister, I have missed all of these traditions so much while on the road. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to be with my entire family this Christmas. The gift of being under the same roof with them is all I ever hoped for this season.
As I consider my options for the new year, after returning from a couple months in Central America with my sister, I hope YOU, my friends and family, and I find the time to share the recent paths you are on in your lifelong journey. I look forward to sharing the stories of my time in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Central America if you are curious of the experiences I found myself in.
Most of all, I hope each of you find yourself surrounded by friends and loved ones this holiday season wherever you are in the world. No matter how good or bad it seems, we always have each other this season.
To those of you traveling away from home this season, I miss you and wish you safe travels.
To my friends I haven’t seen since when? I hope our paths cross in the very near future.
To the people of Christchurch, NZ, my thoughts are with you as you continue your struggle of rebuilding your lives as the Earth continues to shake under your feet.
And to my unconditionally loving family. I feel so privileged to be with you all this holiday. I have so much singing and hugs to share with each one of you.
Happy New Year!
Love, love, love,
-Brian
