Christmas fell on a Wednesday this year.  Luckily none of us have little ones at home that require waking up at 6am to start the Christmas festivities.  In fact, my teenagers requested not being woken up until 10.  That is why I can even be sitting at this computer. I am not sure if this makes me happy or sad…I think the latter.  However, this made it easy for Tiare, me and the rest of the available wahines to participate in our necessary Wahine Wednesday surf.

We met as early as we could…6:30.  We watched the sun come up.  We “played” in the sand dunes for a brief moment while lamenting over the lack luster surf. We were joined by friendly faces and exchanged holiday greetings. Tiare’s family, Patrick, Isabelle, and #1 surf dog Kiwi joined us as well.  There was Christmas Love all around!!!

The surf down south was big .  Probably pretty fun but challenging for sure.  Unfortunately, we had to pass and settle on the small, gentle waves of Seal Beach.  We could not afford any wahine mommy injuries on Christmas morning.  So we stayed in our safe, familiar shores.

Tiare, Candace, Cindy and I got in at the pier.  The sky was amazing and although I eventually lost feeling in my feet, the water was pleasant.  The waves were tiny, but the crowd was epic.  I was overcome with joy.  I felt like a drunk college girl at a party who after a few drinks professes to everyone “I Love You”.  My heart was bursting with love.

I had spent the evening Christmas Eve at my sister’s house with my family…parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, and grandmother.  I get to spend the day with my  little foursome and then head to my husband’s sister’s house.  And I was able to start my morning with girls that I adore.

As I was sitting in the water I realized my Christmas wish.  It is for someone to be able to encapsulate this feeling…the feeling of overwhelming joy.  To harness it and keep it safe.  To bottle it up so when times are tough, all we need to do is open the lid and happiness can emerge.

I realize this is asking a lot.  Even Santa Claus has his limits.  And I do know that’s just not how life works.  We need the hard times and the sadness.  To grow. To help us appreciate the good.  But darn-if we could find a way to bottle happiness..I think it would really be something.

So, until we find a way to accomplish that feat, I will just drink in the joy of this moment.  I will savor the day and appreciate all that is good.

We wish you a happy holiday however you may be spending it and above all else, I wish you joy!

Salty Kisses,

Karen