Double Date for the First Carol Ship Run!
So let’s kick this off with a wee bit of context. Kevin and I are so lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world: Vancouver, Canada. Well, not precisely Vancouver, but in the region. We see snow-topped mountains from our home, have some of the most scenic and majestic views surrounding us, and of course, the ocean at our doorstep. Quite literally so, as we are fortunate enough to see the ocean from our deck. So while I am a great chef (not even bragging, my kitchen is referred to as “The Best Restaurant” by our loved ones), it is no surprise that Kevin and I host any gathering we can. In addition, I am a firm believer that good people come together in good places. And my goodness, we have some incredible people we call friends that visit us regularly. Dear friends! Fun friends! Generous friends! Warm hearted friends! Just the “love bein’ with you guys” kinda’ friends.
So what does this have anything to do with Carol Ships?
So for those of who who don’t know, the Carol Ships is a local event in the Vancouver area in which boat owners from local marina’s decorate their boats festively with lights and do a “sail past” the area. For those of us who are lucky enough to have a view of this spectacle, it is truly so special. I remember Kevin and I realizing 25 years ago when we moved into this home how special of a tradition this would become for us and our family.. Typically, these events occur on Friday and Saturday evenings in December leading up to Christmas day, and it is so utterly charming to see all these boats cruising by in a long line. Their lights reflect and twinkle on the water, and sometimes we can hear Christmas Carol music being played along the way. The number of boats varies from just a few to several, depending on availability, weather and other commitment factors.
So last night was December 1st, the first night of the Carol ships. To commemorate the occasion, we invited two of our fun friends, Dan and Jill over for dinner and the Carol Ship Show! And while the weather wasn’t perfect, the company, the food, and the wine was. We enjoyed a little propane fire on the deck, protected by the rain by our awning, and watched the first run of the Carol Ships! It was a great evening with many laughs and stories, and the chance to get further into the Christmas spirit and share it with people that we love!
I realize that not everyone has this spectacle to look forward to, nor do they have a friend they can get an invite to go see. But I suppose the message we want to send is this:
Fill up your home, your hearts and your time with people that you love.
The people that make you laugh until your belly hurts,
Who cherish you as much as you cherish them,
Who make you feel good inside.
And at the end of your time together, whether it’s an evening, a day or just an hour or two, remember to cozy up with the one you love the best under the warm sheets that night, content to be loved and to love, waiting for the next great event to unfold.