Kristmas blong Santo: I’m dreaming of a [ ??? ] Christmas….

Jess, Jen and Sarah, lazying around



Jen, Sarah and Jess: Island Mama's! Christmas Eve. Photo for all those who requested Mother Hubbard apparel (sory tumas, me sakem sleaves blong dress blong me... hemia hot tumas!)

Jess and Sarah post christmas lunch.

















My first Christmas in Vanuatu... the festivities beginning with a small soiree on Christmas Eve at my house with the girls, resplendent in island dresses and with carols by such greats as Michael Bolton and Dolly Parton and kakae supplied via several superb care packages (thanks Auntie Amy and mum and dad). Then it was off to Saint Therese, my local Catholic Church, for a service in Francaise et Bislama… it’s a good things the carols all have the same music! We got there at 8.30, just in time for the last half hour, which was lucky as it started at 7pm and was like a sauna.

Christmas morning began with the kustom socks (Christmas stockings out of Santo-Vanuatu Island calico) and unwrapping of presents. Jen and Jess went for a morning dive on the Coolidge while I retired to my bed for a spel smol and chat with the family on the phone. Then it was off to Coral Quays Resort for Christmas buffet with a mix of expats and volunteers. After feasting on crayfish, ham, shrimps and other succulent delicacies, champers in tow, we relaxed on the resort’s jetty, followed by a swim and water fights in the pool, solwata, and back in the pool. At 6pm we eventually made our way back home to change (we hadn’t taken our togs to the resort so ended up swimming in our Christmas outfits) and then headed up to the hospital to catch up with the Baby Doc’s and watch the heartwarming Christmas season movie of Love Actually. So all in all, a very good first Tropical Christmas.