They are giving a “tide” to Christmas.
A British family living on a yacht is having a minimalist Christmas at sea, with gifts of shells, freshly caught fish and surfing.
“When it comes to presents, we keep things minimal and focus on small, practical items and experiences,” Stephanie Stevens, 35, told Kennedy News of her unexpected Christmas tradition. Ta. “These simple rituals will add to the holiday spirit on board.”
She and her husband Richard, 40, originally from Jersey, moved to their boat, the Pinnacle, a year ago to sail the world. They share the vessel with their two children, Jesse, 3, and Lou, 1.
Due to the maritime lifestyle, couples are forced to reduce their belongings in order to fit comfortably in the cramped interior of the ship, which results in fewer presents than usual at Christmas time.
Nevertheless, Stevens said sailor families are getting by by replacing the traditional iPads and chocolates with “surprises like stickers, seashells, stationery and notepads.”
“Simple toy cars have become a tradition,” the content creator explained. “The children receive one for each country we visit. We have visited 22 countries so far and their collection is growing.”
And while many children may avoid sweaters and other clothing, practical clothing is greatly appreciated on the choppy high seas.
“Boys are always growing and swimmers are exposed to the sun and salt water, so clothing is also an essential gift,” says Stevens.
This Christmas at sea may seem modest compared to Christmas on land, but Brits believe it's important to value experiences over possessions.
“Christmas for us is less about 'something' and more about making special memories together, no matter where we are in the world,” Stevens said. On the big day, if conditions are right, I try to find a protected “good spot” where I can cast my anchor.
Stevens said she also likes “researching local traditions and trying to get involved to enjoy the experience of another culture and meet people.”
As for the holiday feast, “Christmas lunch is a little unconventional, but it fits our lifestyle perfectly,” she said. This means “surfing or turfing with a barbecue, using freshly caught fish and all the fruits and vegetables you can find locally.”
Children usually don't mind not being able to do it on holidays. Get used to it home sweet home.
“My boys don't really know what they're missing when they get home,” Stevens said. “Jesse only turned a year old the last Christmas we spent in Jersey, so Lou hasn't experienced a 'traditional' Christmas yet.”
Even though jingle bells are rocking the boat, the Stevens family still manages to keep it a little bit of the traditional Christmas spirit by decorating it with sentimental Christmas decorations that she packed before setting off on a world voyage tour. I'm trying to keep it.
“Inside is a small Christmas tree with ornaments that have been passed down through the family, a fabric advent calendar, stockings, a festive table runner and a Santa hat,” Stevens said. “We will do our best to continue our family traditions wherever we are.”
She added: “We bake Christmas biscuits, put up a tree, no matter how small, play Christmas songs and read festive stories together.”
This year, the family will also welcome guests to help them “get in the holiday spirit.”
“My brother Freddie and his girlfriend Chelsea will also be joining us on board, which makes it even more special,” Stevens said. “We are aiming to meet them around Bocas del Toro in Panama, where we will spend Christmas Day.
She added: “We're told there will be a great atmosphere during the Christmas season. We're looking forward to the added bonus of a surfing session. This is a Christmas present we'll definitely love.”
Stevens said the boys won't be able to visit “Santa's Grotto” or skate on a “Christmas-lit ice rink,” but they will be able to “do something different, something magical together. “It will be a great memory,” he said.
“We will make this season special and fill it with love, adventure, and all the magic we can create,” she said.
