Hey everyone! Living in Hawaii is such a unique experience, especially when it comes to ocelebrating the holidays. You see, we don’t get those iconic seasonal changes like folks on the mainland do. No colorful fall leaves for us! But as we move into fall, it does cool down a bit, and that’s when I start getting excited—my favorite time of the year is almost here!

I’m not really big on Halloween, but when I see decorations popping up, I know it’s time to get ready for the holiday season. Thanksgiving is a special one for me. It’s like a gentle reminder to reflect on what we’re grateful for. It’s all about spending time with friends and family, letting them know just how much they mean to us. I cherish those moments when we’re all gathered around the table, enjoying good food, and sharing lots of laughter.

As the weather gets a little cooler, there’s this cozy feeling in the air that just screams holiday spirit. I absolutely love how the streets come alive with Christmas lights! My favorite moment comes on December 1st when we kick off the holiday festivities with the Honolulu City Lights event. It’s such a blast! They light up this giant Norfolk Pine Christmas tree in front of Honolulu Hale (City Hall), and it just marks the start of the holiday season. The whole city lights up with joy and excitement!

Every year, I’m looking forward to this event and everything that comes with it. The sights and sounds make it feel like magic is in the air. I feel so connected to my neighbors and the whole community as we all come together to celebrate with smiles and good vibes.

I’m definitely planning to take pictures and share my experiences in a blog post for you all. I want to capture how special Honolulu is during the holidays and show you the unique way we celebrate it here.

So, whether you’re in Hawaii or somewhere else, take a moment to reflect on your own holiday traditions. Embrace gratitude, enjoy your time with friends and family, and remember—it’s the connections we make and the memories we build that truly make this season bright.

Happy Holidays, everyone!