The First White (sand) Christmas

By Kezia Malabanan

Since 2006, my Christmases have always been white.

Despite the countless curses I’ve uttered towards the heavens for the frigid cold of Winnipeg winters, snow has become one of those things that I got used to anticipating every year. Last year, I remember how much I eagerly waited for the snow ­– more than I did four winters prior.

This year, though, I missed out on the first snow fall. I missed out on the first sub-zero day of late autumn. I am missing out on the blizzard-like snow falls. Instead, I’ve been basking in the sunshine that beams down the island of Oahu. The absence of frozen toes were replaced by the presence of rough white sand under my toenails. I laughed at people who wear parkas and boots (leather and UGGs), only to realize a few weeks later that I feel the need to wear a light sweater on night outs. I found it really weird that all the stores in the Ala Moana Mall have a fall-winter display in sunny Oahu! I thought to myself: “Most of these people don’t even know what the cold really means.” My pale legs finally have almost the same shade as my tanned face.

I missed out on Santa’s Parade down Portage Avenue (not that I attended any of it for the past five years). I missed out on my friend’s office Christmas party at the Fort Garry. I missed out on my dad’s and sister’s birthdays. I missed out on my uncle’s family’s arrival. I missed out on my niece’s christening. I missed Canadian Thanksgiving (not that my family is fond of turkey). I missed my baby sister’s recital and performances. I am missing out on the no-pork diet at home.

And this year, I missed Christmas. White, snowy Christmas. I missed Christmas with my mom and sisters with whom I have always spent my Christmases with. This was the first Christmas my dad and I weren’t together because I am away instead of him being abroad. I missed all the Christmas parties and exchanging gifts. I also missed New Year’s.

Despite the countless curses I’ve uttered towards the heavens for the frigid cold of Winnipeg winters, I miss everything about home. Although I did anticipate the white sands of Oahu beaches, I didn’t realize how much stuff I missed because I am here.

So, this year, I had a white sand Christmas. Instead of being with the majority of important people in my life, I am with the other half of my soul. Instead of looking at the fluffy bed of snow through frosted windows, I’m looking up at starry skies (with the tiki lamps warding off insects).

Kezia is a member of ANAK and is currently on a 179-day leave from Winnipeg and will be back before Valentine’s Day.

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