The old place bedazzled by swags of C-9s.
I was revisiting some of my past Christmas posts, and stumbled upon the one that follows. While I do hate to repeat myself, I thought, heck I’ve seen A Charlie Brown Christmas a bazillion times and I can recite the entire script of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Reruns are a Christmas tradition. That said, I thought I’d share a fond recollection of a Christmas past, one that I think of with great fondness this time of year.
- An angel in last year’s tree inspiring this year’s intentions.
Recalling When Christmas Came to Vashon
Living on an island has its challenges, but it also has its rewards, revealing special moments that speak to the kinship of isolation and the camaraderie of everyone being in (and on) the same boat.
While commuting by ferry creates bottlenecks and headaches daily, it also fosters a bond, an unspoken appreciation that someone else shares your daily round-trip odyssey. The smiles and nods to familiar strangers, one day makes them friends. So tonight when I returned to the island from a very long day in a less-welcoming place, I stood on the bow well before we reached Vashon Island. I savored that simple joy of returning home. The wind was bracing, the sky spun with gold, and the Olympic Mountains seized the horizon and my attention.
On the open car deck, Christmas trees topped a number of vehicles. One Jeep sported a wreath on its grille, the kids behind its steamed-up windows singing spirited renditions of the season’s best (between punches). I smiled, their parents smiled. The choir continued the concert.
With the din of the ferry silenced, we docked and I disembarked, walking more than briskly toward the warm, waiting bus. A stream of cars sped off the ferry and then one honked. I turned in time to see Santa in an SUV giving us a wave. I returned a smile and hearty hat tip.
Christmas had come to Vashon. I just had no idea we’d share the same ferry.
Bulldogs roasting by an open fire….
May the light of the season shine on you. Merry Christmas.
A Merry Christmas to you and the ‘dogs’ roasting by the open fire. Gotta love that!!!
You too Susan, I look forward to hearing what travel adventures you and Trout are embarking on in 2012!
The Board Of Tourism should pay you and Gluton Free Girl. Both of you write so loveingly about Vashon, I for one can’t wait to visit someday.
Lovely….absolutely lovely! Ina
Merry, Merry Christmas to my Tommy, who embodies the spirit of Christmas in his heart all year. And shares it through his word and deed with all the world. Love you so dearly my friend.
Peace and love, Miffala
I love your blog Tom and I think I’ve turned many friends into huge fans too. Merry Christmas to you and I hope the New Year bring you much peace, love, and laughter!
Just don’t laugh to hard at my typos:-)
Lovely story, Tom…Merry Christmas to you and the pups 🙂
Hi, Tom. Merry Christmas to you. I hope you have very beautiful days with your friends in 2012.
Merry Christmas to you Tom, and a very Happy New Year XO
Merry Christmas to you, too.
What a lovely trip down memory lane – isn’t it always a surprise hat the best meries are usually the little ones – free, uncomplicated & simple?
Happy Holidays Dear Tom 🙂
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
Hugs and warm wishes to you and the fur kids from JBug and the Big Guy, oh and Max, Finnigan and Georgie too
I love your picture of your angel in your tree!
Love Boz & Gracie staying warm by the fire 🙂
Merry Christmas Tom to you and yours! And I would like to take the time to say a Very Big Thank You Tom for sharing your Island life on Vashon and taking the time to write about it and share it with us all!! It is truly the “gift” that is enjoyed all year long!