Tis the Season

‘Tis the Season

Wow - 2019 is winding down?! Every year I feel as if I have all the time in the world and then . … November rolls up to remind me to prioritize only the important things and to simplify! . .. . And so, with these lofty permissions, I am going to create an intentional holiday around. . . .boating! Here’s my plan:

happy holidays image.jpg

Write Santa a Letter asking for What we Really and Truly Want for the Florida Keys

What if we could wave a magic wand and turn back time on the environmental damage we have done to the Florida Keys? I am putting Santa on task to fix these issues:

  • Return historic water flow to the Everglades National Park and Florida Bay

  • Bring back diadema

  • Create a climate of community compromise as we assess the National Marine Sanctuary Restoration Blueprint

  • Find a cure for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease

  • Return vibrant sea grass in the Florida Bay

Curl up on the Bow with a Fabulous Nautical Book

What if we took the time to read one (or many?!) books this year?

  • Mutiny on the Bounty Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall Okay you read this in highschool - but reread it! It is an old-fashioned thriller.

  • The Perfect Storm Sebastian Junger The book is so much better than the movie! You will be sweating out the storm and thankful to be in the Florida Keys.

  • Gifts from the Sea Anne Morrow Lindbergh We all need the salve Ms. Lindbergh provides.

  • In the Heart of the Sea The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex Nathaniel Philbrick Take a trip back to a bygone era.

  • The Shipping News Annie Proulx Ms. Proulx may not be as “serious” as some authors, but her characters and light touch are delightful.

  • Where the Crawdads Sing Delia Owen The detailed description of the coastline is breathtaking.

  • Skink: No Surrender Carl Hiaason I love Skink - in the rain, in big waves and in high heat. Hiaason writes books to be read on boats!

Make New Holiday Boating Traditions

What if we made up new traditions that involved doing what we love?

  • Nautical Caroling - Fa la la’ing all the way down local canals is quite a riot and folks are literally speechless to hear the tunes wafting through their patios.

  • Boat Parades - Yes, decorate, put on the lights and get in line for this very watery tradition.

  • Sunrise Service on the Water - Watching any sunrise on the water is magical - and makes the holiday spirit sing.

  • Holiday Picnic - on the boat in our finest swimwear, sampling a bountiful selection of shrimp, stone crab, cheeses, breads, and desserts - yum and so much less work!

  • Invent an Advent Float Plan — I hope it isn’t too sacrilegious to create an advent float plan. Wouldn’t it be amazing to list 25 days of new local places to visit by boat and then check off before New Year’s Eve? Yes, we need this! We visit the same places over and over and a little inspiration to explore would make all the difference.

Become Convinced that Less is More

We are sticking to less is more this season, except when it comes to getting on the water and spending time with family and friends. I hope you create new nautical traditions in your home and find peace and so much joy this season and in the new year!



Elizabeth Jolin