Gorgeous wedding ceremony at a private estate on St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
So I know I've been a bit absent from social media lately, but it was time for me to unplug for the holidays and spend quality time with my family. My holidays were lovingly devoted to recharging my energetic batteries and enjoying lots of quality time with my fantastic family. Kentucky is home to both my family and Kevin's, so we spent much of December up in the chilly woods around Lexington.
It can be easy to lose track of time on St Croix, where our seasons are not comparable to the seasons I grew up with. For most of my life, the new year started mid-winter with snowmen and beautiful twinkling lights, then warmed in the spring with an outpouring of fresh flowers to signify the thawing of the land. Summer was spent by the lake or the pool and was always cut short too soon by the beautiful crisp color change that signified the beginning of Autumn. Which flowed once again into the holidays and up go the twinkling lights again :)
I imagine that anyone who has spent a few seasons far from their hometown would understand how disorienting it can be to sync up with other traditions and seasons. The temperatures don't change much here, closer to the equator. It's warm year-round with winds or stillness being the main signifier to the passing of the year. The holiday season in St Croix is a time for family and bacchanalia. A cornicopia of home-cooked food, carnival rides, live music, tramping down the road for J'ouvert and Parades, fancy dress parties and playing mas - THE most fun you could possibly pack into your schedule, sleep is an afterthought.
The US Virgin Islands bewitched me many years ago and I love all of our seasons (Kevin and I built our dream home here so clearly, we are in love.) St Croix is home, but the memories of my childhood holidays are warm and wonderful, intrinsically linked with my hometown and my family. Christmas only really feels like Christmas when I'm cuddled up in warm clothes sitting around the fire with my family and a bit of warm bourbon in my cup.
Looking back on the last decade and I could just pinch myself, this life that I live is magical and I'm so grateful for the support of my family, my friends and you! I love my life and I love my job, looking forward to the wonders ahead.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Decade!
Sending my best wishes for the new year to you and your family! Make every moment and every memory count <3
0 Comments