They’re putting the “tide” in Yuletide.
A UK family that lives on a sailboat is spending a minimalist Christmas at sea complete with sea shell gifts, fresh-caught fish, and surfing.
“For presents, we keep things minimal, focusing on small, practical items or experiences,” Stephanie Stevens, 35, told Kennedy News of their unlikely Xmas tradition. “These simple rituals keep the holiday spirit strong onboard.”
She and her husband Richard, 40, hail from Jersey, but moved onto their boat, the Pinnacle, a year ago so they could sail their world. They share the vessel with their two children, Jesse, three, and Roux, one.
Due to their maritime lifestyle, the couple has been forced to scale back their possessions so they can fit comfortably aboard the cramped quarters, which means fewer presents than normal come Christmastime.
Nonetheless, the seafaring fam makes do by swapping out the traditional iPads and chocolates for “surprises like stickers, sea shells, stationary and note pads,” said Stevens.
“A simple toy car has become a tradition,” the content creator explained. “The kids receive one for every country we’ve visited, and with 22 countries so far, their collection is growing.”
And while many kids may shun sweaters and other attire, practical garments are much appreciated on the oft-volatile high seas.
“Clothing is another essential gift because the boys are constantly growing and their swimmers take a beating from the sun and saltwater,” said Stevens.
This nautical Christmas might seem Spartan compared to its terrestrial counterpart, but the Brits think it’s important to emphasize experiences over possessions.
“Christmas for us is less about the ‘stuff’ and more about creating special memories together, wherever we are in the world,” said Stevens. On the big day, they try and find a “good location” that’s sheltered so they can throw an anchor — provided conditions are favorable.
Stevens said they also like to “research local traditions and try to get involved to enjoy the experiences of different cultures and meet the people.”
As for the holiday feast, “Christmas lunch is a bit unconventional but perfect for our lifestyle,” she said. This means “surf and turf on the BBQ, with freshly caught fish and whatever local fruits and vegetables we can find.”
The children generally don’t mind that on the holidays they can’t be home sweet home.
“Our boys don’t really know what they’re missing back home,” said Stevens. “Jesse was only one during his last Christmas in Jersey, and Roux has yet to experience a ‘traditional’ Christmas.”
Despite jingle bell rock-ing the boat, the Stevens clan strives to preserve a modicum of the traditional Yuletide by adorning the boat with sentimental Christmas decorations that she packed before disembarking on their nautical world tour.
“Inside, we have a small Christmas tree with ornaments passed down through my family, a material advent calendar, stockings, a festive table runner, and Santa hats,” said Stevens. “We do our best to keep family traditions alive, no matter where we are.”
She added, “We bake Christmas biscuits, put up a tree, even if it’s a small one, play Christmas songs, and read festive stories together.”
This year, the family is even having guests so they can “fully embrace the holiday spirit.”
“My younger brother Freddie and his girlfriend Chelsea will be joining us onboard, which makes it even more special,” said Stevens. “We’re aiming to meet them around Bocas del Toro, Panama, where we plan to spend Christmas Day.
She added, “It’s said to have a fantastic atmosphere during the festive season, and we’re hoping for the added bonus of some surf sessions — a Christmas gift we’d absolutely love.”
Stevens says that while the boys won’t be able to visit “Santa’s grotto” or skate on “a Christmas-lit ice rink,” they’ll have “something different: magical memories made together.”
“We make sure the season feels extra special, filling it with love, adventure, and all the magic we can create,” she said.
