My mother loved this song “Mele Kalikimaka’ (Hawaiian for Merry Christmas). It became the thing we would say upon talking to or seeing any family member at the Christmas holiday.

She started it because we moved back east where it was cold and snowy, while her best friend, Betty stayed in San Diego. Betty would rub it in when calling by reminding my mom of how nice and warm it was in California by singing part of that song. It became the family greeting after that.

My mother was a huge Christmas fan, always crying with joy when her kids came home for the holidays. I didn’t cry but I certainly am filled with love and joy to have my eldest, Beka, home this year along with most of the family. Maybe another year it will be everyone.

I wish all of you a love-filled Christmas. If you aren’t with your family I hope you are feeling loved and are loving whoever it is you are with.

Drawing and commentary © Marty Coleman