They’re adding “tide” to the Yuletide.
A British family who lives on a sailboat is spending a minimalist Christmas at sea with seashell gifts, freshly caught fish and surfing.
“For gifts, we keep things minimal, focusing on small, practical items or experiences,” Stephanie Stevens, 35, tells Kennedy News about her unlikely Christmas tradition. “These simple rituals keep the holiday spirit strong.”
She and her husband Richard, 40, are from Jersey, but moved a year ago on their own boat, Pinnacle, so they could travel the world. They share the ship with their two children, three-year-old Jesse and one-year-old Rocks.
Due to their maritime lifestyle, the couple have been forced to downsize their possessions so they can live comfortably in tight quarters, which means fewer gifts than usual arrive at Christmas time.
However, Stevens said, the seafaring family replaces the traditional iPad and chocolate with “surprises like stickers, sea shells, stationery and note pads.”
“A simple toy car has become a tradition,” the content creator explains. “The kids get one from every country we’ve visited and with 22 countries so far, their collection is growing.”
And while many children may avoid sweaters and other attire, practical garments are much appreciated on the often choppy high seas.
“Clothes are another essential gift as the boys are constantly growing and their swimmers take the hit of sun and salt water,” Stevens said.
This maritime Christmas may seem Spartan compared to its terrestrial counterpart, but Britons believe it is important to emphasize experiences over possessions.
“For us, Christmas is less about ‘stuff’ and more about making special memories together, no matter where we are in the world,” Stevens said. On the big day, they try to find a “good spot” that is safe so they can drop anchor – provided the conditions are favorable.
Stevens said she also likes “researching local traditions and trying to enjoy experiences and meet people from different cultures.”
As for the holiday feast, “Christmas lunch is a little unconventional but perfect for our lifestyle,” she said. This means “barbecue on surf and turf, freshly caught fish and whatever local fruits and vegetables we can find.”
Kids usually don’t mind that they can’t do it during the holidays Happen My lovely home.
“Our guys don’t really know what they’re missing at home,” Stevens said. “Jesse was the only one during his last Christmas in Jersey, and the Rocks have yet to experience a ‘traditional’ Christmas.”
Despite the sound of jingle bells on the boat, the Stevens clan has attempted to preserve a bit of the traditional yuletide by decorating the boat with sentimental Christmas decorations, which they packed before setting off on their Sea World tour.
“Inside, we have a small Christmas tree with ornaments from my family, a stuff advent calendar, stockings, a festive table runner and Santa hats,” Stevens said. “We try our best to keep family traditions alive, no matter where we are.”
She added, “We bake Christmas cookies, put up a tree, even if it’s a small one, play Christmas songs, and read festive stories together.”
This year, the family is also having guests over so they can “fully get into the holiday spirit.”
“My little brother Freddy and his girlfriend Chelsea will be joining us onboard, which makes it even more special,” Stevens said. “We are aiming to meet them around Bocas del Toro, Panama, where we plan to spend Christmas Day.
He added: “It is said to be a great atmosphere over the festive season, and we are looking forward to the added bonus of some surf sessions – a Christmas present we will absolutely love.”
Stevens says that while the boys won’t be able to visit “Santa’s Grotto” or go skating on a “Christmas-lit ice rink,” they will have “something different: magical memories created together.”
“We make sure the season feels extra special, filling it with love, adventure and all the magic we can create,” he said.
