Christmas in the Islands

Howdja like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
Howdja like to spend a holiday away across the sea?

After last week’s brisk dip in the Irish Sea, let’s head Around the World to the sun and sand of the South Pacific, the setting for the song Christmas Island – a classic holiday tune that proves Christmas doesn’t need snow.

The True Origin: A WWII Christmas Eve

While the song, made famous by The Andrews Sisters and Bing Crosby in 1946, evokes a carefree tropical paradise, its origins are much more poignant.

The song was written by Lyle Moraine during his service in the Pacific in World War II. It was Christmas Eve, and Moraine was on a ship in the Indian Ocean when he saw the actual Christmas Island come into view. But instead of becoming bitter at being so far from home on this special night, he used it as an opportunity to write this cheerful, wistful tune.

Beach Bums, Not Snowmen

Despite the song’s nostalgic roots, its themes – sun , sand, and joy – reflect the real traditions of many South Pacific islands where Christmas is celebrated with a unique tropical flair:

Beachside Celebrations: Forget building a snowman; the day is spent swimming, snorkeling, or surfing – with many locals and tourists enjoying Christmas Day barbecues on the beach.
The Island Feast: The traditional Christmas dinner is often a hāngi (or similar underground oven feast) consisting of pork, turkey, potatoes, and lots of fresh local produce like pineapple and yams.
Poinsettias & Palm Trees: Instead of pine, homes are decorated with colorful flowers like hibiscus and poinsettias, often woven into garlands that adorn palm trees. Church services are a major event, featuring beautiful hymns sung in native languages.

The Sound of Sand and Steel

This arrangement of Christmas Island takes you right to that beachside barbecue with very simple instrumentation to evoke that island feel. Featuring ukulele and Hawaiian guitar, it definitely helps you leave your cares and worries behind. I hope it brings a little bit of warm, nostalgic cheer to your winter!