HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM BZP HAWAII!
As this year comes to a close, our team at Blue Zones Project – Hawai‘i want to send you a heartfelt mahalo for your continued support in making Hawai‘i a healthier and happier place to live, work, and play. We wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and happy new year!
Here are a few of our favorite holiday traditions and a special ‘ono recipe at the end!
"We plan on safely celebrating the holidays by staying put in Hawai‘i this year and sending love from afar to our families on the mainland. While our kids are both little, we love seeing the magic of Christmas through their eyes. We decorate the tree to Christmas music, spend lots of quality time together and bake cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve."
— Stephanie
— Stephanie
"My family and I will be celebrating quietly this year at home with our immediate family. Although we miss traveling during the holidays, we are going to keep it mellow, listen to lots of Christmas music, put on some classic Christmas movies, and sneak in a few good hikes."
— Jade
— Jade
"My family pounds mochi every year between Christmas and the New Year. In the past few years, we’ve started a new tradition – we each make a “mystery” mochi, put it on a big platter, and each person has to eat one. We’ve had some very…creative…combos. It’s been a fun spin on our usual tradition."
— Ann
— Ann
"When the family was talking story around the table after Christmas diner, there would be a big jumble of presents in the center of the table. Each was wrapped in white tissue paper with a red ribbon around it. Each ribbon led to a place setting where a scrap of paper was pinned with the name of whoever was sitting at that place. While we ate dessert (always pie) the youngest would open the scrap and read a poem that gave clues about their present. You couldn't tell which present was yours because of the jumble & the criss-crossing ribbons so no hints by the size & shape of the gift. We still do this every year. The presents are always small and usually funny, with some connection with the person receiving it. This is still my favorite holiday tradition, and we call it 'pie presents'."
— Megan Y.
— Megan Y.
"This year, we had more time to teach our kids to fish, dive and surf. During this holiday season, we plan to spend most of our free time outdoors, enjoying as much ocean time as possible together. It’s also a bonus when we get to share our catch with friends, family or a neighbor in need."
— Carissa
— Carissa
"Our tradition is to make all of the veggie side dishes for our family Thanksgiving including mashed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts with pecans, and a big salad."
— Kaimana
— Kaimana
"While I won’t be able to travel back to Pittsburgh this year to spend the holidays with my family, my favorite Christmas memory is getting cappuccinos and driving around looking at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve with my family. I’m hoping that people will be decorated early this year so that everyone can enjoy the fun that holiday decorations bring!"
— Kelsie
— Kelsie
"One of our family traditions is driving around on Christmas Eve to see Christmas lights….. at least that will not be affected by the pandemic, I hope…."
— Karen
— Karen
"Our favorite holiday tradition is playing cards and trivia games with family and friends."
— Crystal
— Crystal
"While this is an unusual holiday, we all must be thankful for what we do have, learn to slow down, and take care of ourselves. To help with sometimes sleepless nights, I'd like to share my recipe for turmeric milk. Enjoy!"
— Jeff
— Jeff
RECIPE FOR TURMERIC MILK
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (the absorption of turmeric is actually enhanced when combined with black pepper)
- 1" piece of ginger, sliced
- raw honey to sweeten, if desired
Directions
- In a saucepan, add all ingredients (except honey, if using) and whisk to combine
- Heat over medium heat until it starts to bubble
- Then to turn heat down to low and simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld
- Strain out ginger, add honey and stir
- Makes 2 servings, so you can share the love!
Join the Well-Being Movement!
Email our team to learn more about partnering with us to make healthy choices easier at your worksite, school, grocery store, restaurant, or faith-based organization.
Check out all participating organizations.
Sign up to receive community updates!
Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com
