19 December 2016

AFM Christmas - part 1 - Sinter Klaas, Winter Wonderland & Santa Lucia

Christmas time is here...happiness and cheer....

AFM Christmases have proven to be some of the best times on the ship these past 4 1/2 years.  This year is no exception!  Here's the beginning of a blog blitz of some of our favorite moments from the past few weeks...mainly pictures with a bit of explanation.

Sinter Klaas
The Dutch Tradition of Sinter Klaas!  He is supposed to arrive "by steamer" but this year Sinter Klaas arrived in Management Vehicle style (lucky guy - he didn't even have to have his temperature taken at the gate or wash his hands before coming aboard!).  Sinter Klaas and his helpers pass out presents to the children (and throw out the the delicious pepernoten - looks like dog food...but it sure isn't).


Winter Wonderland
Definitely the AFM shopping experience of the year! (I prefer to sit back and watch! Can you spot me in the 2nd picture?)  Dozens of crew set up tables selling all sorts of lovely items - our favorite tend to be the edible ones...Mama Agnes' homemade waffle cones (4th picture down) are always a winner in the Cash Family.




Santa Lucia
This is the one that always makes me cry.  The Scandanavian Tradition of Santa Lucia - the Feast of Saint Lucy - the Festival of Lights!  It's so beautiful...(tearing up just thinking about it!).  All of our crew from Sweden, Denmark and Norway (and any crew from other places with Scandanavian roots), dress in white and carry candles while singing traditional songs.  I hope the video works so you can get a taste of one of our favorite ship traditions...

Surely there will be more to come.

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