Luminary Night on Sanibel Island
The bright multitude reflected in her eyes, wide with wonder, pupils dark. Riding with her brother and sister and I, looking back, pulling the wagon. For the younger two, everything was still new. But at eight, Emily remembered Christmas well.
So, it was in her delight I most relished. Strolling under the thousand lights swaying in the branches against dark skies, the fresh (still warm) air and quiet hush struck us with its stark contrast from the city.
Not Loud. Not Gaudy. Not Crowded. And, watching it mirrored in the eyes of our children, pulling that now rusted wagon down the luminary-lined path, it was new again to me. This memory, our first Island Christmas, I hold near my heart.
I am admittedly prone to sappiness. Fortunately, for those near, I generally keep it to myself. But our first holiday season on Sanibel confirmed that Susan and I made the right decision (our best) by uprooting ourselves to raise our children on Sanibel Island.
Ever since that luminary night, Susan and I make sure to enjoy the Christmas traditions on Sanibel and Captiva with our family. We have never missed Sanibel Luminary, yes, even the time it was cold and rainy!
And now, we enjoy luminary night from our McCallion & McCallion office along Periwinkle Way. In fact, we’d love to have you stop by our office for refreshments, treats and music on Luminary Night. We’ll have the karaoke machine fired up and the cocoa hot and ready for you!
Other Island Holiday Traditions
Aside from luminary night, our kids enjoy the tree lighting countdown and fireworks at ’Tween Waters Resort. Usually held the day following Thanksgiving, the ceremony has become another island tradition for our family.
The kids get to run on the beach with friends, eat, sing carols, see Santa, then head back to the beach to watch a fabulous fireworks display. It’s certainly a great way to kick off the holiday season!
When Christmas Eve rolls around, the McCallion family heads to the beach with our chairs and snacks. Then we listen to the Christmas Story retold, singing traditional hymns and holding candles with hundreds of others as the sun sets.
It’s a beautiful ceremony that is near and dear to our family, especially since we help our church host the event. If you haven’t had the chance to attend, this is one-holiday tradition you must experience when on the island.
Have questions about any of the island’s upcoming holiday events? We’d be glad to provide any info we have. Even better, we’d love for you to join us at these wonderful community events.
From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
