Notes From the Guam Side: Say It Loud: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"Merry Christmas!" That sentiment is freely spoken from one person to another on Guam whether between friends or strangers, in neighborhoods or businesses. The wait staff in TGIFriday's write "Merry Christmas" on the check. Few people seem to be worried about political correctness. In fact, the closer we get to the holiday, the more people are saying the greeting with gusto, and that included two of Guam's Finest delivering a hearty "Merry Christmas" to my husband and me as we strolled along Skinner Park in Hagatna this evening.

Skinner Park. This evening was the first time we visited the park after we ate dinner next door at TGIFriday's. The sun had already set by the time we left the restaurant, and there it was...the park all lit up with Christmas lights and decorations. We couldn't resist. We strolled from one end of the park to the other taking it all in, and me snaping away with my iPhone photo app. The atmosphere at the park was great, and so was the weather. We wore short sleeves, no jacket required. There was no rain. There was no rush to see everything as then be on our way. More and more people showed up with kids in tow. It was just a great family-oriented atmosphere. Guam police were present and glad to wish us a Merry Christmas.

You don't see this everywhere: at one end of Skinner Park is a lovely manger scene, next to which sits a sizable sign reading: Merry Christmas from Gov. and Mrs. Calvo. No concern for politcal correctness there. Behind Skinner Park is the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. I took a couple of photos and I think they turned out pretty well, considering I only had an iPhone to work with.

The spirit of Christmas seems to be everywhere on Guam. Even the KFC restaurants are decorated with Christmas lights along the roof tops. The only thing missing is snow, but you know, I really don't seem to mind the absence of cold weather. It's great to be able to walk around in short-sleeves three days before Christmas. On Christmas Eve I'll be scuba diving, or at least that morning, anyway. Not something I ever thought I'd be doing, much less on the day before Christmas. Guam is amazing.