A family living on a sailboat has revealed how their minimalist approach to Christmas makes the season special in its own unique way.
Stephanie Stevens, 35, shares the sailing lifestyle aboard the Pinnacle with her husband Richard, 40, and their two young children – three-year-old Jesse and one-year-old Roux.
Originally from Jersey in the UK, the family embarked on their nautical adventure a year ago to explore the world.
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Adapting to life on a boat has reshaped their outlook on possessions, prompting them to embrace simplicity and practicality in their limited space.
This pared-down approach becomes even more evident as Christmas approaches, with fewer gifts and no traditional advent calendars in sight.
“Instead of chocolate advent calendars, we use little surprises like stickers, sea shells, stationery, and note pads,” said Stephanie, who works as a content creator, in an interview with Luxury Travel Daily.
“When it comes to presents, we keep things simple, prioritizing small, practical gifts or meaningful experiences.
A tradition we’ve started involves giving the kids a toy car for every country we visit. With 22 countries under our belt, their collection is steadily growing.
These tiny cars are a source of endless entertainment for them, and there are definitely a couple ready for Christmas this year.
“If we’re expecting visitors, we’ll plan ahead and order items for them to bring to us. That way, we can gift them back, keeping things efficient.
“Clothing is also a common gift because the boys are constantly outgrowing theirs, and their swimmers wear out quickly from exposure to sun and saltwater.
“For us, Christmas is more about making memories together than accumulating material things.”
The couple firmly believes their children aren’t missing out on traditional celebrations.
“Our boys don’t really know what Christmas is like back home,” Stephanie explained. “Jesse was just one during his last Christmas in Jersey, and Roux hasn’t experienced a ‘typical’ Christmas at all.
“We try to maintain family traditions wherever we are. We bake Christmas cookies, set up a tree – even if it’s just a small one – listen to holiday music, and read festive stories together. These rituals keep the holiday spirit alive onboard.”
Meal planning for Christmas is also a carefully thought-out process.
Stephanie said, “Our Christmas lunch is a bit unconventional but suits our lifestyle perfectly – surf and turf cooked on the BBQ, paired with freshly caught fish and local fruits and vegetables.
“The boys may not get to visit Santa’s grotto, ice skate under sparkling lights, or be surrounded by extended family this year, but they’ll gain something just as magical: unforgettable moments spent together.
“We aim to make the season feel special by focusing on love, adventure, and creating our own magic.”
For the big day, the family hopes to anchor somewhere scenic.
“As much as we can plan ahead, weather and safe anchor spots dictate a lot when you’re on a boat,” Stephanie shared. “We do our best to research local traditions and join in, immersing ourselves in the unique experiences of different cultures while meeting new people.”
Despite their unconventional lifestyle, the family ensures their boat feels festive.
“When we left Jersey, I packed a special box filled with our most cherished Christmas decorations,” Stephanie said. “It’s stored under our bed and brought out every December.
“It includes a small Christmas tree adorned with family heirloom ornaments, a fabric advent calendar, stockings, a festive table runner, and Santa hats.”
This year will be even more special as Stephanie’s younger brother Freddie and his girlfriend Chelsea will join them onboard.
“We’re planning to meet them in Bocas del Toro, Panama, where we’ll spend Christmas,” Stephanie revealed.
“The area is said to have an amazing festive atmosphere, and we’re hoping to sneak in some surf sessions – a Christmas gift we’d love.
“Having family with us will amplify the holiday spirit. We’re looking forward to playing Christmas games, singing carols, and sharing stories around the table.
“It’s such a joy to participate in local Christmas traditions, hear how other cruisers celebrate, and get involved in their customs.
Learning new recipes and getting creative with other boat kids and locals adds to the magic of the season.”
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