Holidays around the world

The holiday season in the Netherlands always brings a special atmosphere. It is a time when the days grow shorter, but the evenings light up with Christmas decorations appearing everywhere. From twinkling lights in trees to elaborate garden displays with full sleighs and reindeer, some front yards turn into full-blown Christmas spectacles!

Outside, the cold increasingly stings your cheeks, while inside, the cosiness grows. Blankets find their way back onto the couch, and there’s nothing better than a steaming mug of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream to keep warm.

At my sister’s house, there’s an air of cheerful secrecy. We’re all busy finding the perfect gift for the person we drew for our gift exchange under the Christmas tree in my brother’s house. It’s a time when everything seems to sparkle a bit more, both literally and figuratively.

While I enjoy spending this festive time with family, the men are celebrating the holidays in Fakarava with six other boats. I often wonder how they are doing without me and how life is aboard the boat in my absence. Jeroen and Rajesh have written their own updates to share their perspective.

Letters from the Men

Jeroen:

34 years together, 29 of them married, and now 2.5 years sailing around the world on our boat. For the first time, we’re spending four months apart. It feels unique and a little strange.

Practically speaking, we expected no issues. We’re both independent and resourceful. Aagje is adventurous, sociable, and unafraid to travel alone. She has a strong bond with family, friends, and even former clients. Back in the Netherlands, she’s warmly welcomed and more likely to be busy than lonely.

Life aboard the boat continues as usual. I learned to cook at a young age and handle household chores well. Together with Rajesh, we take on the cooking, baking bread, and laundry. Aagje even left us a recipe book with all our favourite meals, so in that sense, not much has changed.

I’m writing this on January 3, 2025. It’s been over two months since Aagje left for the Netherlands. How are we really doing without her?

What stands out is how much more we have to share with each other. We each experience things independently and eagerly share them. We video call every day, often twice a day, just like we did during our courtship. I cherish these moments deeply.

On the water, we’ve built a strong network of friends and acquaintances. We often run into each other at various anchorages. This social connection keeps loneliness at bay. For Christmas and New Year’s, we anchored at a picturesque spot with Barbara and Ralph from Lille Venn and other sailors.

When I talk to Aagje and see how much she’s enjoying her time in the Netherlands, especially reconnecting with the people who matter most to her and to us, it reassures me that this choice was the right one. Her absence feels less heavy because of that.

There’s also a positive side: running the boat with just the two of us means Rajesh has taken on a more active role. He handles the sailing, manoeuvring, and navigation, and he’s doing an excellent job. It is amazing to see how he has grown into a capable sailor over the past few years.

Only two more months until Aagje rejoins us. Until then, we have plenty to do: replacing the batteries, repairing the watermaker, maintaining 11 winches, checking the rigging, and building a new cabinet. It looks like we’ll be too busy to dwell on missing her.

Still, my love, I’ll be so happy when you are back. Because together is always best!

Rajesh:

Since we started sailing, you have never been away this long. It feels strange not having you here these past two months. A few things have changed on My Motu since you left.

For me, these changes have been an opportunity to grow and adapt. When you were here, you took on so many responsibilities: cooking, steering the boat, doing laundry, and planning what’s next. Now, we have had to take on these tasks ourselves.

I’m usually the one steering the boat now, which has been a big adjustment. We all miss your delicious meals, but thanks to your recipe book, we’re learning to cook and even getting creative in the kitchen. Doing laundry isn’t too hard, but when you did it, the clothes always smelled so fresh. It’s the little things we miss most.

What I miss most, though, is sailing together. We made such a great team, and without you, it just doesn’t feel complete.

Video calling almost every day makes it feel like you’re still close, and that helps bridge the distance. As you know, we spend time with other sailors, especially the crew of Lille Venn. We do fun activities together, which keeps life on the water enjoyable.

I’m so happy you are able to spend time with loved ones now. And I know that in just two months, you will be back with us.

I love you so much, Mama.

Although we’re celebrating the holidays in two completely different places, we remain close in thought and through our stories. The distance is easier to bear knowing it is temporary and that we will soon be reunited, wherever in the world we may be.

This year, I spent New Year’s in a very special place: Finestrat, Spain. This is where Jeroen’s parents, sister, and brother-in-law spend their winters. Over five days, they pampered me completely. Together, we explored the area, enjoyed sangria on sunlit terraces, and ended each evening with cozy games, a tradition that seems universal.

Even in Spain, we found a piece of Dutch nostalgia. My father-in-law knew where to find real Dutch oliebollen! It was a delicious reminder of home. On New Year’s Eve, we toasted the New Year with champagne, surrounded by love and warmth. New Year’s Day began with the traditional New Year’s dive. I skipped that! With a water temperature of 11.1°C, it was a bit too chilly for me. But my father-in-law and sister-in-law proved to be true daredevils. It was wonderful to be together again and celebrate these days in such a memorable way.

The holidays show us how important connection is, no matter where you are. Whether in the Netherlands or Spain with family, or on a boat somewhere in the ocean, it’s all about the moments you share together.

Jeroen and Rajesh’s letters highlight that distance can be challenging but can also strengthen your appreciation for each other. They also show how adaptable we can be, finding new ways to make the best of things when plans change.

What matters most is that the holidays aren’t about where you are or how you celebrate them. It’s about the people you share the time with and the memories you create together. Ultimately, it’s those moments that make the holidays always special.