Yachtie Glow: by Angela Orecchio While I care a great deal about the environment, I’m just as guilty as anyone when it comes to buying…
Most crew celebrate their holidays with guests onboard or getting ready to have them onboard for New Years. Either way, they most likely aren’t home with family and friends.
This can be tough, especially if it’s their first time working on a yacht and away from family.
For those crew who choose yachting as a career will deal with this every year, and it might not get any easier emotionally.
Here are five healthy ways to learn to deal with being away from home and family on any holiday or occasion.
A merry yachtie Christmas
For those crew spending Christmas onboard this year, not to worry. It can be a lot of fun. Even for those working, keeping in the spirit will make a noticeable difference in crew morale. A few weeks before Christmas, get the crew together and draw names for a Secret Santa. Agree upon an amount each person will spend on a gift. Buy and wrap the gift anonymously, and stuff in a stocking to be opened with the group on Christmas day. Find a small tree in a pot, a rosemary bush or a plastic tree with lights, and put it in the crew mess. Buy reindeer antlers, Santa hats and maybe some ugly cheap holiday clothing to wear on the day. Play a holiday-themed movie to watch together, sipping hot cocoa or hot cider. Make holiday foods such as Christmas cookies or a birthday cake. Cover the table and/or crew mess with festive decor. Take photos and place them around the crew mess the next day. Being away from family and friends is hardest when the holidays come around. But our crew mates are our temporary family and friends. Make the best of your situation, and you just might make some lasting memories and friendships.
Angela Orecchio is a chief stew and certified health coach. This column was edited from her blog, Savvy Stewardess, The Smart Girl’s Guide to Yachting. Contact her through www.savvystewardess.com.
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