Christmas dinner on the boat with Friends

In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, sometimes it can be difficult to slow down, savor the season, and connect with everyone who means so much to us. So, on December 26, my husband and I decided to invite our friends over for a simple Christmas dinner on the boat because we thought it would be meaningful to share the joys of the season with them.

Photo credit: Jofel

We rented a small boat for two hours that was exclusively for us. Then we set sail on the Tonle Sap Lake. The cool breeze that blew from the Tonle Sap Lake emitted its own energy, and as it washed over us, it brought us the peace and tranquility that only the lake could provide. Looking at the dark skies, I reckoned we were all enveloped by a sense of calm that we seldom experienced.

Photo credit: Jofel

We opted to stay on the boat’s upper deck because it was nicer and cooler than the bottom part. We dressed the table in a green table cloth and set the food on it. Then we took our seats at the table. We exchanged gifts and enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by my husband and me, which included beef stroganoff with buttered pasta, beef kimbap, bola-bola (meat balls), and a chocolate cake with chocolate ganache. My friend Liza also brought a delicious roasted chicken. We talked about everything under the sun while eating. We laughed and giggled. We took some photographs. We had a fantastic time as we embraced the magical time of year.

Photo credit: Jofel

While we were busy chit-chatting, my son Pete and his friend Santi found themselves playing at the lower deck of the boat, catching up with each other and talking about adolescent stuff before and after eating. I felt happy seeing them having fun together.

Boating at night is indeed awesome. It was a perfect way to celebrate Christmas and share a merry memory with friends that will be cherished for years to come, as well as a cozy night spent chatting and catching up over luscious home-cooked food.

2021 Christmas Eve at Home

My husband and I both grew up celebrating Christmas Eve at home and enjoying large Christmas Eve meals. In our families, Christmas Eve is a time for food, gifts, and laughter. Typically, family members spend hours in the kitchen on both Christmas Eve day and the day before, preparing traditional French and Filipino dishes. Now that we are living abroad, we try to continue this tradition so that our growing teenage son can have a similar experience.

We have carefully planned the menu and have decided to cook and prepare a six-course meal for Christmas Eve, meant to be delightful and memorable. We started eating at eight o’clock in the evening and finished at two o’clock in the morning.

Besides menu planning and healthy cooking, I reckon a nice table setting affects the enjoyment of the meal. This year, instead of our traditional festive theme of red and green, I opted to switch it to white and pink for Christmas Eve dinner and by using simple Christmas table decorations, which I thought was perfect for celebrating the season.

I dressed up our table with a white tablecloth. I added some small touches — two pink candles with mountain berry scents to fill our table and home with inviting fragrance, a small white vase with pink roses, and a tiny Christmas bell — that I thought would add to the mood and atmosphere of the meal. I made sure I kept the height of the centerpiece low and narrow so that we could make eye contact while talking and see each other across the table because, in my family, mealtime conversation is an important part of the meal. In fact, some of the most important conversations I’ve ever had have taken place at our family’s dining table.

We had our exchange gifts and unwrapped our presents before we started our dinner so that our son could enjoy his present. After all, Christmas season is the moment of gift-giving and gift-unwrapping. We believe that novelty is beneficial to us because we require stimulation, innovation, and the enchantment of new things. This holiday season has always reminded us to never stop bringing novelty into our lives, to appreciate what others give to you as well as what you give to others, and to experience the new and the good in balance.

Even though we were only three, our Christmas Eve dinner was enjoyable, fun, and meaningful. Everything tastes and feels better during the holidays when you are surrounded by loved ones. From our family to yours, we would like to spread the Christmas cheer and the warmest greetings of the season far and wide.

Sunset Adventures at Sunset Beach, Koh Rong

It was a lovely day, with the sun shining brightly and the sky clear. So, while we were on the island, we took advantage of the opportunity to embark on a mini-adventure.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach

It was exactly 4 pm when we left the resort to make sure we would be able to catch the sunset on the other side of the island. Heading east, we walked away from the resort in our comfy shorts and tee-shirts. We enjoyed the breathtaking view of the ocean, the salty air kissing our cheeks, and the quiet relaxing sound of the sea waves as it cracked on the shore while walking along the beach.

Sunset Beach

Then, when we got to the octopus bar, we turned left and walked into the jungle. While walking, our nostrils filtered the pungent smell of rotting leaves on the jungle floor. Our eyes were drawn to the various shades of green and the colorful birds darting between trees. The air had the pleasant smell of damp moss and we could feel the humidity of the jungle surrounding us. It was fascinating to walk around because we could hear a symphony of insects thrumming and buzzing.

As we progressed deeper into the jungle, the terrain became rough, hilly and challenging. It was supposedly a well-trodden path, and while it was clear which way to go, it was often dangerous because we had to balance on rocks and roots above a steep drop, and we held onto the rope so we wouldn’t fall.

It was 5 pm when we arrived at the incredibly secluded Sunset Beach. The place looked carefree and serene. Then, I laid out our fabric mat for us to put our stuff on. As I sat there, my husband and son relaxed on the hanging wooden swing on the tree, savoring the beauty of unexploited nature and gazing at the stunning sun going down into the blue sea. It was pure bliss.

We only stayed there for 30 minutes. Although it was a short visit, we enjoyed the place. We decided to trek back to the resort before dusk set in, because hiking through craggy terrain in the jungle in the dark with gigantic mosquitoes must be tricky. Since we stumbled across this hidden gem, we would like to spend the night on Sunset Beach the next time we go there, because watching the sundown is just so amazing and picturesque.

When we got back to our resort, we learned from the manager that there is a time of year when the boat cannot dock at Sunset Beach, and the staff of the resorts there must carry all the goods and supplies and walk through the rugged, hilly path from the other side of the island to Sunset Beach. We can only imagine how difficult it is, especially when the weather is bad.

If you are looking for a peaceful getaway to enjoy the simple things in life, solace, natural air, a nice walk and a mini-adventure, Sunset Beach is definitely hard to beat!

Little Lilly travel tips:

• If you are staying in any resort at Saracen Bay, I really recommend a visit to the Sunset Beach, but do not do this unless you are fit and healthy.
• Bring a mosquito repellent.
• Wear proper walking shoes.
• You need to know what you are signing up for before you go to avoid disappointment.