ANNUAL BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS

A New Holiday Tradition
By Shirley M. Carolan

With the advent of the Holiday Season it's very easy to get caught up in the hustle, bustle, expectations, and shop-till-you-drop mentality. This year I decided to change old behaviors and customs and try a new adventure, without expecting others to join me. I wanted to do, or see, something I would not normally do on my own, something that would be uniquely mine, and give me many fond memories to reflect on throughout the year. I didn't have to look far to find something that would fill this bill. I share that with you now because the result has been an increase in my energy, a new appreciation of my decision-making abilities, joy at doing something nice on my own, and a new holiday tradition! :

Ever since moving from San Francisco to southern California, December 1997, I have wanted to see the annual "Boat Parade of Lights" at the Oceanside Harbor. This is a wonderful event that seems to start the holiday festivities off in the right direction. Each year I forgot, had other plans, or couldn't find anyone who wanted to go. Last night, I jumped in my car and drove down to the Oceanside Harbor. I treated myself to dinner at the Oceanside Yacht Club followed by the parade.

Incidentally, this is one of the few times in the year that the yacht club is open to the public. It was well worth the time and money. I met some very nice folks who were experiencing it for the first time too. Now, I plan on making it a holiday tradition, along with seeing The Nutcracker, of course!

The parade started at 7 PM with 30 boats, power boats and sail boats, lovingly and exquisitely decorated with colored lights, Santas, reindeer and holiday motifs sailed by. The oohs and aahs, and hand clapping of the crowd were almost deafening! I am glad I was not a judge at this event. I knew the newspapers would have a field day taking photos for their Sunday editions. We are so blessed to have such a beautiful harbor! So many wealthier cities along our west coast don't, except perhaps Newport Beach, which has their parade over several nights. I've seen it many times because my twin brother was a staff commodore at one of the yacht clubs there. But, I think our boats and parade could surely give them a run for their money!

If you live nearby, and you've not seen this parade I highly recommend it. If you have folks visiting they will love it too! Better yet, don’t be afraid to go on your own especially if you are a woman and/or live alone. I did, and now I'm hooked!

I heard talk last night that next year they plan on having the parade on more than just one night. A lot of the fine restaurants and unique little shops down at the harbor have asked them to do so. Stay tuned.

Now I'm ready to face the endless Christmas shopping with renewed vigor. I hope this will encourage you to do something nice for yourself this Christmas and set a new tradition without expecting others to join you! You'll be glad you did. As Shakespeare said "Action is Eloquence!"

Shirley M. Carolan, ATM
Speaker/Writer/Coach
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
carolcom@qwestinternet.net
www.shirleycarolan.com
http://smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright © 2006 by Shirley Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any portion of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at carolcom@qwestinternet.net .


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