Hawaii:

“Mele Kalikimaka,” that's Merry Christmas in Hawaiian! The Hawaiians' did not celebrate Christmas prior to the arrival of the Europeans, (Haoles) but it was during this same time of the year that they traditionally honored the earth for giving them plenty to eat. This period of resting and feasting was called Makahiki. It lasted for four months, and no wars or conflicts were allowed during this time. (Because makah means "year" in Hawaiian, we say "Happy New Year" as "Hau'oli Makahiki Hou.")

After the Hawaiians embraced Christianity,it was natural that they adopted some of the traditions of Makahiki to the celebration of Christmas, and as the years passed many other cultures arriving in Hawaii added some of their own twists. So today, along with the candy and fruitcake, you are likely to find treats like the following served alongside the turkey: sushi; lumpia; tamales; manapua; (sweet tender rolls usually filled with chicken or pork); poke (the Hawaiian version of ceviche, bits of very fresh fish or shellfish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, a little rice vinegar and various spices) and coconut pudding.

Sometimes (for the lucky ones) Christmas dinner consists of a backyard complete with a pig roasted in an underground pit called an imu. You can see the smoke rising from imus all over the islands, as family and friends gather for the occasion at the home of whoever has the biggest yard. An informal get together with friends and family (ohana), this could accurately be called a kanikapila, which means "to make music." You'd be hard pressed in Hawaii to find any informal party that didn't include singing, guitars and ukuleles, and perhaps some impromptu hula dancing as well.

So go ahead, put on your slippers and board shorts, break out the ukulele, and have a Mele Kalikimaka!