Written by Deck Cadet Jaydee Verdeflor and Engine Cadet Sarita Dasmarinas
In a truly awe-inspiring display of holiday cheer, the officers and crew of Bow Elm set sail on a remarkable festive voyage this year. Our extraordinary journey showcased the undeniable power of the Yuletide spirit, proving that it can effortlessly transcend boundaries and reach even the most remote corners of the world.
As the golden rays of the setting sun kissed the horizon on the eve of December 24, an impressive metamorphosis took place within the mess hall. Like a scene straight out of a holiday fairytale, we immersed ourselves in the captivating ambiance of the Christmas Eve dinner, where the air was filled with an enchanting blend of laughter and joy.
We gathered around the beautifully adorned tables, enjoying the program prepared by our officers and creating a tapestry of togetherness that was simply delightful. As the warm and inviting glow of Christmas lights danced in the air as we started eating the sumptuous food prepared by the Galley crew, it was impossible not to notice the sparkle in the eyes of our colleagues and their contagious smiles. We could feel the belongingness despite the very fact that we were all far from the comfort of our homes and the warmth of our families.
After dinner, we all headed to our dayroom. The Captain read our CEO’s holiday message, and we all loved hearing the heartfelt greetings from our colleagues from different ships and offices throughout the world. He afterwards declared that it was time for gift-giving. We couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as we took in the abundance of beautifully-wrapped presents on the table. As first timers, we were thrilled to participate in this lovely tradition on board. After a count of three, we both burst into laughter and pure joy upon unwrapping our presents and discovering brand-new headphones. We were all thankful to Odfjell, Port Arthur International Seafarers Center, and our Shipboard Management Team.
We concluded the night by exchanging witty stories with our esteemed colleagues.
Thanks to the seamless internet connection that allowed us to connect with our beloved families through video calls, we were able to bridge the distance and made it feel as though we were all gathered together in one joyous celebration.
On the sunny Christmas morning, everybody was excited, as this day was thoughtfully dedicated to an array of exciting parlor games designed to entertain both young and old. Plenty of hilarious expressions were on display during our first game, “Face Dance,” as each group attempted to eat a cookie from their forehead to their mouth in the shortest amount of time. We also engaged in a lively game of charades, where creativity and quick thinking took center stage.
The atmosphere was electric as every group tried to guess the hidden phrases and bring the room to life with their animated gestures. Adding a touch of Filipino flair, we indulged in the iconic game called “Pinoy Henyo,” a true test of wit and wordplay. With minds racing and hearts pounding, we strived to unravel the mystery words, creating an atmosphere of friendly competition and shared excitement. We also played the unique tactical game “The Game of the Generals.” Strategy became the name of the game as we navigated the battlefield, plotting our moves and outsmarting our opponents. With every calculated decision, we showcased our collective tactics amidst the joyous sounds of laughter and cheers, a beautiful symphony reverberating throughout the vessel.
The undisputed pinnacle of our celebration was none other than Bow Elm’s “Jingle Bell Jam: Sing and Dance Contest”. With the stage aglow and the atmosphere brimming with nervousness and excitement, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. This exhilarating event challenged our imagination and creativity to showcase our talents and let our voices soar as we danced and sang along to beloved holiday tunes. The contagious energy of the contest filled the air, spreading merriment and cheer to all who participated.
What we realized is that throughout these holiday celebrations, there is a comforting sense of familiarity that wrapped all of us around like a cozy blanket. It’s a feeling that reminds us of cherished traditions and the joyous memories we’ve created together.
As we reveled in the magic of the season, this sense of familiarity served as a reminder of the bonds we’ve shared and the special moments that made our first Christmas on board truly unforgettable.
