The Christmas festivities were rather subdued this year throughout the island. Families and friends took time to reconnect and remember together. They also spent time discussing Christmas post-Hurricane Irma and those that will come in a rebuilt St. Maarten/St. Martin. What gave hope and lifted some spirits sheltering under blue-tarpaulin roofs without water or electricity were the few colourful displays of festive lights and decorations. Some residents and business owners were keen on adding cheer and did so with everything from Santa Claus and reindeer to stars.
