Christmas In The Gulf Part One

Well the Christmas whirlwind has come and gone, and I am left with ruffled hair, far too many goodies to snack on and a huge grin on my face! It sounds strange to say, but I experienced the same amount of stress with the approaching Christmas Day festivities that I would have at home – granted I wasn’t expected to put on a turkey dinner or brave the last minute shopping trials of the local mall. I must admit that the holiday was a blast though… I wasn’t expecting to have my Christmas at sea peppered with so much laughter and good cheer. The old adage is true, “it is what you make of it” and I was sure to go all out. December 23rd saw the well wishes from Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, Rick Mercer and Mary Walsh, imparted to us under the warm Arabian sun out on the ship’s flight deck. Our choir was encouraged to sing 2 Christmas carols for the guests, which went quite well considering we were given 30 minutes to shoot out of bed, shower, dress, pop some cold medication and form up with our song books. It was with this gunshot start that I started my Christmas celebrations. I received my first gift from General Hillier, with the presentation of the CDS Coin for recognition of my duties and demeanor in the Engineering Department… I was stunned, both due to my surprise at the award and my being called to the front of the crowd with “Able Seaman Hipfner.” You see, I had just recently found out that when the Queen addresses a military member during a parade, for example, whatever rank she uses (whether correct or not) is considered law. You are immediately promoted (or demoted) to the rank she addresses you with; she is after all the highest-ranking military member in the country. I was now concerned that the Chief of Defence Staff might also hold this same sort of clout. Did this now mean I had been demoted from Leading Seaman to Able Seaman? Well geez, as long as I got to keep the pay increase I guess it wouldn’t be so bad… These thoughts were interrupted by the laughter that ensued and the promises of a free beer. This is another Navy tradition, every time a fellow sailor calls you by the wrong rank they are obligated to buy you a beer. I didn’t see the beer, but I did walk away with my CDS Coin and my Leading Seaman rank. After the speeches and presentations, I was lucky enough to speak with Mary Walsh – what a fantastically funny, and down-to-earth woman. We took a few photos together, thanks to my Chief who tracked me down with his camera, after holding Mary hostage. The Chief was right when he said it had to be done as this was yet another great “Blog-able Incident.” I ended the day with confirming my reservations with “Chateau Sickbay.” I was assured by the ship’s Doc that I would be made very comfortable for my stay during the transit home. There will be no scrimping on the Gravol doses and numerous movies will be provided should I have the energy to enjoy them. I’m telling you, I’m spoiled! Christmas Eve came with the handing out of incredibly generous backpacks filled with all sorts of goodies from an organization in Ottawa, Ontario called “Home Fires.” It is a group of volunteers made up mostly of military families that put together gifts for all the deployed sailors, soldiers and airmen and women overseas. I was overwhelmed by the sentiment of the gifts. To think so many people had taken the time to send us books, Tim Horton’s coffee, chocolates, letters and cards is enough to make even the “Grinchiest” of us feel the spirit of Christmas. It means a lot to been shown Canadians’ support of us in such an abundant and giving way. Our Christmas concert went off with a bang… and I think everyone is a little wiser about just how much of a ham I can be if you give me a microphone and an audience. I spent the entire time, boogying to the music and singing my heart out for my adoring fans. I was pretty much wired after the who experience, so I took the opportunity to sit on the flight deck and watch the enormous projection of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, until I felt calm enough to wander off to bed. Twenty-Five years on this planet has taught me that if you’re not in bed Christmas Eve, don’t expect Santa to make his appearance. Luckily my momentary lapse in judgment didn’t cost me any presents, as I had forgotten to leave out cookies and milk for the Big Guy. I fell asleep dreaming of Christmas’ past, a grin from ear to ear.