I'm a Christmas lover. And in Hawaii we like to do it up big, with all the trappings–even when they are a little ridiculous (okay a lot ridiculous) like plastic snowmen and spray snow on the windows.

This year Christmas is minimalist for us, and that has made me notice that Christmas in Hawaii has a very unique aspect: it's Rainbow Season!

Christmas is so much to so many people. But to us here on Maui, Christmas means rainbows every day. Rainbows have always been a sign of hope and promise.

And the row of rubber slippers by the front door means the family has gathered. There's nothing more precious at Christmas than that–other than remembering we celebrate how God sent his son Jesus to live among us, taking the form of a humble baby in a manger.

A lot of slippers outside a Hawaii door mean the family's all home!