The Earth Vagabonds annual tradition of a Christmas trash tree comes from Goa, India, in 2023. The beach is actually one of the cleanest beaches we have seen in many years – in any country. It is certainly the cleanest beach in India.
But along the edge of the sand, among the palms and pines, we found fresh dumped trash that made for great shiny ‘ornaments’ and colorful ‘gifts’.
If you don’t know, we started this tradition while on week-long vacations from work in the 2000s. Places like Nicaragua, Panama, Mexico.
Now that we are retired early, the tradition continues. Read more on the history in this post.
Theo creates the tree. Sometimes I help, sometimes I don’t. This year he shooed me away like a pesky gnat getting in his way.
Way back in 2015 in Mexico, we turned our annual tradition into a giant art installation because there was so much plastic trash wrapped up in a sargassum invasion.
Every year when the tree is decorated, Theo takes many photos. Then we relax by the creation with cold drinks and snacks, and entertain questions from any bystanders.
But this year no curious onlookers approached us to ask any questions.
At the end of the beach day, he disassembles the Christmas trash tree and throws the garbage in the rubbish bin. Then Theo makes our holiday card to family and friends and Earth Vagabonds readers.
So, without further ado, here is this year’s card:
Thanks for reading, “Christmas trash tree 2023.”
You might also like other travel stories:
Unusual anniversary apart for Earth Vagabonds
Return to Kurong – the Ati mountaintop village we helped in pandemic days
Philippine friendships endure beyond pandemic
7 surprises on a trip home, plus a few flashbacks
Cricket-crazy Chennai – Tedly’s becoming a fan
An aging budget slow traveler losing weight, gaining muscle
I am proud of my husband’s good heart
