A family who lives on a sailboat have shared that their Christmas is more minimal than other people’s, but they wouldn’t want it any other way.
Stephanie Stevens, 35, from Jersey in the UK, lives aboard the Pinnacle with her husband Richard, 40, and their two children: Jesse, three, and Roux, one year old.
The family moved onto their boat to sail the world just a year ago and found themselves living a minimalist lifestyle.
Since the big transition, they have become aware of how much they can or should own and what they can fit into their small space.
And on Christmas Eve, this means fewer gifts than usual. They don’t make advent calendars either.
“Instead of chocolate we use little surprises like stickers, seashells, stationery and notebooks,” says content creator Stephanie. ‘For gifts, we keep things to a minimum, focusing on small, practical items or experiences.
‘A simple toy car has become a tradition. The kids receive one for each country we’ve visited and, with 22 countries so far, their collection is growing.
‘These little cars bring endless joy and keep them entertained for hours. There are definitely a couple of these in store for Christmas.
Stephanie Stevens, 35, from Jersey in the UK, lives aboard the Pinnacle with her husband Richard, 40, and their two children: Jesse, three, and Roux, one year old.
‘If we expect visitors, we plan ahead and order the items from them so they can deliver them to us and we can return them to you.
‘Clothes are another essential gift because children are constantly growing and their swimmers take a beating from the sun and salt water.
“For us, Christmas is less about ‘stuff’ and more about creating special memories together, wherever we are in the world.”
As for the kids, Stef and Rich don’t think they’re missing out on anything.
Stef said: ‘Our boys don’t really know what they’re missing at home. Jesse had just one during his last Christmas in Jersey, and Roux has yet to experience a “traditional” Christmas. We do everything we can to keep family traditions alive, no matter where we are.
‘We bake Christmas cookies, put up a tree, even a small one, play Christmas songs and read holiday stories together. “These simple rituals keep the Christmas spirit strong on board.”
And when it comes to food, the Stevens family plans well in advance.
Stef said: ‘Our version of Christmas lunch is a little unconventional but perfect for our lifestyle – surf and turf on the barbecue, with freshly caught fish and all the local fruit and vegetables we can find.
The family boarded their boat to sail the world just a year ago and now live a minimalist lifestyle.
Christmas aboard Stephanie and Richard’s yacht in 2023. The family shared how their Christmas is more minimal than others.
Since the big transition, they have become aware of how much they can or should own and what they can fit into their small space.
Stephanie, Richard, Roux and Jesse during Christmas 2023. The family gives fewer gifts and there are no advent calendars
In the run-up to Christmas, their minimalist lifestyle means fewer gifts than usual and they don’t make advent calendars either.
Stephanie pictured with baby Roux aboard the Pinnacle sailboat. The couple has two children together.
The family said instead of lavish gifts and being surrounded by family, together they create precious memories on the sailboat.
‘While the kids won’t be visiting Santa’s grotto, skating on a Christmas-lit ice rink, or being surrounded by our extended family and cousins this year, they will have something different: magical memories created together.
“We’re making sure the season is extra special, filling it with love, adventure and all the magic we can create.”
For the big day, they plan to try to find a good place with beautiful scenery. Stef said: ‘As much as we can plan on a boat, with weather and sheltered anchorages, we try to make sure we are in a good location.
“We research local traditions and try to get involved to enjoy the experiences of different cultures and meet people.”
But they make sure to decorate the boat with a little holiday cheer. Stef said: ‘When we left the house, I packed a special box with our favorite and most sentimental Christmas decorations. It is stored safely under our bed and taken out in December.
“Inside we have a small Christmas tree with decorations inherited from my family, a material Advent calendar, stockings, a festive table runner and Santa hats.”
And this year they even have visitors. Stef said: “My younger brother Freddie and his girlfriend Chelsea will be joining us on board which makes it even more special.
‘Our goal is to meet them in Bocas del Toro, Panama, where we plan to spend Christmas Day.
‘There is said to be a fantastic atmosphere over the festive season and we hope to have the added benefit of some surf sessions – a Christmas present we would love.
‘Having family on board will help us fully embrace the Christmas spirit. We look forward to playing Christmas games, singing songs and sharing stories around the table. It is amazing to not only experience the local Christmas festivities and traditions.
‘But also being around other cruisers of all nationalities to hear all their traditions and get involved in some of them. Learn new recipes and get crafty with other boat kids and locals.