Although it is not remote, Hinson's Island is off the beaten track. You can't just jump in your car or on your bike to get there. You need a boat or strong arms and a willingness to get wet. Many mainlanders think of it as being cut off and away from everything and everybody and for some, the prospect of spending Christmas on Hinson's is grim.

But for Nick and Sheila Pimental, Chrismas on Hinson's Island is a family tradition. The couple have lived on the island for more than 30 years and raised their two children, Terry and Ann, there. Both now grown with families of their own, Ann lives in Florida while Terry, his wife Leslie and their children Katherine and Cameron live just two doors up from Nick and Sheila.

Christmas is combined for the two island families and begins on Christmas Eve when they go to St. Michael's Catholic church in Paget for their Christmas service. Living on the island means it is more practical to go to the 6.30 p.m. service and not the midnight mass.

"We normally go over in Terry's boat and I suppose that's what we'll do this year," said Sheila. In fact the families have established their Christmas tradition so well that it takes very little planning nowadays and runs smoothly.

Sheila said that, after the church service they all go to her son's home " for a snack and a bit of cheer - usually egg nog, but coffee, tea, whatever".

After eating and chatting, Nick and Sheila go home and although she will have already made her cassava pies and finished much of the cooking, she said she usually puts the turkey in the oven overnight.

"Nick doesn't like that I do that, but he loves to have a piece of it first thing in the morning," she said.

"I have to get the first bite," he said.

After Nick has had the first taste of the turkey the couple head up to Terry's home where everyone opens gifts and Terry makes breakfast.

"It's normally just eggs and normal breakfast food," Sheila said. "It ends around ten or 11 and after that we come home and start to get ready for the big Christmas dinner."

The turkey, of course is already done, but Leslie makes the ham, turnip puffs and a few vegetable dishes. Cassava pie will have already been prepared, bean casserole is made but a traditional Portuguese dish of chourico and roast carrots and potatoes is a must.

"It's got things like bacon fat and Crisco - all the things you shouldn't eat, but it's Christmas," she laughs.

At around 1.30 or 2 p.m. all the Pimentals gather at Nick and Sheila's where hors d'oeuvres and more gifts are opened before dinner.

"We have nibbles and chit chat before dinner," she said.

By 3 p.m. the whole family is seated in the dining room enjoying the Christmas meal. Music, lights and a small nativity scene help set the festive mood for the family. "We take our time with dinner enjoying each other's company and reminiscing over the past year," Sheila said.