There’s something magical about this time of year. I seem to have forgotten that over the last few Decembers. I’m not quite sure how it happened but adulting has taken its toll on my childlike ability to see the wonder of Christmas. Fortunately Christmas lethargy (the term I have adopted for a lack of interest in silly season) has a definite cure and I found it…in California.
Perhaps it is the enomous capacity that America has for celebration where everything is bigger, better and brighter. So it is in your face, it bombards your sense of smell and taste and don’t forget that around every corner there is a jingle bell or winter wonderland in your ears. You might think that this would desensitize you to the joy of the season but I beg to differ, somehow, it revives your heart to the spirit of Christmas.
So this year, instead of Christmas being over in one day, I feel like it really got in there and changed my perspective.
Post my trip, as I sit and write this, my flat now has 3 sets of Christmas lights warmly illuminating the room, a Christmas tree (albeit small) adorns one corner, even my cactus plants have decorations and yes there is the gentle hum of Christmas music in the background. I feel happy.
Here is how my trip to California built up the Christmas excitement in my heart and turned me from a Christmas Grinch to a Christmas delight.
See a few Tree lighting ceremonies
Before advent has fully commenced, every shopping centre or space that has a centre court, sets the tone of the start of Christmas season by holding a Tree lighting ceremony. It’s a big family event, so expect to fight with strollers and toddlers for a good spot to watch the lights. Best part, it’s a quick dose of Christmas cheer with lights and a few carols lasting a maximum of 30 minutes. You’ll be home in no time to sit in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate or a glass of wine.
Or you can do what we did, and try to pack in a few of these ceremonies. We attended the one at Fashion Island and I’m going to say the best one was at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. Apparently the ceremony at the lake at Rancho Santa Margarita is also one to look out for.
Lit homes and streets
Pack a thermos, head out into the streets and go look for the best lights. If you really want to do it right, go in your slippers and pyjamas.
You’ll come across a combination of very professionally lit up homes (in fact we played a game of guess who’s home is diy or not), homes that clearly horde decorations and it looks like last Christmas threw up on their lawn and streets that have wrapped their trees in such beautiful lights it’s very possible that you will have an accident you’re so mesmerised by them.
The neighborhood to go visit (and we came across this quite accidentally) is the Nelly Gail Road community in Laguna Hills. Our favorite Christmas street lights were on La Paz Road in Mission Viejo.
Seasonal Christmas foods and fare
Go into most stores in California (I’m assuming the rest of the US is similar) and you will find anything your heart desires in a Christmas theme.
Pyjamas, shoes, earrings and sweaters, all with Christmas llamas or jingle bells or mistletoe. And yes, ugly sweaters are an actual thing here. I got busy with a llama onesie which brought many giggles. Who actually buys this stuff? Well, I almost did.
To me the best part was the Christmas themed foods and drinks available in coffee shops and general food stores. My absolute favorite… it’s really caught the essence of Christmas in a bag…Trader Joe’s Peppermint Pretzel Slims. Do yourself a favor…get there before they are gone until next year.
And that’s it. Have an amazing Christmas and may it be a time of celebration that lasts much longer than just one day.
Your posts always put a smile on my face — thank you !!