There’s something about the holiday season that feels so warm. As a kid, my best friend growing up was my sister, and every Christmas Eve we would get up in the middle of the night, too excited to sleep and awake waiting for Santa, and we’d go lay on our living room couch and stare at all the presents under the tree until everyone else finally got up. Even as I got older, my teenage angst would melt away during the holidays and get replaced with “Christmas magic,” my obscure rock playlist getting switched out for the Mariah Carey and Michael Buble Christmas albums. It was just nice, getting to be in the Christmas spirit and taking part in the fun, and out of school and sports for the week.
My mom and I enjoying mountain snow!! (winter 2007)
I think the most special part about holiday season in general is, as cheesy as it sounds, that it brings people together and allows everyone to celebrate each other’s company at the same time. As we all get caught up with whatever else is happening in our lives, it’s refreshing to slow down and simply appreciate our friends and family and show them love. Whether its holiday shopping, going out and having winter fun, or just hanging out at home, Christmas time lets me enjoy time with people I love and catch up with people I don’t see as often. I’m extra excited for Christmas this year because my sister will be flying in from Boston Christmas Eve, and I’ll finally get to see her after a couple of months apart!
My sister and I Christmas evening! (December 2009)
Past Christmases were always spent in Santa Clarita with my family, and my holiday season throughout childhood and my first two years of college were spent in Valencia! I spent a lot of time roaming the Westfield mall with my sister or going to Wakefield Winter Wonderland, the name of a cul de sac decked out in Christmas and Hanukkah lights, with my friends and getting Starbucks before or after. This year though, my family will be starting new tradition because we moved out to Helendale, which is just on the outside of Victorville!
My sister and I at Wakefield Winter Wonderland! (December 2017)
This Christmas, let’s hold each other close and make even better memories – hope you and your family have a great season this year!
*All media is courtesy of myself*