I might live in Southern California, where December is serving more “cute cardigan vibes” than “Hallmark snowstorm,”but the Christmas spirit?
Oh, she’s alive. She’s thriving. She’s doing jazz hands in a sparkly Santa hat.
So here’s something quick, festive, and very me—because Christmas is basically my Super Bowl… if the Super Bowl involved twinkle lights, reindeer-shaped cookies, and me getting misty-eyed while wrapping presents. Every year, the holiday season pulls me in like a peppermint-scented tractor beam, and honestly? I’m not mad about it.
Here are my absolute FAVORITE things about Christmas—the things that make my heart grow three sizes (Grinch who?) and my hot-cocoa consumption triple instantly.
1. Hallmark Christmas Movies
You know those movies where a girl returns to her tiny hometown, meets an unrealistically handsome baker, and BOOM—love, snow, and a Christmas tree farm?
Yeah. I eat that UP.
Predictable? Yes.
Necessary for my soul? Also yes.
2. Time With Loved Ones
Something about December makes everyone glow like they’re in a Target holiday commercial.
Hugs? Softer.
Laughs? Louder.
Arguments over board games? Festive, even when someone “accidentally” flips the table.
3. Christmas Lights Everywhere
Palm trees wrapped in lights? Yes.
Neighborhoods trying to outshine the North Pole? Absolutely.
Me taking 500 photos of the same string of twinkle lights because they’re “magical”?
…Correct.
Favorite spots? Absolutely:
- Christmas Tree Lane — peak nostalgia, peak sparkle, peak “I’m about to cry because this is so pretty.”
- Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights — floating Christmas magic??? Boats dressed like gifts??? Yes. Inject that into my veins.
4. Christmassy Smells
Cinnamon. Pine. Gingerbread. Vanilla.
If it can be baked, sipped, or turned into a candle…
I want it. I want ALL of it.
My house becomes a cozy-scented wonderland and honestly it’s my personality for the entire month.
5. Festive Baking & Cooking
I turn into a holiday baking elf.
Cookies? Yes.
Fudge? Obviously.
Accidentally eating half the dough before it hits the oven? Tradition.
And ever since last year I will be adding a Yule log to my Christmas baking list.
6. The Magic of Santa Claus
I don’t care how old I am—Santa is ✨a vibe✨.
The magic, the mystery, the cookies left out “for him” (but actually for me later at 1 a.m.)…
It’s pure childhood joy wrapped in a bow. And I won’t spoil the spirit of Santa for any child.
7. Christmas Music
From “Silent Night” to Mariah’s annual holiday takeover, Christmas music is the soundtrack to every cookie-decorating, gift-wrapping, tree-lighting moment. And let’s not forget “Mary, Did You Know?” by The Braxtons—one of my all-time favorite religious Christmas songs. It hits every single time.
Yes, I sing along.
Yes, it’s off-key.
Yes, it’s still fabulous. 🎶✨
8. Holiday Crafts
Give me glue, glitter, ribbon, and a vision.
I will turn absolutely anything into Christmas décor.
Is it messy?
Yes.
Do I look like a glitter-covered gremlin afterward?
Also yes.
Do I love it?
ABSOLUTELY.
9. Advent Calendars
Tiny surprises every day??
Elite behavior.
Chocolate ones, skincare ones, little toy ones — I am fully capable of juggling twelve different advent calendars like an unhinged but festive queen.
Peak joy.
10. Reflecting on the Past Year
Christmas has this soft, quiet magic where everything slows down.
I think about the highs, the lows, the growth, the unexpected plot twists.
It’s peaceful.
It’s grounding.
It’s like my heart takes a deep breath.
Bonus: People Are (Mostly) in a Better Mood
There’s just something about the season that puts a little sparkle in people’s step.
Are there still cranky Grinches out there?
Of course.
But MOST people?
They get wrapped up in the magic—and it’s contagious.
Christmas in Southern California may not come with snowflakes or sleigh rides…
but it’s still pure magic.
It’s cozy + sparkly + nostalgic + chaotic in the cutest possible way.
It’s sunshine mixed with twinkle lights.
It’s Hallmark movies with the AC on.
It’s warmth — inside and out.
And honestly?
I wouldn’t change a single thing.
