I have to admit, I had a little bit of trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year. Celebrating Christmas away from my family for the first time was a new experience that has made me realize how many wonderful traditions we have during the days leading up to the 25th. Decorating the tree and my parents’ home, seeing the Nutcracker ballet, listening to classic Christmas songs on the radio throughout the day, and even just waking up to a cold, crisp morning and seeing the frost on our roof are all fond memories that remind me of the holiday season. I know that each year will be different: some will be spent in Northern California and some will be spent making new traditions. This holiday season, thanks to my amazing friends and extended family, I’ve had a great time discovering what the holiday season is like in Southern California. For me, this has included dining al fresco in Old Towne Orange, a trip to Disneyland, cutting down our lovable Charlie Brown tree, and watching the Newport Beach boat parade on Balboa Island. Hope your holiday season is filled with lots of laughter and love, no matter where you spend it.
Christmas in Southern California, palm trees and all.
The patio at Linx, one of our favorite restaurants for sausages and a good beer.
Little things that make me smile on my desk.
A slightly blurry yet magical glimpse of the lights at California Adventure in Disneyland.
An ideal beer to drink while trimming the tree: the piney, hoppy Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing.
NATALIE WAY 
Another good read 😊
Sent from my iPhone
>