Happy Holidays everyone!
Well it’s been pretty crazy for us here at the Adventure Diaries. It seems like we’ve been running around like mad here and there. We’ve been so busy that we haven’t even had time to put up our Christmas Tree. Some decoration have gone up though, not enough to show our pride for this joyous season. But hey, that’s okay! The Christmas Spirit is definitely in the air. A chill in the air with flurries of snow. Lights have been strung upon homes and businesses. Holiday shopper running around like crazy, trying to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. And of course, people out and about buying Christmas trees in their shorts. Wait!......What? Yeah you read that right. Once again, we have packed our bags and head to the golden coast of California. Erin was even able to make it out this time, lucky girl.
Whenever I think of Christmas time, I always picture snow and cooler temperatures. That’s what you see in almost every Christmas movie as well. It’s strange to me to think of it any other way. I sometimes forget that the rest of this country, during the winter that is, has a different climate than what I’m used to. Spending a few days California gave us an opportunity to experience Christmas in a different way.
The first day we found ourselves exploring Universal Studios. We were lucky enough to visit last year, around the same. I feel that they had stepped up their decorating game compared to the following year. It is possible that they had not completed their set up, but I think that was unlikely.
The CityWalk was a blaze with lights and standing tall, front and center, was a giant tree. Fully decorated and lit. Truly a sight to be seen. Here you could get your picture taken with the jolly fat man himself. No I’m not talking about your old Uncle Chuck, but Santa. At night the area surrounding the tree turned into a dance floor as Dj’s and bands played for the crowd. Even King Kong donned his favorite Santa hat to feel the spirit.
As you approach the entrance of Universal Studios, you are greeted with a picture of the Grinch. For here they celebrate Grinchmas, an homage to Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Also the live action film that Universal put out in 2000, which starred Jim Carey. Part of the set can still be seen during the Backlot Tour. The streets and building are lined with lights and garland. Along with other Christmas themed decorations. Just behind the Universal Box Office in the Universal Plaza sits a 60 foot Who inspired tree. Throughout December, on select days, you can get your picture taken with the Grinch and Max and spectate the lighting of the tree. If that doesn’t fit your fancy, then you can break it down with the beat box stylings of the Wholiday Singers or listen to Martha May Who-vier perform her holiday revue before settling down with Cindy Lou Who for story time.
We had a lot of fun running around Universal. Even though it was busy, it did not feel that crowded. We were able to ride all the rides and see all the attractions that we had wanted to. My favorite part of the day happened right before we left the park. During the last hour, or so, before the park closed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter they put on a light show. Using the Hogwarts Castle as a back drop, they project images upon it. With characters flying around the castle casting spells and creating beautiful imagery. I now that I’m not giving it justice trying to explain it, but none the less it was a really cool show.
The Following day we went to the happiest place on Earth, well depending on who you ask that is, Disneyland. As always the Magic Kingdom was in full Christmas spirit. Several trees decorated in different styles fill both California Adventure and Disneyland. The streets and shops are all decorated and ready to spread the cheer. The Haunted Mansion has been taken over by Jack Skellington and his misfits of Halloween Town. Nightmare Before Christmas Y’all! If you didn’t know what I’m taking about. And we can’t forget Cinderella’s Castle, capped with snow and lights. Really a wonderful and magical site to behold once the sun goes down.
I have always enjoyed going to Disneyland. From the first time to the most recent, I have always found it fun. Even with my dislike of crowds, there is some sort of “magic” that keeps my anxiety at bay. Most of the time that is. Sometimes it rears its ugly head and I have to take a moment to cool down. You do what you have to. Right? Even though it was crowd, we did get to ride most of the rides. I feel that you need more than one day to really experience the parks. We did get to ride the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. An attraction that I haven’t rode since I was little. It was either broken or under construction, so finally getting to ride it became one of my highlights. We could always use more time but all in all it was a wonderful trip can’t wait to visit the Magic Kingdom again and you to California Adventure.
One of our tradition we had when we lived back in Utah was checking out Christmas lights. We had several notable places that had elaborated decorations put up every year that we, and many others, had to see. So when my wonderful sister-in-law Misty had heard about a neighborhood that was known for their decoration, we knew we had to take a gander. We load up the car and went on our merry way. This is were it became a little weird for us. We are used to looking at lights all bundled up in our winter clothes and viewing them from the warmth of our cars. We would never think about getting out and walking around, but thats exactly what we did. Not only that but we did it in short sleeve shirts and no coats, except for those goofy Californians who think that anything below 60 degrees is cold. Ha Ha Just kidding California. There was even a few people walking around in shorts. It was definitely a fun and unusual experience. One that most likely wont happen for a very long time.
This was one of our lost hoorays in California for awhile. It was awesome to see the family and share some of the Christmas Spirit that California had to offer. It will always be strange, to me, to have 80 degree weather and no snow in December. Everyone has there idea of what Christmas looks like. Whatever that looks like to you, I hope that you enjoy it.
From all of here at the Adventure Diaries. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
As always, Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.
Josh and Erin
