What Christmas Looks Like [in SoCal]

An absolutely beautiful day on the Laguna Beach boardwalk.
And clear enough to see Catalina Island in the distance.

Since the only white Christmas that Southern California sees is on the crests of waves, the holidays here look a lot different than in cold places like Chicago or New York. But after an afternoon trip to Laguna Beach yesterday, I realized there is still plenty of holiday spirit here -- even if it is 72 degrees out.

(And on the note of temperature, I have something to say to the guy who asked me if I was cold while wearing a cut-out tank dress on the boardwalk. No sir -- not in the least -- because I'm from Chicago and we're not pansies like you SoCal folk that put a sweater on when it dips below 80. But Merry Christmas to you anyway, and may Santa bring you all the cashmere you can handle.)

As a town known for its art and galleries, festive easels line lampposts.

I stopped in and told Santa I'd been good this year.
He said lying wouldn't help my cause.

A surfboard menorah? Too cool. I want a surfboard Christmas tree!

Ferris wheel and palm trees lit up for Christmas at the Irvine Spectrum.