I have this discussion with people in Utah every year. People who grew up with snow in the Winter time feel like Christmas is just not the same without the snow. I can't tell you how nice it was to be home this last weekend where it was not snowing. Does it still feel like Christmas in Santa Barbara California? Yes it does. I have no problem going and sitting at my favorite spot at the beach instead of watching snow fall. I am ok with seeing palm trees lite up instead of Christmas trees (although they do both). Of course I grew up this way... so I am used to it, but to me the snow has nothing to do with the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas to me is the beautiful music that you hear once a year. Christmas to me is seeing everyone around you a little happier, a little more kind, a little more giving. Christmas to me is all the family traditions. Christmas to me is all the fun movies that come out that teach us to reach out to others and remember the true meaning of Christmas, and all the special events all around of everyone celebrating the birth of Christ. Christmas to me is spending time with the people you love the most and showing them how much you love them by the giving of gifts. Christmas is such a special time of year that has nothing to do with snow.
This last weekend I could not have been more happy to be with my family and Kirsten. There is nothing better in this world than being with people you love and that love you. I don't know about you... but it is what helps me get through this life. Of course my family is always there for me, but Kirsten was a true friend to drive down from the Bay area just to spend time with a friend. She is wonderful and I am blessed to have her as a friend. And I always strive to be that same type of friend that would really be there for anyone that needs me in good times and bad. I hope I do that. Kirsten and I had a great time sitting at the beach and talking and then going shopping. If we had only gone to see a movie after, it would have been just like old times. :o)
We didn't get pictures of us shopping... but I have a picture from two years earlier when we went shopping the same weekend in the same spot.
This is my "I'm cold and done smiling face"
5 comments:
Write a song Tracy...it might be a big hit!
My mom is with you. She is from beach front property and every time we spent Christmas in Chile it was so weird to me to go to the beach on Christmas Day. The all night Christmas Eve drinking fest by my Aunt's and Uncles was also a little weird. But yes, I agree, Christmas is always nice when you think about good memories and how you spent it as a kid. Hence my love for Christmas snow.
I could go either way...snow/sun, but walking on the beach Christmas day sure sounds like heaven to me
This will be the first Christmas (and Christmas season) in 24 years that I haven't spent in Santa Barbara. Your post full of SB pictures made me very sadly aware of that.
It was SO much fun to see you! Thanks for letting me come down and spend time with you. You are an amazing friend and I feel so blessed to have you in my life!
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