Anybody else feeling nostalgic as we get closer and closer to Christmas? Gosh, I am! And I’ve been revisiting some of our most memorable Christmases, especially as our girl, Maria, gets older.
One Christmas in particular that always comes to mind and brings me such joy was our Christmas in Doheny. Doheny is a state beach in Southern California. While we lived there, we took advantage of all the great beaches, and Doheny was one of our favorites. It was close to us, small and intimate, campsites were right on the beach, and it was within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and local Christmas activities.
So, how do you spend Christmas at a state beach? Well, we camped! Yes, we are “camping” people. I say “camping” because we camp in a travel trailer. Let’s call it what it is, glamping. My tent-camping dad would probably poke fun at us. Love you, Dad!
Initially, I wasn’t expecting much, to be honest. I was actually kind of annoyed with my husband for suggesting it. Would we still get that Christmas magic? Would we be miserable? Would Christmas be ruined? Oops, I can admit that I was wrong, and I am so glad we went for it.
Doheny delivered in so many ways. The weather was amazing! That’s Southern California for ya! Therefore, Maria was able to frolic (roll) in the sand. Matt and I sat in our beach chairs and watched surfers catch some waves. We ate pizza (our favorite!) at a cozy local pizza shop called Beach Harbor Pizza. We rode (and fell in love with) electric bikes to San Clemente to grab some ice cream. We looked for critters in the tide pools. We enjoyed the harbor’s Christmas light displays while sipping on coffee from this wonderful coffee shop, The Coffee Importers, which overlooks the harbor.
In our trailer, Sunny, we were still able to have that Christmas magic. We had our very own Charlie Brown Christmas tree. We opened presents, enjoyed Christmas Legos, had our yummy Christmas breakfast, and just enjoyed each other’s company.
Ultimately, what I learned about Christmas in Doheny is that we create the magic no matter where we choose to have Christmas. The place helps, but ultimately, being present with the ones you love, sharing in the fun with love in your heart, makes the magic. I loved that I got to share this Christmas with my little family in Doheny.
What are some out-of-the-box Christmases you’ve experienced?
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