Week 97

Positive post Sunday, December 23, 2018- Week 97. 

Christmas traditions are a very important part of the holiday season.  Our most important tradition is going to church to give thanks and celebrate the true reason for Christmas, the birth of Jesus.  

Another one of our traditions, that comes in a close second, is going down to Balboa Island with our family.  Each year, we pick a date just before Christmas that works for as many members of our large family as possible (that’s a challenge in itself), pack up our cars and head down to one of our favorite places on earth, Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California.

When we arrive on the Island, and complete the most challenging task of the evening, finding parking spaces, we usually meet for an early dinner.  This year, we ate at the Village Inn on the big island, with a warm fire burning in the fireplace across the dining room, which I needed after Sean spilled water all over me!  After dinner, we all bundle up and head out to walk around both the little and big islands which have been transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with amazing lights and decorations.  Watching our kids and grandkids stroll down the bay fronts and over the bridge that joins the two islands, looking at all the Christmas lights and decorations that truly bring Christmas to life on these magical Islands is simply priceless.

And then there are the traditions within the tradition, like stopping at Dad’s to get Balboa bars, frozen bananas or the famous hippo cookies (which were actually Christmas trees and snowmen this year), or sneaking in some last-minute shopping on Main Street, or visiting the light pole on the main bridge under which Patrick proposed to Alison.  I could go on and on.  

Oh, and let’s not forget the spectacular boat parade!  Although we missed it during our family pilgrimage to the island last week, Michele and I went down last night and watched the amazing display of nautical holiday creativity with our dear friends the Madison family.  It was great to see the whole family together, Jim and Mary, Lisa, Madison and McKay and Renee and Lily, What an amazing family and a special evening.  We were honored to share this important family time with the Madisons, and enjoyed reminiscing about the rich history and fun times the girls shared when Michele and her family vacationed on the island each year when she was growing up.  We are all truly blessed.

So, what are your Christmas traditions?  What are those special memories you have created around Christmas?

Wishing all our family and friends a safe, relaxing and Merry Christmas!