A Holiday in the ‘Bu

Have you ever had one of those “great days?” The kind of day that isn’t even planned when you wake up? I already knew I was excited about Christmas in Malibu, but on a recent Saturday, I went to bed happier than I could have ever imagined.

It started with a wake-up call from the sound of the rain. Yes, I live in California, and yes, I live at the beach, but I absolutely love the rain (my friends think I’m crazy). So it’s already a great day in my eyes, and watching rain drops hit the ocean just makes my Saturday coffee even better.

After a leisurely morning, the weather motivates me to put on my rain boots (another obsession) and get outside to enjoy some Christmas errands. But before my husband and I hit the town, we make a quick pit stop to our barstools at Duke’s for some “holiday cheer.” Fueled and ready to go, now we can shop. I’m shocked at how enjoyable it is to walk around the Country Mart on a Saturday in December - no crowds, no lines, just music, lights and fun!

The rain is letting up so getting our Christmas tree is all of a sudden back on the table. A “Christmas miracle” I call it! We’re coming home with presents, wrapping paper and a tree perfectly sized for a beach apartment, which means in no time at all, the house will be filled with the spirit of the holidays.

Before we head home, we make one more quick stop at the Rosenthal Estate Tasting Room - first, because our wine shipment is ready for pick up and second, because who doesn’t like to taste wine on a Saturday? See, GREAT DAY.

Now the real fun begins. I can’t tell you what a difference it makes to decorate your tree and wrap presents because you want to...not because you have to. Of course, doing all of this with a view of the ocean doesn’t hurt. But even so, I’m finding myself completely caught up in the moment and I’m loving every minute.

After a long day, it’s time to wind down. No better way than with a pizza, a bottle of wine and my all-time favorite movie, The Holiday. Living in LA gives me a whole new excitement and with every scene, I’m feeling more and more cheerful (or is that the wine? ;)

I take a minute to look at the lights on the tree, the presents wrapped in pretty bows, and the sun setting outside before thinking to myself, “this is pretty darn amazing.”  

A Christmas holiday in the ‘Bu? It’s the greatest gift of them all.