Often times I find myself wishing for colder weather. Hoping for fall and winter to actually feel like that special time year–the holidays. I have coats, sweaters, boots, and scarves that I almost never get to take out of my closet because most years, it still feels like summer in December. 2017 (so far) has been no exception. But the silver-lining in all of this is, we Californians can create some pretty unique visits with Santa Claus where we are most comfortable, on the beach! It’s only December 5th and I have already taken my daughter to visit good ‘ol Saint Nick twice.

As a mommy, I am always thinking of special things to do with my daughter, Giuliana. She is only 18 months old, and can’t really enjoy a whole lot of whatever event we attend, but we are making memories and snapping photos to remember the day. Starting our own family traditions may only be special to me now, but in the future, I know she will see pictures of the fun things we did as a family, and love it too.

2 weeks ago, we attended our first Santa sighting. It was a really hot day in Huntington Beach so my daughter wore a white cotton summer dress for her first pics with Santa. We arrived at Pacific City just in time to witness (along with hundreds of other people) Santa and his two elves skydiving out of a plane and landing on the warm California sand. Adults and children alike cheered with excitement. Santa quickly made his way towards us and the very long line formed for all who wanted to take their first photo of the season with Santa. A local school choir was there to entertain the crowd under the warm sun. While in line, we began chatting with the family behind us and were asked if we had ever gone to the Christmas tree lighting at Crystal Cove? We had never been and were told that was something we just couldn’t miss. So yep, we added it to our Santa visit to-do list.

December 2nd rolled around and we headed out to Newport Coast with some friends for the event. Once we arrived, it felt as if we had stepped right into a Hallmark Christmas movie. Tons of children were running along the beach as Santa rolled up on the back of a lifeguard truck. He was ringing sleigh bells and shouting “Ho Ho Ho,” as everyone smiled, clapped, and cheered. Just like Pacific City, the LONG line to take a photo quickly formed, however, the wait was less than 10 minutes to see Santa. The sun was setting and it was the perfect backdrop for photo ops so why not? Amazing pictures and moments were captured on camera. It was just perfect.

After we made it through the line, there were warm chocolate chip cookies, apple cider, and hot cocoa kindly provided by the Beachcomber Café. Everyone sipped on the sweet treats while waiting for the final event of the evening–the tree lighting. At 5:15pm it was time. All attendees gathered closely around the Christmas tree and began counting down 10-1. Seeing the tree light up with the sunset and ocean in the background was so special. A perfect ending to the day and the start of a new family tradition.