Christmas Travel Memories

Whether I spend the holidays at home, travel widely, or simply go to grandma’s house, I feel compelled to take the camera with me.  What’s a trip, however short, without a photo?  Since this is almost Christmas, I thought I would write about Christmas travel past and present.  I’m not going to undergo a Scrooge-like transformation, but I will post a few pictures to get us all in the mood.

I enjoy the glow from lighted windows, so when I stopped in front of this shop in Solvang one December evening a few years ago, I couldn’t resist trying to capture it.

It was early evening, and a few people were walking about shopping for souvenirs.  Solvang prides itself on its Danish traditions.  Christmas is a great time to visit and sample the delights in stores like the one above.  Better yet, purchase some holiday pastries from one of the many bakeries!

If my schedule permits, I like to stop by the John Rains House in Rancho Cucamonga.  The historical society presents a holiday open house on the first Saturday of December.  It’s a small community affair but very warm and cozy.

These lamps were on the mantel in one of the rooms in the house.  They gave off such a nice glow!

Speaking of glow, one year I traveled to Newport Beach to cruise the harbor and take in the Christmas Boat Parade.  Boats of all sizes were decorated for the event; this story’s title image is one such boat.  In addition to the boats, the homes along the shore were also bedecked with lights for the holidays.

This cruise is a lovely outing during the holidays.  I recommend it if you’re looking for something slightly different.

Of course, tradition is important at this time of year.  One small outing my family and I have made for years is a trip to Claremont.  We usually walk about the Village and do a little shopping.  No trip is complete without a stop at the A-Kline Chocolatier shop.

We used to purchase fudge and peanut brittle as well as candy canes and small stocking stuffer things.  Now, I try to stay away from giving too many gifts that are fattening or loaded with sugar.  I do buy a few small items, just because it’s Christmas.  I’ll confess these holly leaves were far too tempting last year.  I used them to decorate a cake, and then finished them off the rest of the year!  Oh dear! Now the world knows my secret!

Can Christmas be complete without a family outing to the mall to see Santa?  I count my annual shopping trip as Christmas travel because I’m not a shopper.  I seldom visit the mall at any other time of year.

So along with Santa, I send a wave and a wish for a safe and happy holiday.

To see more images from my Christmas Travel collection, click here.