By 
{ The Palace Hotel, San Francisco }
Oh it’s coming! The time of the year I love most next to summer, the most wonderful time of the year. The holidays for me have progressively become more fun and more important over the years. The mix of familiarity and excitement each year keeps me in good spirits and it’s something I tend to always look forward to. So I have compiled a bit of a list of things to fully indulge in the festivities! Does anyone else actually do this? Enjoy!
1. GO ICE SKATING
It’s such an old and true winter tradition I grew up looking forward to each season. I have so many fond memories of the outdoor skate rinks in downtown Chicago and even more good memories of the yummy hot cocoa we got to drink afterwards. This year I have a skating rink within walking distance of my place and spending an afternoon there is a high priority on my list. Wish me luck!
2. FIND A DELICIOUS HOT CHOCOLATE AND DRINK IT
This is something I try to do every year and for some reason I just can’t get around to it. It’s either too hot or too sweet for my palette but I am going to find a chilly night in LA (aka below 70 degrees) and get it done! Ever since the Dominque Ansel bakery came to The Grove with their beautiful flower marshmallow hot chocolate drink I keep seeing all over social media, I have been eager to check out the hype. Will deliver a full report, likely on Instagram.
3. BAKE AND DECORATE HOLIDAY COOKIES
I have been wanting to invite some friends over to do this for the last several years but for whatever reason never got around to it. I just bought a few new cookie shapes that I am excited to use, a champagne bottle and a poodle of course. Not exactly holiday related but festive enough for me. If only I had the same skills as Lauren when she created these fabulous birthday cookies.
4. SEE THE LIGHTS ON RODEO DRIVE
Rodeo Drive is the perfect representation of opulence and so the center of Beverly Hills during the Holidays is just as you’d expect, decorated beautifully with lights and excitement. Two Rodeo has a menorah lighting each year and they of course display a big, beautiful Christmas tree. It’s a wonderful place to visit at night and stroll with a warm drink. I plan on doing just that before a cozy dinner at Nate ‘n Al or the Fountain Coffee Room at the Beverly Hills Hotel, aka, the best place on earth.
5. SEE THE MENORAH LIGHTING
Every year the city of Beverly Hills does a menorah lighting and I try to go each time! There’s also tons of trees lightings all over the city, one of the most popular is at The Grove.
6. THE MONTANA AVENUE HOLIDAY WALK
I have been going to this pretty much every year since I first moved to Los Angeles. It’s a fun little activity for a Friday night with friends to celebrate, shop and eat free cookies at each store. Usually I like to have a yummy dinner afterwards at Forma, but this year I won’t be able to go unfortunately. I highly recommend it however, if you’re looking for something mellow, family friendly and on the westside!
7. HAVE A CANDLELIT HOLIDAY DINNER WITH FRIENDS
I love celebrating anything and so when the holidays roll around I’m eager to decorate a table and invite people over or find a pretty spot to have a nice night with my girlfriends. There are so many beautiful places to eat in Los Angeles but since my fiancé is quite the cook I might just have to have him whip us up something fabulous. My contribution will of course be the table and cheese plate.
8. DECORATE THE APARTMENT
I have to admit, this won’t be as fun as it was the last couple of years as my old roommate had the best little Chrismukkah decorations. Last year we took it to another level with the Elf on the Shelf who we loved hiding all over the apartment. This year I am going to do my best to get our place as cheery as possible, wish me luck!
9. WATCH ALL MY HOLIDAY FAVORITES
…How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Eloise at Christmastime, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Carol, The Holiday and all the cheesy Lifetime, Netflix and Hallmark movies possible, just to name a few!
-MGN
Authentically,
