Christmas in Southern California

Only in Southern California would you find that someone has pitched a Christmas tree in the sand. But I'm not complaining, it made for some beautiful pictures just days before Christmas!My mom, the girls, and I went to Encinitas yesterday to visit my Uncle Bart and see his decorated Christmas tree. We had a nice lunch out, stopped in at the best ever Home Goods, and then stopped off at the beach. The beach in which we stopped at is just South of the campground we stay at when we go camping at San Elijo. In fact, you could see the empty campground from the parking lot we parked in.

It's been a busy couple of weeks and taking the time to make the drive (80+ miles one way) was well worth it, especially for the few minutes spent on the beach. The ocean has such a calming and soothing effect on me and it's just what I needed as we head into another few days of holiday busyness.

Today I am making desserts to take this evening to my Grandmother's house, as well as getting the house in order for hosting Christmas Day tomorrow. I'm taking a break long enough to blog.

Years past on Christmas Eve, Steven has gone to church to fulfill ministry obligations and he's met me and the girls at my Grandmother's house for dinner and festivities. But this year, I decided I wanted to go to church with him. So we'll be skipping dinner at my Grandmother's, but getting there in time for presents and dessert. I *think there was one other time that our family went to church on Christmas Eve growing up, otherwise all my life I've been going to my Grandparents house for all of Christmas Eve. I'm excited about going to church on Christmas Eve and celebrating what Christmas is really about.

And with that, my break should come to an end and I need to get back to work! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!