At Temecula City Lifestyle, we believe the magic of the holidays lies in cherished traditions with family and friends. Here’s a glimpse into how our team celebrates:
For Des, the season kicks off with a holiday playlist and a festive mani-pedi. “I love to keep things simple but festive,” she says, adding that a swipe of red lip gloss is her go-to holiday touch. One of her favorite traditions is visiting WinterHaven in Tucson, Arizona, her hometown. Enjoying the lights, hot cocoa, and Christmas carols. "I sing Christmas music all season long," she shares. Decorating gingerbread houses is another nostalgic favorite!
Sean’s traditions blend with his December birthday. “My parents made sure our tree was up before my birthday every year so it wouldn't get lost in the holiday shuffle,” he recalls. His family placed only his birthday gifts under the tree, a special touch he cherishes. With his own kids, Christmas morning begins with making Abelskievers—Danish pancake balls topped with powdered sugar and raspberry preserves. "It reminds me of when the kids were little," he recalls. “Waking up early with all the joy in their eyes—it’s something I’ll never stop doing.”
For Scott, the holidays start with an annual tradition of creating an unique family Christmas card. " We have so much fun fine-tuning our idea before the holidays hit," he says. Christmas Eve is spent at Mass, followed by a big family gathering, and on Christmas morning, the smell of chilaquiles fills the house as gifts are opened and gratitude is shared. When our kids were still "kids", our first launch to the season was picking and tagging our Christmas Tree at Peltzer Tree Farm in OC. Our traditions would continue after Christmas with our annual Mammoth ski trip where we often embraced blizzard conditions and made the most of what time we could get on the slopes. Time is a precious gift and reminiscing about these precious memories just punctates the importance of continuing to carve out as many priceless moments together as we can.
Ava sees December as untouched purity, one that she looks forward to each year. "Christmas is defined by the stories people share, in dance, in song, and in animation," she says. Watching festive tales, that brought joy in her childhood. From Rankin Bass specials, the Nutcracker Ballet, Scrooge's journey from a miser to a charitable fellow, and many more. Nothing beats listening to vintage Christmas music and rewatching films with family. It becomes even more jovial when paired with hearty meals, comfortable pajamas, and a crackling fire.
Shawna says, “Every year, Christmas and the holidays become more special. My tradition is tuning in to the holiday radio channel and listening to the grand collection of Christmas music across the entirety of December. Nat King Cole’s ‘The Christmas Song’ is greatly nostalgic, reminding me of childhood memories with family members who have since passed on. Other meaningful traditions include enjoying a holiday feast, and unwrapping gifts Christmas morning. Though, the most important thing is being with my children, family, pets, and friends—new and old. Cheers to another blessed year!
At Temecula City Lifestyle, we believe the magic of the holidays lies in cherished traditions shared with family and friends.