Have you ever avoided snow on Christmas intentionally? Perhaps, just to see if you still had the Christmas Spirit? Maybe to test its strength in spite of the lack of snowflakes, snowmen, and impromptu snowball fights. I've done that now every year since 2001, when my Mother flew the coop and headed back to California after more than 32 years back on the East Coast. I think 'the troubles,' as my Grandmother would have called 1999-2001 on the East Coast had something to do with her move, and my hankering for a return to the laid back California Hawai'i/Christmas. All lights, decorations, beach parties, and good cheer. No snow, except on the distant mountain tops. And I had a wonderful time!

Where else besides here and the high deserts of Arizona is it possible to Golf between December through February, without having to wear x-ray glasses to find the white golf balls in the snow? If you're interested, yes, these ARE the locations where The Pebble Beach Pro Am and the US Open are taking place in 2010 and I do have more information about these events.

Sightseeing in California, especially near Hearst Castle always yields treasures, be it the crashing surf along the Highway or on the Promontory on the way up to the Castle, or checking out which neighbor spent every penny of their Christmas bonus in their heads hooking up the Christmas lights, all the while giggling about being 'off the grid' and on solar power since the 70s. As usual, many here were always a little ahead of their time.

One of my favorite restaurants, a little Pizzeria in Carmel Valley with great Italian food, fabulous pizzas and bright twinkling lights just in time for the holidays. Shnarley's (Shmarley's?) Pizzeria & Wine Cellar at 307 Mid Valley Center Carmel Valley, CA 93924. Some of the best pizza in a great location amongst the little boutiques - perfect for Christmas shopping, especially when you call in advance. They're always fast, efficient, clean, and friendly! We were there several times in my short visit.

The California Pizza Kitchen is another great one at 1100 Del Monte Shopping Ctr Monterey CA. Why do I mention pizzerias? Because it’s a fairly healthy food, and it’s easy for people focused on shopping, planning, wrapping, and hiding things to later put under the tree or bush. Then there’s Jack London’s Bar & Restaurant for great steaks, finger foods, burgers, and drinks. A fabulous place to hang out and watch a game at the bar. Or you might enjoy a full dinner party with friends and family. It has cozy bench and Captain style wooden seating and is off of traditional Carmel Spanish style shopping courtyard, hidden from the street. You can walk right down the street and get a great haircut from Cece’s, appointments always recommended.

That’s what I like about Carmel and Carmel Valley. You feel like you’ve known these people for years. And some you have. I always run into actors, or musicians I haven’t seen in person since childhood, but catch nightly in some flick, commercial, hear a snippet of their voice in an audio book I’m listening to at the moment. They’re always right in the back of your mind or their name is on the tip of your tongue. Carmel and Monterey California are wonderful places to visit, if you don’t live there, because The Peninsula feels like ‘Home for The Holidays’.