With its perfect weather and unbelievably gorgeous vistas, California is a top destination for people looking to relocate their lives. When you’re meeting new people in California, you’ll quickly realize that most of them weren’t born in the state; they are transplants – probably like you! If this is your first holiday season in The Golden State, you may be wondering how to keep things festive and jolly without the usual cold weather and snowflakes you’re used to seeing.
While it’s important to remember that the moderate temperatures and palm trees are what brought you to Cali, to begin with, you’re not alone in wondering how to make your first California Christmas reminiscent of the days you were growing up surrounded by pine trees and snowmen. So, let’s take a look at some ways to keep things festive in your new hometown.
Incorporate The New With The Old
Sure, you can take a drive and chop down a real Christmas tree, or you can go the route of the artificial tree – but you could also try incorporating the native trees and fauna here for the holidays. Set up a tree and trim it with all the things that remind you of your childhood and your original hometown, but there’s something beautiful about lighting the palm trees in your yard or putting tiny twinkle lights on a cactus. Additionally, you can opt for an artificial that’s flocked with faux snow to keep things wintery, at least inside your home or apartment. But, it’s worth mixing the two worlds to create the perfect Christmas vibe in your new place.
Create New Traditions
While Christmas trees and decorations are an essential part of the holiday season, it’s worth it to create new traditions now that you’ve relocated. Find local events going on that excite you, and you can see yourself and your family looking forward to every holiday season. Depending on how long you’ve lived in the area, this is also a great way to meet new people in the area that share your common interests.
Other traditions you can start can center around food – after all, food is also a significant part of holidays. So, choose foods that are more common in the state of California, maybe some Christmas Eve burritos the whole family can build together? If you’ve got young children, bake some themed cookies to the state, like common wildlife and flowers you see here. Check out your local food scene during the holidays. It’s important to carry over old traditions, but equally important to create new ones!
Host The Holidays
One way to get in the California Christmas spirit is to host your friends and family your first year here. Invite them to come to enjoy the beautiful weather and perfect backdrops this holiday season. While it may seem overwhelming, especially if you still don’t feel settled in your new home yet – spending the holidays with friends and family is what the season is all about. It may seem like a whirlwind getting things ready for company, but after the festivities are over and they’ve gone back home, you’ll be grateful for the memories and glad you pulled it off!
Treat Yourself If You Need To
Maybe this is your first holiday season away from home. For whatever reason, whether it’s work responsibilities or other restrictions, you may find yourself spending the holidays away from the people with whom you usually celebrate. If this is the case, treat yourself to that new handbag or some Initio Parfums you’ve been lusting after. There’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a little morale boost, as this time of year can be challenging for some people. So, whatever it is you’ve been wanting but have been waiting to pull the trigger on, go ahead and treat yourself to it!
Embracing your new city was easy when you first arrived because it was everything you dreamed it would be! The state of California is arguably the most beautiful and relaxing in the country. Keep this in mind when you’re feeling nostalgic for the autumn leaves changing like “back home” and wishing for some snowfall. Create your new memories and remember why you moved here in the first place! Enjoy your first of many beautiful California Christmases to come. Happy Holidays and here’s to the New Year!
