Finding the quiet side of the holidays

So, you want to be festive but can't take the frenzy and crowds?

Dec 06, 2024

It’s not your imagination. Things are busy and crowded out there. I accidentally happened upon Toddler Tuesdays at Irvine Spectrum before the holidays and it was completely overwhelming! I had NO idea of the level. (You probably KNOW!)

When I asked you what you might want to see in this week’s newsletter, you voted for “Quiet holiday spot.” So I’m here to try to deliver.

Just remember, your child(ren) doesn’t really need a BIG light show or activities to entertain them. When you are together and you-the-parent (or grandparent or caregiver) are not stressed or rushed, then the kids are going to think that you sharing that one palm tree with lights is plenty enough. And what else do they notice outside in the dark? The stars? Is the moon out? What about the tides? Is it colder when the sun goes down? It can be fun to bundle up and have some hot chocolate or tea or a dinner picnic of soup from a thermos!

Short little story here: We go to the Dana Point Harbor holiday light display every year and ended up there last Friday evening after Thanksgiving (this is a photo from a quieter night during a past year). I should have known it would be busy! However, we still somehow easily found a parking spot. We picked our way through the crowds at Candy Cane Lane and came out at Merry Kiss Me where there was a very long line for photos and also a line for treats at Coffee Importers. So . . . we just turned around and walked back through the pretty candy canes to the car. We always try — and if it’s too much for us — we just leave. That’s the beauty of multi-night lights!

Try a weeknight M-Th! That should help. Try to go early (the sun sets at 4:45pm!) or late on a date or friend outing (the lights stay on from dusk to dawn, Coffee Importers closes at 9pm on weeknights). In fact, these lights will stay on well into January.

After our crowd-filled experience, we drove over to the harbor island where things were QUIET. Only one family was sitting on a bench near the Christmas tree at the T of the bridge meeting the road. We drove to the left where there was plenty of parking and got a close-up of the lights on the palm trees at the tip of the island, a view back towards Wind & Sea harbor lights, and my kids spotted egrets nesting in the trees there at night! It was soooo cool to view from a distance. Sssshhhhhh.

Wishing you light & peace,
Michele

As a friendly reminder, make sure you ALWAYS check official sources when you are heading out to any of the locations I share. These are merely suggestions. Only you know what works for your family. Plus, your experience may not be the same as mine — and there can be changes to the hours or unforeseen circumstances or conditions at the suggested locations.

Quiet holiday spots

This is the spot I had in mind when I asked that question on Instagram! You would never know that it can be QUIET from watching the influencer Reels of fire pits, entertainment, and lots of families here.

In fact, it even fooled me. I wanted to double-check that it’s still possible for you to find this EMPTY and quiet. So we went last night (a Wednesday) after your votes were tallied.

This is just one of my favorite, favorite quiet things to do.

It was absolutely empty. We were the ONLY people on the beach at 6pm on a Wednesday. I’d like to say it was absolutely quiet, but there was road noise from Coast Highway, sirens (an accident had just happened further up the road on Bayside Drive), the occasional sound of the tree flocking machine at the Christmas tree stand, nighttime jogging groups chatting as they ran by, and the regular whoosh of aircraft taking off in their flight path from the airport to the ocean.

Still. We had the whole place to ourselves and there was no one else near us. So try on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night — when the Fire & Lights Festival events are not happening. I hope you love it. (Parking is free for the 1st half an hour — and we always leave before the 30 minutes are up!).

Find out more about Newport Dunes lights

Other Quiet Things To Do

I named another one above: Go to the island portion of Dana Point Harbor. And drive by the other lights at the harbor. You don’t have to get out to enjoy them.

Drive around to see the lights on homes and businesses. Maybe find a restaurant that’s festive?

Neighborhood walks to see the lights. You can do this over and over during December and point out what’s changed since the last time you walked.

Pick from my list of lights in that blog post and go at the least popular times/hours. We always seem to gauge it right and usually don’t encounter too many crowds.

Or go to the full list of holiday lights in my ultimate Christmas in OC blog post!

Go to the Ultimate Blog Post!

Here-Comes-the-Holidays Timeline

I’ll keep you updated as we continue to move through December. For some reason, it seems like EVERYTHING is happening this weekend on December 7th! We are planning to stay in that night and check things out a few days after.

Did you decide on a holiday splurge (get tickets ASAP!) Or are you sticking with free this year (we are!).
Already up and running!
- Dana Point Harbor Lights
- The District Nightly Light Shows
- Nights of Coastal Lights
- Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival
- Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad
Starting December 7th
- Christmas Tree at the Beach
- Holidayz at the Park
Starting December 8th or after
- Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights
- Snoopy House (recommendation from Jill at Popsicle Blog)

PLAY: Discover The.Play.Fairy in San Diego

This is the section of the newsletter where we talk about PLAY or connecting to nature each week. I might share a video, an article, a book, or something inspiring. Just trying to help keep you empowered to prioritize play to benefit development and preserve childhood!

I want to introduce you to Libby, The Play Fairy, who I think I discovered through SoCalKyla on Instagram?

Libby’s Bio: “Hello, my name is Libby, and I am the Play Fairy. I am known locally and beyond for my unique approach to child development through play. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 12 units of Early Childhood Education and an Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Design from San Diego City College, my diverse educational background supports my innovative perspective on play.

My practical experience includes working in preschools, special education, and as a nanny for many years. I am also trained in First Aid, CPR, and mandated reporting. My deep understanding and appreciation for developmental, experiential, and explorative play are the cornerstones of my philosophy.”

We share some of the same philosophy on play - even though I didn’t know Bob Hughes’ work until she mentioned him in her bio!

She posted today about starting to offer programs through cities in the San Diego area. I’m so excited for her and parents down there! I thought I’d post her caption as something thought-provoking. What do you think of her take on play?

This “flow state” she talks about in her caption is something I’ve never been able to put into words, but this is what I hope happens when your kids get time and space to play.

I’m not necessarily backing every single word choice here, but I like the thought process behind it.

For instance, kids don’t need to be “efficient” — but I take it to mean that “finding out” is effortless for kids.
She says her opinion is that it’s “a little unnatural” for adults to play with children in the same sentence where she says it’s healthy for adults to play with children. I’d just clarify that its very natural for parents to play with their children! However, I think the point she’s trying to make is that there’s value in children playing by themselves and with other children because then it’s completely 100% child-led.
Finally, I agree that it is truly important for you to “let [your] mind be still for a moment” or “connect with other adults” while the kids play and you are supervising from afar. Just an added benefit of letting the kids use their imagination and play on their own!

Do you have thoughts? Hit “Reply” to this email and share. I’d love to hear from you.

Tiny Hike Teaser: This week, we’ll be taking a tiny hike to the beach for winter tides!

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***If you are already a subscriber, hold tight. A much more in-depth description of what’s happening is coming to you in this week’s trail guide!***

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