Reflecting on the Holidays: A Season of Love and Legacy

As the calendar turns to January 16, 2026, I find myself reflecting on the holiday season. A time of warmth, connection, and cherished traditions. Though it may feel late to recount these moments, the experiences I gathered are timeless treasures that deserve to be celebrated. Here are the holiday moments that I reflected on and filled my heart with happiness:

Honoring Grandma Betty: A Legacy of Generosity

My holidays began with a heartfelt tribute to my Grandma Betty. For 15 beautiful years, she dedicated herself to crafting stuffed animals and clowns for the 10 News Toy Drive, her generous spirit touching countless children. Every November 17th, her birthday, I continue this tradition in her memory. This year marked an incredible 43 years of contributions…a powerful reminder of her impact.

I kicked off this special day at my favorite gym, Chuze Encinitas, where I joyfully dropped off toys, feeling her presence in every donation. The gym buzzed with energy, and as I placed the toys in the donation box, I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. Afterward, I visited Grandma's resting place, a serene spot surrounded by flowers, where I paused to reflect on her life and the joy she brought to so many.

Next, I made my way to Downtown Disney for another donation to Toys for Tots. The festive lights and cheerful atmosphere filled me with hope and gratitude. As I concluded the day with a delightful dinner, I whispered, “Happy heavenly 95th Birthday, Grandma Betty!” Her spirit truly lives on in every toy we give and every smile we see.

A Sweet Discovery at Logan’s Candies

In the midst of my holiday preparations, I found a delightful escape in the world of YouTube. Every night after work, I indulged in binge-watching various channels and stumbled upon Logan’s Candies. Their captivating videos on candy making drew me in, igniting a sweet curiosity. When I learned they were just two hours away, I couldn’t resist!

Despite the tickets being sold out, I kept checking and finally snagged a spot for a live demo. Arriving at the candy shop felt like stepping into a whimsical wonderland. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of sugar and peppermint, and I could hardly contain my excitement. Jerry, the charming candy maker, was a joy to watch as he spun and twisted the candy with skilled hands.

Seeing the delight on everyone’s faces as they watched him work was truly magical. Tasting a fresh candy cane was an experience I’ll never forget…warm, not too hard, and just perfect. I also discovered their fresh chocolate candy, and I can confidently say they make the BEST chocolate turtles I’ve ever tasted!

I bought an abundance of candy, using the candy ribbons and candy canes to create a festive centerpiece for our family table. The shop was bustling with families, laughter, and joy. A touching moment arose when I saw a tribute to Jerry’s late daughter, Hannah, who had bravely fought leukemia. Her spirit seemed to infuse the shop with love and warmth, making it a truly special place.

Get to know more about Logan’s Candies like I did here:

Website: https://loganscandies.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@loganscandies

An Enchanting Evening at Lightscape

One day, I allowed myself the luxury of sleeping in a well deserved break after long hours at work. Initially, I felt guilty for lounging around, but then I remembered I had tickets to Lightscape at the San Diego Botanical Garden, just five minutes from home.

As night fell, I wandered through the garden, marveling at the breathtaking lighting that transformed the landscape into a magical realm. The path was illuminated with twinkling lights, creating a fairy tale atmosphere. The firefly effect in the bamboo garden was particularly captivating, providing a sense of tranquility and wonder. I also loved the fog and laser displays, which added a beautiful touch to the experience.

A Cherished Tradition at San Juan Capistrano Mission

One of my favorite holiday traditions is visiting the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. This serene place is where I place my prayers in the prayer book at my Grandma Isabel’s favorite church. The soft glow of holiday lights surrounded the area, creating a peaceful ambiance that filled my heart.

As I stood there, I prayed for my family and friends to have a joyous year ahead, feeling deeply connected to my roots and the love that binds us all. The mission's timeless beauty reminded me of the importance of faith and gratitude during the holidays.

Celebrating Christmas Eve with Family

Due to my work schedule, I celebrated the holidays with my family on Christmas Eve. We gathered at my parent’s house, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. I decorated the table with Logan’s candy ribbons and candy canes, adding a festive flair to our celebration.

We feasted on delicious steaks, lasagna, and Logan’s delightful chocolate desserts and Parlor Donuts from Oceanside. The evening was magical, with my parents, brother, niece, friends, and our beloved dogs Nikita and Kingston. The warmth of family and the joy of sharing made it a holiday to remember.

A Memorable Adventure to the Hotel Del Coronado

Before 2025 came to a close, my mom expressed a strong desire to visit the Hotel Del Coronado. However, she dreaded the traffic and parking hassles. I proposed an adventure…taking the train! We met at the Solana Beach train station and rode the coaster down to Santa Fe Depot (San Diego, CA), then walked over to Broadway to catch the ferry to Coronado.

The sense of freedom from the stress of driving was exhilarating. Once we arrived, we strolled to one of my favorite restaurants, The Tavern in Coronado, where we enjoyed their award winning chicken pot pie. Bev, my mom’s friend, joined us, and we shared delicious brussels sprouts that were to die for. Of course, we couldn’t resist a few festive cocktails to wash it all down!

After our meal, we made our way to the hotel, where the holiday spirit was alive with a spectacular Wizard of Oz themed light show. As fake snow gently fell from the tall trees, I was filled with nostalgia, remembering that the Wizard of Oz was the first play Grandma Betty took me to. The Christmas tree in the main lobby was adorned with a yellow brick road that led to each character ornament from the story. The tree was really enchanting and I was blessed with how it transported me to cherished memories.

Afterward, we strolled along Coronado Beach, marveling at the sandcastles and watching families skate on the only ice rink I know of that is on a beach. Our day ended on a high note with a peaceful, relaxing conclusion to 2025.

A Heartfelt Tribute to Loved Ones

This holiday season was bittersweet as I mourned the passing of my best friend Rob’s Nana back in August. Losing her felt like losing my own grandmother. When I flew out in late August to be with Rob’s family, they embraced me as one of their own. I am beyond blessed to have this Boston family in my life and for sharing Nana with me. On Christmas day at work a beautiful surprise came when a friend, recalling my stories about Nana’s famous Hello Dolly cookies, found a recipe and baked a batch for me. It brought tears to my eyes, reminding me of her spirit and the bond we share.

This blog began as a heartfelt tribute to my Grandma Betty and now comes full circle because of the most touching gift I received from another dear friend. It was a handmade knitted stuffed clown that mirrored the ones my Grandma Betty used to create. As I unwrapped it, I felt her presence and AGAIN TEARS to my eyes. This gift was a tangible reminder of her love and legacy and I will cherish this moment and gift FOREVER!!

When I think of these loved ones who have passed I’m reminded of a beautiful quote by my friend Alexis Orate from her book titled Balloon Bridges: “With warmth in my heart, I am reminded that those we love, who have gone away…will never be gone completely, for in our hearts they are here to stay.” Nana and Grandma Betty…you are here to stay!!

I am grateful for the heartfelt connections and experiences that made my holidays truly special. Thank you to all the amazing people who filled this season with love and joy. I look forward to new adventures and happy destinations in 2026!

Happy Reflections and Happy Destinations in 2026!