I'll Be Home for Christmas

Last week my blog featured a look at how Christmas is celebrated around the world. It was fascinating to me how countries as close together as our U.S. states had such unique customs to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Although each country has different customs, their rituals seemed to be in defiance of previous pagan cultures paying homage to the winter solstice. This week we come back home to take a look at how the Christmas season is celebrated in the United States. True, we are rookies when it comes to celebrating this special time of year. Most of our traditions are a direct reflection of how the rest of the world, mostly Europe, observes the Christmas season. Being rebels, we have put our own stamp on ways to celebrate. Here are 5 of my favorite locations to spend time during Christmas.

photo courtesy unsplash.com

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is the spot if you are a lover of Christmas lights. This charming town located at the base of the Grand Tetons illuminates the square in spectacular fashion. One enters the square through one of four arches made up of elk antlers. During Christmas, they are adorned with thousands of lights. The Jackson Hole Playhouse is a must-visit dinner theater. The food is festive and plentiful and the playhouse always features a holiday comedy. This year the play is titled 'Holidays at the Playhouse." Book early, it's the town's main attraction. Visit the National Elk Refuge for an authentic ride on Santa's sleigh. They may not be reindeer, but the elks don't know that and fill in perfectly.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a winter wonderland. A white Christmas is guaranteed, and the downtown shops are on full display. The exteriors are decked out with lights and the interior halls are loaded with holiday gifts and food. Be warned, once the slopes close it can get very busy which for some of us, only adds to the experience. If your an adventurous traveler like myself, a snowmobile excursion to the Maroon Bells (an incredible display of mountains) is a must. These bell-shaped formations are magnificent when snow-capped. If you're lucky enough to stay for New Year's skiers wind down the slopes carrying torches while fireworks fill the wintertime sky. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Aspen.

Maroon Bells photo courtesy unsplash.com

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu has become one of the most popular Christmas travel destinations in the U.S. and why not? Leave your scarves, mittens, and heavy jackets at home, and take time to visit the multitude of activities created for the holiday season. Events kick off with the annual Christmas tree lighting at Aala Park followed by an electric light parade. Food booths and Christmas trees line the route. Stay in shape and participate in the Jingle Rock Run. Deck out in your gaudiest holiday gear and jog or stroll through the downtown holiday lights. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center for many Christmas activities. Santa sightings occur regularly as St. Nick makes landfall on an outrigger canoe. On Christmas day try a buffet at any beachfront hotel.

Disneyland Anaheim, California

Disneyland, as most of us know, goes all out all of the time. During Christmas, it's decorations are on steroids. The Imagineers spare no expense transforming the park into a truly magical kingdom. Everything swings into holiday mode: the parades, the street shows, and the food. Sleeping Beauty's Castle is on full display lavished with lights and garland. At night, watch the turrets become snow-capped as icicles appear. Goblins become saintly as the Haunted Mansion gets a holiday overhaul. Jack and his Nightmare Before Christmas crew make for some frightfully festive fun. For dinner, we always eat at my favorite dining destination anywhere ... Napa Rose in the Grand Californian Hotel. Try the chef's table. Chef Sutton and his crew always deliver ... especially at Christmas.

Haunted Mansion at Disneyland photo courtesy unsplash.com

New York City

New York City is the capital city of Christmas in the United States. The holiday season kicks off with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and culminates with one of the largest New Year's celebrations in the world at Times Square. In between, during Christmas, there is so much to see and do. We stay in midtown which makes for easy access to our favorite sites and stores. Visit Hyde Park where you will find numerous merchant booths and ice skating. Just down the street is my favorite retail store, Lord & Taylor. It is a nostalgic department store providing shopping at its best. The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular should be on everyone's bucket list. The choreography is flawless and the show has a wonderful Christmas message. Cap off your evening and trek to the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. It's NYC for me during the holidays.

The Christmas season originated to celebrate the birth of Christ, and for thousands of years, people from around the world have spent time together perfecting (in their minds) and paying respect to this miraculous and historical event. While some traditions may seem a bit odd or extreme, it's all about leaving a lasting impression to remember this special time of year. When someone asks if I believe in Santa Claus I always reply with a quick yes. He has afforded me the gift of traveling and experiencing wonderful customs on display worldwide. Believe in miracles. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!