Christmas in Malibu

Are you itching to get into the holiday mood in a very California way?  If so, I have just the thing for you.  Every Christmas, the Adamson House in Malibu hosts evening tours, with the historic house specially decked out for the holidays.  Volunteers do a fantastic job decorating the home (which is chock full of stunning period Malibu tile) and leading guests through the charming Spanish Colonial Revival beach house that sits right on the shore.  It's truly a magical experience to stand on the balcony and look at the moon on the water and hear the waves rush up to the sand.  Throw in some twinkle lights and a little Christmas music and you may never want to leave.

The holiday tours are held in the month of December on Friday night's only, and the cost is 15.00, a nominal fee that goes to preserving the home for future generations.  This is a tradition for my friends and I, so we make a night of it by dining in one of the wonderful little restaurants at the Malibu Country Mart, which is right across the street from the house.  We seem to always end up at Tra di Noi, which is a charming little Italian place with a lovely patio.  But there is also Taverna Tony (Greek), Nobu (Japanese), Marmalade Cafe (American) and even a little hot dog stand, plus Crumbs Cupcakes, Coffee Bean and Starbucks, if you just want a little nibble.

While you're at the Country Mart, or the adjoining Malibu Lumber Yard, you could also do a little Christmas shopping at Ralph Lauren, John Varvatos, Planet Blue, Banana Republic, James Perse or J. Crew, among others.  Be sure and check out the aquariums at the Lumber Yard, which recreate the natural habitats found along the Southern California coast.  They're especially beautiful when illuminated at night. 

All of this makes for a wonderful and memorable night out for family, out of town guests, or just you and your sweetie.  I hope you'll check out the Adamson House this Christmas, and come back for the the daylight tour, which is full of California history and beautiful architecture and interiors.  It really is a treasure in your own back yard, and worth a visit.

- Ian

www.adamsonhouse.org
www.malibucountrymart.com

And so it begins...

I realized last week that I might have a problem.  A little tiny problem.  A problem with Christmas.  But, it's not that sort of negative, unpleasant problem where I hate the holiday and blame it for my unrealistic expectations for life in general.  This is a different problem.  A problem that makes me want to listen to Christmas music in July.  Mind you, I don't consider it a problem.  I'm happy as can be whizzing up the 405 listening to 'All I want for Christmas in you' one week after Independence Day.  Other people might call it a problem, but I don't like those other people. 

So, like most people with dirty laundry to air, what better place to do it than the Internet.  Hence, this shiny new blog.  My intention is to cram it with my thoughts on my favorite Holiday, music, movies, menus, decorations, party ideas, and anything else that could be associated with this most wonderful time of the year.  So if you're like me, or if you're easily swayed and want to be more like me (and really, who wouldn't) I hope you'll come back throughout the year and see what's going on.

Merry Christmas.  Ho Ho Ho.  Etc.

- Ian