KAREN WIGHT -- No Place Like Home

When I was growing up, one of my favorite parts of the holiday season

was to go on a night cruise to see Christmas lights. I remember getting

bathed and dressed in warm flannel pajamas and fuzzy slippers, going in

the family station wagon (a Caprice Classic with fake wood paneling and

very vinyl seats) and cruising to see lights on Christmas Eve.

Riverside has an entirely different lighting agenda. There isn’t any

water, but there was a lot of history. The Mission Inn was always

beautifully lit with intricate angels and their trumpets coming out of

the turrets. The old Victorian homes near the base of Mt. Rubidoux always

put on a beautiful light display, showing off their detailed roof lines

and enormous trees. Many more orange groves stood along Victoria Avenue

back then, and many of the trees lining the street were adorned with

lights

So, now I’m all grown up with a family of my own. And I still like to

cruise to see lights. Newport Beach may not have the Mission Inn, but

Riverside didn’t have a harbor. I think I made a good trade off. The

Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade is a feast for the eyes, and if you

haven’t taken it in yet, tonight is your last opportunity. If you’re

lucky, you can get a seat in a warm restaurant to enjoy the view or get

bundled up and enjoy the parade from many public vantage points along the

water or get your beach chair out and camp at the parks on the bluff that

overlook the harbor.

Roger’s Gardens offers another wonderful opportunity to enjoy

beautiful lights and magical ambience. I love the way they wrap all the

trees in white lights. I love the theme-decorated trees inside. Roger’s

is one of my cherished peaceful spots that renew my creativity. My son

always loves the outdoor train. I love to watch the younger kids stare as

though in a hypnotic trance as the engine goes around and around. Roger’s

is a winter wonderland.

The tree at Fashion Island is another must-see of the season. Big and

bold, the tree comes alive at night as the lights twinkle in the dark.

When it comes to the Christmas tree at Fashion Island, bigger is better.

I was so happy when they ditched the “mod” tree replica and replaced it

with the enormous live tree. Somehow, it just wasn’t the same without the

grand statement a real tree makes. The carolers, the decorations, the

food: Fashion Island is a great place to spend some time during the

holidays.

Some of our private communities have really outdone themselves this

year. If you have a friend in Bayshores or Castaways, be sure to deliver

their present at night. The kids will love to see the beautifully

decorated yards and houses. Whoever invented the icicle lights must be a

very happy person.

There are several breathtaking streets that have homes lighted for a

celebration. We always love Kings Road in Cliffhaven, Lincoln Lane in

Dover Shores and Lido’s Genoa Soud Park and its flying reindeer. The tip

of the peninsula with the charming homes and beautiful gardens hosts

another outstanding light display.

Eastside Costa Mesa has the Snoopy house on Santa Ana Avenue. A home

on Costa Mesa Street has the ultimate “cool” colored light display.

Corona del Mar’s Ocean Boulevard always has beautifully lit homes, and

Balboa Island is always a favorite destination to check out the outdoor

displays and to get a glimpse of the decorated trees in the living rooms.

If you haven’t checked out the luminous light life, take some time and

treat your family to some holiday magic. Our family tradition will remain

intact, and we will bundle the kids up for the Christmas Eve cruise

Sunday night. The five of us will spend time in the car, where the kids

are captive, at least for a little while, and I can revel in the rare

moment when we’re all together. I will bore them with the same old

stories; they will fight about control of the music. All will be right

with the world. Peace on Earth.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs Saturdays.

Holiday tips of the week

Set your holiday table ahead of time. It helps build anticipation and

gives you an opportunity to fill in any gaps.

Make some Magic Reindeer Food by combining raw oatmeal and glitter.

Put some in the frontyard so the house is easy for Santa to find.

Prepare as much food ahead of time as possible. The cook should be

able to enjoy the festivities too.

Have a couple of trash bags handy for wrapping paper and discarded

boxes. Make cleanup fast and simple.

Give yourself a day off sometime soon. You deserve it.