Christmas is right around the corner. The lights are going up, the shops are playing "Silver Bells" and the traffic has increased as people do their holiday shopping. I must say this year is going to be a wonderful year. As we move closer to the day we celebrate the birth of our Christ, I'm reminded of the Christmas memories I have of years past. One particular Christmas, I was just a little girl. We traveled all the way from my home town in Pocatello, Idaho to the balmy streets of Richmond, California. I loved the contrast. We left the drifting snow and freezing wind behind. We all got in our old station wagon and traveled over the mountains and down through the beautiful Redwoods. Finally, after what seemed like days to me, I would spot some of the first Palm trees on our journey. The sun was shining, and the weather looked more like Spring than Winter. I started my love affair with California on those annual Christmas treks. I love the country, I love the weather, but most of all, I love the Palm trees rising majestically toward the sky. Anticipation began to make this little girl fidget in the backseat of the car. I knew we were getting close to grandma's house. I wanted to get out and run. No icy pavement, no bulky car coat! Freedom! It was a mark of anxious anticipation, those palm trees so long ago.
Today the California palm tree is still my favorite. Although it seems it would be difficult to decorate one for Christmas, some have figured how to frost them with lights. How beautiful the palm with lights! Oh how I love California Christmas Palms!
