Happy Holidays, from Cyn & Char

Like many of you, I'm still in shock that it is already December and in a few weeks we'll be ringing in 2012 (I was still getting in the habit of writing the date as "2011"). As always, I fail to start my Christmas shopping on time, making me feel more like the Christmas Grinch and less like Santa's little helper. But reminiscing about the "Global Christmas Spirit" has helped put the warm fuzzy feeling back into my bones. Below, Cyn & I have mapped out a few of our favorite places to visit to find Holiday Cheer (just in case you temporarily misplaced yours).

Harrods, London
Harrod's holiday line makes a great keepsake tins filled with Christmas edibles. The assortment of Christmas Pudding is one of the more popular seasonal buys. But Harrods isn't just known for being the "Ultra Store." The monumental London-based store is a great scenic attraction for Holiday lights and window decorations.

Mark & Spencer, Oxford Street, London.
You can get all your shopping done in this one-stop shop. Our favorite? Walker Scottish shortbread cookies and M&S butter mints give a twist to gingerbread cookies and candycanes. (www.markandspencer.com)

Carnaby Street, London- An avenue of posh boutiques, alleyway of award-winning eateries, and vivid holiday lights! Carnaby's 12 streets are known as one of London's most popular districts.

 

Christmas Markets, Munich - From Nov 25th - Dec 24th, it will seem like every town square in Munich will have booths with holiday exhibits up. Everything from laughing Santa's, busy elves, and talking reindeers will keep visitors staring in. In others, you'll be able to smell roasted nuts and bratwurst firing up on the grill. Maybe you'll be able to score on some authentic "international" Christmas gifts/souvenirs ornaments to bring home. Ditch the hot cocoa and opt for a glass of Glüwine (warm red wine with spices) in a glass boot keepsake and you'll definitely feel all warm and fuzzy (and a bit tipsy). Go ahead and spread the Glüwine and all that newfound holiday friendliness with strangers. check the website for Christmas Market news and special events.

Lapland, Finland
Visiting Santa's village gave us the ultimate Christmas spirit even though we visited well into March. You can write a letter and stamp it at Santa's official post office, then go "dashing through the snow" on a reindeer sleigh ride before you end the day by meeting Santa at his toy shop. If this doesn't bring out your holiday spirit, you're screwed.

Christmas, "Island Style" 
Who said the holidays had to be all roasted chestnuts and egg nog?  Embrace something different than the snow storms and wintercoats and experience winter life in the tropics. Trinidad and Tobago holds Parang festivals in eastern towns like Arima, where bands sing traditional holiday songs in Spanish Creole. The Christmas Boat Parade in Bermuda cruises through Hamilton Harbor and the beautiful Parol lanterns in the Philippines both bring out the best lighting displays with a taste of culture.

But like many of us, the Holidays is a time that we spend close to loved ones, so we've outlined a few of our favorite local spots to find that warm Christmas spirit.

Christmas in the Park, San Jose, CA - local schools get creative and decorate trees with anything from recycled CD's to popcorn garlands in the Holiday Tree Gallery. Enjoy some cotton candy and a cup of cocoa sold on the corner stand while you sift through the exhibits and "fake snow" machine. The venue also provides an ice rink and carnival rides for the kid at heart. Check for special events at www.christmasinthepark.com

Global Winter Wonderland - Santa Clara, CA -  a fusion of Christmas lights and Disneyland's "It's a Small World" exhibit makes up Santa Clara's Global Winter Wonderland located in California's Great America themepark parking lot. From Nov 25th - January 2, visitors can enjoy a taste of lights from around the world and some fun activities and entertainment. Event Hours: Sun-Thurs 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm. Address: 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 (www.globalwonderland.org/2011/)

Festival of Lights - Riverside, CA - From November 25th to January 7th, visit the 19th Annual Festival of Lights located at the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. The fun includes a spectacular light display, a skating rink, carriage rides, carolers, food, and more. Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, CA 92501. www.missioninn.com/festival-of-lights/index.cfm

Macy's Downtown San Francisco - and it's iconic window wreath displays. Its the perfect backdrop for a holiday picture and the last minute Holiday shopping you need to finish.

 

Union Square San Francisco - Lures visitors and holiday shoppers in with it's eloquently decorated 80ft Christmas tree covered with 21,000 lights. Sit and enjoy the view from one of the park benches or grab yourself some cocoa before lining up for some ice skating fun.

For those of you that have kept the Holiday spirit alive, I commend you. This time of year, we get a chance to reflect on the past year's endeavors, hardships, achievements, friendship and family ties. It is also the time where we should spread our gratitude and give back to others. If your spirit is temporarily lost, you may be able to find it by giving back. You can help spread the Holiday Cheer by giving back to these local charities or maybe just to someone you know that is having a hard time this season.

Coats for Kids
A Virginia based organization that provides coats for children in need during the winter season. Check website for local coat drives in your area.

Toys for Tots
Give a child a chance to experience joy this Holiday season donating new unopened toys to various drop-off locations in your area. Locations may include participating stores such as Toys R. US and even your local fire department. Check the website for participating vendors.

SPCA
Don't forget that animals need some lovin' too. If you are local to the San Francisco Bay Area, peep out the Macy's SPCA Holiday Windows that feature exhibits of adoptable furry little creatures. The displays will be up Nov 18, 2011 - January 1, 2012. If you can't take your eyes off the puppy pressing his nose against the window, you can adopt him on the spot at the outpost right inside Macy's. If you love animals but not ready to adopt, you can choose from various ways to give back to the animal shelter from  monetary donations, pet food, medication, pillows, or even volunteering your time.

We wish you Happy Holidays and a prosperous travel adventures for the New Year!