The Christmas spirit is special in San Diego. A big celebration known as
December Nights is held in Balboa Park every year when the museums are free for
a weekend, music is sung and played on several stages and in some of the museums
and ethnic food is available everywhere.
Another weekend there are evening boat parades on both San Diego Bay and Mission Bay with sparkling lights and decorations.
 |
| Sea World is decked out in festive lights too. |
Many churches
have special holiday programs. We
enjoyed the presentation at the La Jolla Presbyterian church that included a
small symphony, a large choral group, bell ringers and children choirs. The
program included a French
Christmas mass by Baroque composer
Charpentier, Christmas anthems and carols. 
We
also visited Coronado to see the holiday decorations at the Hotel Del Coronado
and to watch the ice skaters at the hotel’s outdoor ice rink by the beach. After an early French dinner at Chez
Loma we went on to a holiday program at the Coronado Lutheran church that
featured a mandolin orchestra. A friend plays the base with the 30 member
group. Some ethnic music was
played along with many sing along carols.
Some authentic sleigh bells accompanied a few of the pieces.
The
weather has been pleasant with mild temperatures, even reaching 70s on some
days. This time of the year we
usually have some spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This sunrise had some wispy clouds that reflected many
colors.
