I must admit, although it may make me look soft in the eyes of many, I’m proud to be a sucker for Christmas, always have been, always will be. The holidays are definitely my favorite time of year. In December, when I’m in a car, I always tune the radio to KOST (nonstop Xmas songs) and enjoy the carols sung by Bing Crosby, Michael Buble, Peabo Bryson, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, Josh Groban and Whitney Houston, plus many others. Fact is, being bipolar, I’m pretty much depressed the entire year round, but during the holidays people at least try to be a little nicer to each other and that alone can lift my spirits even just the smallest bit.
One of my favorite places to go around Xmas time is the Farmers’ Market and adjacent Grove at the corner of 3rd and Fairfax. Parking can be a bitch if you go at rush hour, but if you plan for later afternoon things seem to work out alright. I take pleasure in the little things. At the back of the Market is Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts which was voted “Best In The City.” I’ll order a medium coffee and a cinnamon sugar donut. Sometimes l take my coffee black, sometimes with cream and sugar. It just depends on my mood. If your donuts are crusty and crunchy on the outside with a generous dusting of cinnamon on top, you’re psyched. Look around, Xmas is everywhere. Wreaths and toys abound. There are lights wrapped around the trees. Bennett’s sells their limited edition pints of Egg Nog ice cream (my favorite).
In The Grove, more holiday music plays, there is a decorated trolley that drives the length of the grounds, kids can enter a huge gingerbread house, and a massive beautiful tree towers tall above the entire crazy scene. People carry shopping bags in every direction, the mood is infectious. And there is a film Multiplex too, in case you just feel like chillin’ and watching a flick. Even the most staunch Grinches and Scrooges are forced to crack smiles. One cool thing about The Grove is that there is a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Amazon has basically killed the freestanding bookstore (except for a few) and now it’s rare to get the opportunity to flip through actual physical volumes. B&N has an average art/photo book section for a mainstream store. I’ll normally scan the shelves. Of course, there’s no way to get a real feel for a book unless you’re holding it in your hands. However, if I find something I like, I’ll wait until I get home and save big bucks by buying my copy on Amazon just like everyone else. Oh well, I guess I’m part of the problem. But really, truth is, I’m just into giving. I love giving gifts. I mean I really love giving gifts, especially at Xmas. I don’t expect anything in return. Giving gifts is just a way I like to express friendship, and perhaps spread some special holiday cheer.
Also, the Farmers’ Market is perfect for people-watching. Suffice to say, you get a cross section of people from all races and religions, and from extraordinarily different cultural backgrounds, all sitting together in this awesome food village. There’s holiday spirit in the air, take advantage of it! Enjoy the food and drink! There are more smiles on people’s faces now than at any other time of year. Sounds silly, but it works for me, at least to a certain extent.
