Holiday Cheer

 Last weekend I was in need of some extra holiday cheer. And what better place to find this then Disneyland? Honestly if you want to go on a bunch of rides and avoid crowds this is not the time of year to go. But, it is my personal favorite time at Disneyland because they do such an amazing job of making the magic of the season come to life. I'll show you what I mean with some photos.

Here is the entrance to California Adventure (brand spankin' new. It feels like you are walking into "Meet the Robinsons.")...

It occurred to me that I have never been in this park while it displays the holiday trimmings. And I did not find much in the way of this. But I do still love the skyline as you look over to the boardwalk...

I found this beautiful tree next to a meet and greet Santa...

Then I decided to make my way into Disneyland. Here is the front entrance...

 Just inside the park...

For some reason I failed to take a photo of the larger than life tree at the end of Main Street. But I did get a close up. Yes, those are doll-sized Santa's and Nutcrackers....

Main Street (Note: In this photo you can see what I meant about crowds.)...

Snow on the castle....

 This was actually taken before it was lit. They light it up at a certain time each night with music and then snow falls and...it is pure magic....I tear up every single time, like a big 'ol goober. I'll have to go back and get a photo of it lit to show you what I mean.

I love this statue of Walt (we're on a first name basis, thank you very much) and Mickey. I also love that I was able to center the beautiful tree just below their hands....

 (That girl is probably really annoyed that I am in the bkgd of her picture, oops. :)

Guess who is the most festive person in all of Toontown?

Mickey?...

 No, Minnie, it's gotta be Minnie...

 Goofy! Look how much he decks out his house!...

My personal favorite part in all of Disneyland this time of year is small world. THIS is a sight to behold....

I wouldn't be surprised if you could see it from outer space ;) I've never actually been on this ride during the holidays but I hear it may have a lot of "Jingle Bells" involved. They also do this really cool mini show on the outside with music and the lights flash and a scene changes on the face of the building. Pretty epic, but also hard to explain.

Here is a shot down Main Street towards the tree...

And the stunning lights in the trees between Downtown Disney and the tram...

 Wish I could do this at home. They are spectacular...

So after that trip to Disneyland I felt especially inspired to dress up our home and create some sort of December Daily(daily-ish cuz I am working like a dog so most days don't feel like this one did). Trying to keep the magic alive. And with that said I am off to decorate a wreath and then move on to some sugar cookie baking.