Epic Christmas Eve

We had the most amazing Christmas Eve.

I was excited to take Franco to see the holiday decorations in San Francisco. Since I work downtown, I get to see this winter wonderland all the time. But it’s so different when you have a kid. While driving into the city, up to the top of Nob Hill, Franco commented, “We’re high!” Tell me about it. Some of these hills are barely walkable!

Gingerbread House

This edible 2-story gingerbread house is in the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel. It includes a train that zips along a track. I thought Franco would get a kick out of it, but it was rather underwhelming. And totally crowded!

Fairmont Hotel

We indulged in a buffet brunch at the hotel which was pretty good. I stuffed myself with sliced tomatoes, cream cheese, salmon, capers and onions. Yum! There were tons of families there with so many kids that there wasn’t a high chair available for Franco.

Cable Car

Franco loves all things planes, trains and automobiles. Dean and I got into an argument about whether to take Franco on the ferry or the cable car. He insisted that we go on the ferry because that’s what Franco wanted. I resisted, “Franco doesn’t even know the difference. Wait until he gets on the cable car.”

Well the kid almost pooped in his pants, the cable car ride was so thrilling. “It’s so fast, mommy!” HE LOVED IT.

On Market Street, while waiting for the railway car, a police man lit up his car and blared his horn for Franco. What a treat! We took the railway car to Powell Street, got off, then walked to Union Square.

Union Square

It ain’t Christmas without a family picture in front of the tree.

We grabbed another cable car–easily because I’m a local y’all–without waiting in that heinous line full of tourists. Aren’t there books or concierges that give travelers the inside scoop? You do not have to wait in line for a cable car. Just hop on!

Grace Cathedral

Back at the top of Nob Hill, we decided to make one last stop at Grace Cathedral to check out the labyrinth. Grace Cathedral is probably the most famous church in the city. It’s gorgeous. A mob of well-dressed families were spilling out of the church (mass had probably just finished). Franco started running around the labyrinth like all the other kids. At the bottom of the church, we noticed that there was a petting zoo setup for the kids. Can you imagine the delight? Horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

Christmas Eve Mass

We celebrated the real reason for Christmas at our church St. Joseph’s in Alameda at the 4pm family mass where the kids act out the nativity and sing carols. It’s pretty cute. We got there 30 minutes early, but had to settle for a middle section. I was freaking out about Franco not being able to see, but they asked all the kids to come and sit on the floor up front. Whew!

Drinks and Korean BBQ

Lastly, we ended the night with Korean BBQ at Bowl’d at the South Shore Shopping Center in Alameda. Our good friend came to meet us and we spent the time making fun of each other, which is always a blast.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with family and friends, traditions and merriment!