As the festive season rolled in, so did the much-anticipated tradition of Christmas lights. This year, however, came with an exciting twist: a first time Christmas eve dinner with family, Christmas Tree, and gifts. We also got to enjoy a joyride in my cousin’s Tesla through the twinkling neighbourhoods of Encino in Los Angeles. The combination of dazzling holiday decor, the futuristic feel of the Tesla, and the warmth of family and friends made it a night to remember.
Candy cane lane streets were alive with the magic of Christmas. Houses stood proudly in their luminous glory, adorned with fairy lights, glowing reindeer, and inflatable Santas. Some homes went all out, syncing lights to festive music that played over outdoor speakers, creating a mini concert in every corner. We laughed and cheered as we drove past a life-sized nativity scene, a yard full of candy canes, and a house that had turned itself into a gingerbread wonderland.
The Tesla added its own layer of excitement to the evening. This was my first time riding in one, and let me tell you, it was every bit as thrilling as I’d imagined. Silent yet powerful, the car glided through the streets, making our journey feel like we were floating through a winter wonderland. My cousin demonstrated the autopilot feature, and though it was a bit nerve-wracking at first, we quickly started joking about the car being Santa’s newest sleigh upgrade.
Since there was heavy traffic on the street, we drove by slowly, admiring each of the houses and wondering how long it took them to put together these decorations out. The big groups singing as they walked on the streets, the starry sky all perfectly complemented the sparkle of Christmas lights around us. Every now and then, we’d stop to take pictures or hop out for a closer look at particularly elaborate displays. It was impossible not to feel the holiday spirit.
The real magic of the evening, though, was the company and the festive spirit. It was amazing being in the US with the love of my life and family that I loved a lot. Being surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories, and laughing together made the night so special. From joking about who’d win the “best-decorated house” award to collectively gasping at an extravagant display, the simple joy of togetherness was the highlight of our adventure.
If you’re in Los Angeles during the holiday season, I can’t recommend enough taking a drive through Encino to soak in the Christmas spirit. There are multiple localities that show off crazy Christmas lights and decor around this time of the year.
