Holidays at The Grove

The Grove in Beverly Hills is lovely any time of year, but they really go all out for the holidays. They kick off the season with celebrity guests at the tree lighting -- a 7-story stunner, none the less -- and deck the streets with glowing "snowflakes," lit trees, pretty windows, and a big house for Santa right in the middle. Throughout the holidays, the fountains dance to Christmas carols, musicians entertain the masses, and fake snow delights every half hour. Oh yes, and everywhere you look are shoppers rushing home with their treasures. You know how it goes.

Matt and I heard that The Grove's Santa was the best around, so we made plans to visit. Happily, our visit coincided with our sister-in-law Laci's LA vacation, so we met up with her and her best friends Chelsea, Brooke, and Jill (well, Jill is her mom, but I'm pretty sure they're BFFs, too) for dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Matt just so happened to attend preschool through 12th grade with Brooke and Chelsea, so it was a fun little reunion for all. 

After dinner, we enjoyed the sights while we waited for our turn to see Santa.

You see, getting to Santa's lap at The Grove is a serious process. First, you take a number. Then, you wait three hours until your number comes up on the screen. At that point, you're allowed to get in the physical line at Santa's house, where you'll be for another half hour or so. This is all true, my friends. Photographic evidence below.

Luckily, we were smart enough to take a number before dinner so our wait wasn't all that bad. And would you believe me if I told you it was worth it either way? Because it totally was. That's because this wasn't just any ordinary Santa's helper, folks. This was the real deal, and our time with him was just as magic as it should be. Also, his elves rocked. So really, what more could you ask for? Other than new Christmas boots, of course. Santa said he's working on it.