It’s hard for me to get excited about Orange County, considering I was born and raised here. Ever since I left the house, a decade ago, the only real reason for me to return is my family.

Though I often complain that nothing ever changes when I come back, I’m secretly glad one thing remains the same: the Christmas decorations at my favorite shopping destination (yes, just a fancy way to say mall), South Coast Plaza. Crazy as it may be to give such significance to a mall, South Coast Plaza evokes a sense of sweet nostalgia for me, transporting me back to those carefree innocent moments of my childhood.

I’m reminded of… Playing hide and go seek with my siblings around the gigantic Christmas tree. Getting my photos taken with Santa Claus. Riding the merry-go-round until my head would start to spin. Making a pit-stop at See’s Candy for all the holiday favorites.

All those wonderful memories become palpable every time I’m there. Thank you, South Coast Plaza for never changing that.