Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?

Los Angeles during December has a gentle magic to it. The city feels slower, softer, and calmer compared to the constant rush of New York City. The weather is cool but never harsh, and there’s this bright winter light that makes even an ordinary day feel special. Everywhere you go, there’s a quiet sense of warmth in the air, like the city itself is relaxing.

Some of my most peaceful moments were spent by the water. Laguna Beach and Malibu Beach quickly became two of my all-time favorites. No matter the time of day, they carried a calm that settled straight into your chest. Morning waves, golden afternoons, evenings when the sky turned soft, or late nights when the ocean was the only sound around you—each moment felt healing in its own quiet way.

Glendale became the heart of my time in LA. During the holiday season, the whole city feels inviting. The lights, the music drifting through the streets, the cozy crowd at the Americana at Brand, and the decorated corners all around the city created a soft holiday atmosphere that made me feel at home. Glendale is also famous for its vibrant Persian community, and it shows everywhere you look. From the markets to the restaurants, it’s full of life, and the Persian cuisine there is some of the best I’ve ever had. Even simple routines felt comforting, like quick grocery trips to Target/Ralphs or wandering around the mall with Christmas songs playing in the background.

There were also the little details that made the experience unforgettable. The drives along Angeles Crest with mountains opening up around the road. Grabbing In-N-Out almost every day without ever getting tired of it. Stopping for Salt & Straw ice cream. And remembering the Godiva outlet that no longer exists, especially their rich dark chocolate ice cream that became a small tradition for me whenever I passed by.

Even the quiet evenings in Pasadena added to the feeling. Walking along Colorado Boulevard felt safe, lively, and full of gentle energy. The mix of nature, holiday lights, food, small routines, and late-night drives created a season that felt warm and deeply personal. Los Angeles in December became more than just a place to visit. It became a memory that settled in my heart, full of moments that still feel alive when I think about them.

All of this traveling and seeing these places was thanks to my amazing father. He literally showed us the world. He was a very involved, loving, and caring father who made every trip special. Glendale has a personal connection for our family too, because it is where my father went for his further studies in the 1980s. Today, it remains one of the safest neighborhoods in LA, and experiencing it with the memories of my father made it feel even more special. I will forever carry his memory—his favorite restaurant, his favorite cuisine, his recommendations. I just can’t believe he is no longer here with me.