DIY Traditions

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Every family has their own holiday traditions — special games, events, and activities you’ve been sharing for so long you forget where (or why) they started. What’s one of yours?

CHIC (Pearl)

Who’s up for Christmas mimosas, Hanukkah hot toddies, or Kwanzaa croissants? In this family, we do brunch for the holidays. Every Sunday morning is another chance to take a break from the world and get caught up with your loved ones – or whoever you choose to call your family. It’s a great way to close out one year and welcome the next.

GEEK (Kevin)

Two words: Christmas swim. Yeah, I know, parents, there’s an episode of Bluey about this. But back in the olden days, our family would get together at somebody’s house and jump into a heated pool to work off all the excess energy from unwrapping presents and work up an appetite for a big dinner. And sometimes we wouldn’t heat the pool!

On the Road: Palm Springs

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This week, we took an excursion down to Palm Springs to connect with Compass colleagues. A popular vacation and retirement destination in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, this desert oasis has a high concentration of Mid-Century Modern homes as well as luxurious estates.

The real estate market in Palm Springs has experienced steady growth thanks to a unique combination of warm weather, natural beauty, and artistic character. Robust tourism and vacation industries make the city a desirable investment opportunity for savvy buyers looking to generate additional income.

With a range of options to suit your preference and budget, Palm Springs could be the place for you. Contact us to learn more about what we discovered on our trip!

Lighting up the night

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The annual Festival of Lights Parade in Downtown Los Altos got us all geeked up (and chic’ed up) for holiday decorating, and that got us thinking: When do you flip the switch on your home displays?

CHIC (Pearl)

I love the holidays, and I’m pretty traditional when it comes to timing. Before the day after Thanksgiving became known as “Black Friday,” it was better known as the day to shake off your turkey coma and drag the holiday decorations out of the garage for an afternoon of untangling lights and counting wise men. And that’s more fun to me than shopping at a crowded mall and fighting over parking spots.

GEEK (Kevin)

My philosophy with holiday decorations is go big or — don’t go. If you’re putting up one light strand, you may as well use 20 to make an adequate impression on your neighbors and help your ‘hood feel more festive. As you may have guessed, big displays are my thing, and I save time by starting wicked early. In fact, I keep some outdoor decorations up (unlit) year round to save time on the inevitable setup.