December is a feeling

My December has always been runny noses, pink fingers and toes,
Puffy jackets that swish when you move,
Klunky boots and wool socks,
That still can't keep you just warm enough.
December smells like fires and musty basements.
It tastes like apple cider and pierogis from Babcia's Polish deli.
The twinkling of the lights on the tree dance outside in the snow,
All the while the tree enjoys the warmth of the indoors.
There is no feeling like entering a home after braving the frigid outdoors.

In California, December is different.
I can still go to the beach,
Jump in the waves,
Lay in the sun
Watch the surfers,
Glistening and gliding through the green waves.
The wind picks up a little more,
And when the sun goes down
The chill is a little more bitter,
But never a real bite.
There's an element of magic,
Knowing that even though this is natural, the fact that I am here is what makes it possible.
The feeling of California in December is surreal.