LAPL Blog
Holidays
Pages
If Scrooge makes you snooze and The Gift of the Magi has lost its holiday mojo, I am here to offer you some unconventional options. Our shelves are filled with seasonal fiction in a wide variety of genres, many of which you might find delightfully unexpected.
The temperature has plunged below 82. You’ve switched from cold brew to hot coffee and you’re thinking about putting on a sweater. Lights twinkle from the palm trees along the boulevards… the Kings are battling the Ducks out on the Staples Center ice… it’s holiday time once again in the Southland!
Dear History and Genealogy Department:
I am 8 years old.
Some of my little friends say there is no Central Library anymore.
Papa says, ‘If you see it in on the website it’s so.’
Please tell me the truth; is there a Central Library?
We don’t have a typical Christmas season here in L.A., like the ones in syrupy movies with snow, ear muffs, winter coats, and people standing in a blizzard preparing to jump off a trestle.
This difficult year is, once again, taking its toll on beloved holidays and traditions. As we find ourselves separated from family and friends during a time of celebration, we could all use some good old fashioned holiday cheer.
Ghost stories have been shared as long as we have wondered what happens to us after we die, and sought to connect with spirits of the departed. Midwinter is the perfect time for them. The nights grow long and dark, and winter weather brings us together to huddle around the fire and share tales.
The first Charlie Brown television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, debuted on CBS on December 9, 1965.
Happy New Year, Happy Rose Bowl, Happy Football! Did you know that the Rose Bowl Stadium is nearing its 100th year? The story of the Rose Parade and the subsequent football games have been going on long before.
Ready for the holidays? Hungry?
December 13 is National Cocoa Day. Don't confuse it with Hot Chocolate Day, which is its own holiday and celebrated on January 31. I thought they were the same thing but after a bit of research realized the terms are used interchangeably, and they are actually two different beverages!







![View of the Rose Bowl entrance flanked by tall palms on either side, [1987]. Photo credit: Dean Musgrove, Herald Examiner Collection View of the Rose Bowl entrance flanked by tall palms on either sides](https://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/blog_latest_list_120x90/public/blogs/2023-01/1987header.jpg?itok=DwDN0H3x)
![Tastes like Christmas already! [1958]. Photo credit: E.J. Clarke, Valley Times Collection 3 women eating fruitcake](https://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/blog_latest_list_120x90/public/blogs/2020-11/holidayfoodheader.jpg?itok=T0PKUHV4)
