This is the time of year that we honor our well-established holiday traditions. Those traditions are important, as they serve as memorable links to years past, including our childhoods. But the inherent problem with sticking entirely to touchstones of days gone by is that the memories tend to blend together or lose their individual distinction over time. 

It feels heretical to speak of incorporating new, one-of-a-kind experiences into the holiday season, but I find that when a new factor enters an old equation, the result is articulately imprinted in the memory, distinguishing it with clarity. 

I’ll never forget, for example, a particular year when I was younger when I stole off with a pal on Christmas Eve and hit Las Vegas for the first time. And had a blast. I called my parents from the Mirage casino and explained I’d be home in time for dinner, and bringing some nicer presents thanks to a profitable session of blackjack. 

A little snow is nice for a winter wonderland, but too much of it and you can get lost in a blizzard. One way to avoid white-out conditions is to spark something out of the ordinary. Maybe it will even evolve into its own tradition. With that in mind, here are a few ideas I’m infusing into my holiday season to carve out 2024 as the unforgettable year it was. 

Alamo Drafthouse

Movies aren’t necessarily an unheard of idea this time of year, but rather than drop in to your familiar old neighborhood theater, consider heading downtown for a unique experience. Alamo Drafthouse, located in The Bloc, is a cinephile’s cathedral, recreating the vibe that older generations of moviegoers fondly recall. 

Parking is a breeze, as long as you remember to validate when you step inside. Then, play some classic arcade games – and without having to dig for a quarter. There’s plenty of cool merch and the halls are lined with retro posters and collectibles. 

But it’s once you’re in the theater that the magic happens. For starters, there’s none of that obnoxious pre-show advertising like you’ll find at, say, the AMC. 

The no-cell phone policy is strictly enforced. You can order a cocktail, which is silently delivered. Or feast on a “Royale with Cheese.” You simply jot down your order and click a button. I was surprised how unintrusive the method was. 

This is an adult experience, not a teen hangout. The company doesn’t allow anyone under 18 in unless they’re with a parent or guardian. They also don’t admit infants and small children. But they do offer kid-friendly and sensory-friendly screenings, with relaxed rules. 

I took my little one to see the latest installment in The Lord of the Rings franchise, and it was a memorable event rather than just another flick. 

Fairmont Century Plaza Pop-ups

My next idea is another that, at first glance, wouldn’t seem to be incredibly novel. We all go out for a nice dinner this time of year, but let me qualify it a bit before you roll your eyes. I recently visited the Fairmont Century Plaza, which at Christmastime, is decked out to the nines. There’s something special about a fancy hotel that turns on the holiday charm. 

Lumière Brasserie is as classy a joint as you’ll find in this part of town, and its cocktails are among the best around. But I can do this the whole year round, right? Well, for a limited time, the restaurant is teaming up to host pop-ups within their space to provide an entirely new, but very familiar experience. 

I checked out the Michelin-starred Camphor takeover earlier this month for delicious steak frites. But what took the menu to a higher level, and what separates the good from the great, was the execution of the simple things. The bread with salted butter was out of this world. And the dressing on a simple arugula salad practically demanded a request for the recipe. 

Disneyland

Sure, you can visit Disneyland any time of year, but during the holidays, it’s just extra special. Of course, the daily rates reflect that, but if you’re OK with spending a little more, you’ll get a heaping dose of Christmas spirit in return.

On a recent trip, I encountered a family that came down from Canada for a few days of sunny Anaheim weather, and what they considered “warm.” I found myself in line at the Main Street Starbucks behind the father of the clan, a jovial sort whose Canadian friendliness was only enhanced by holiday cheer. We bumped into each other again in the Dumbo line and later at the Princess Castle. We each have daughters the same age, who apparently have similar tastes in entertainment. I should probably have mentioned that earlier, I suppose.

Anyway, the true magic of Disneyland is seeing your children light up with joy, and possibly even recapturing a little bit of that feeling from your own childhood. It’s a good reminder of why you work so hard this time of year to make others happy. I can’t think of a better present to oneself.

Happy holidays, whichever ones you celebrate. And sorry I couldn’t get this piece out sooner, but the holidays, you understand…