Although the weather outside was frightful, Malibuites found ways to celebrate and enjoy local events
Santa, legend has it, is notoriously unstoppable. Through rain, sleet, snow, winds, tornadoes, cyclones, tsunamis andmudslides — through whatever Mother Nature throws at him — Jolly Old St. Nick carries on sharing his Christmas magic and delivering gifts all over the world. Malibuites, legend has it, are also unstoppable. Indeed, many long-time residents’ years of experience coping with wildfires, winds, and mudslides have proven that point time and again.
Thus, even though, according to officials at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Department’s Water Resources Division and the National Weather Service, a total of 3.05 inches of rain fell in Malibu on Christmas Eve, Malibu’s traditional Santa Sleigh that locals have enjoyed for decades carried on. Undaunted and cheerful, Santa and accompanying participants joyfully spread holiday cheer.
Stormy conditions didn’t rain on their parade
“Thank you to all those who worked on this year’s sleigh and to the guys at (Fire Station) 71!” Laureen Sills posted on social media after participating in Malibu’s Santa Sleigh ride on Christmas Eve. “Best tradition ever and the rain elves parted the skies for everyone to enjoy!”
“It stopped raining during our sleigh — it sprinkled a bit, but man, it was amazing.” said Darlene Addison, an event organizer. “We snow globed it!”
Brian Merrick, a Point Dume native, commented about the cherished tradition. “The sleigh ride is an over 50-year tradition created by the lifeguards to spread holiday cheer. It’s a great opportunity to get a Christmas card photo for the following year. Some families dress up to have a photo with Santa — this year, a family all had matching pajamas,” Merrick noted. “They have been stopping at our house since the beginning because my father, Judge Merrick, was a big supporter. Originally, it was exclusively Point Dume but recently, they eliminated stops on Point Dume and expanded it to Malibu West, Gathering Church, Point Dume Mobile Home Park, and Paradise Cove.”
With many merry Malibuites dressed as elves and boasting other happy holiday attire, Santa and his entourage first ho-ho-hoed their way through western Malibu, starting in Malibu West at Paseo Canyon Drive and Monte Lado Drive. Then, the merry, mirthful menagerie proceeded to Malibu Gathering Church on Busch Drive and joyfully jaunted to Sea Lion Place and a drive down Dume Drive. Next, the cavalcade ventured on to Wandemere Road and to Point Dume Club, proceeding to Wildlife Road near White Sands Place and finally, winding up at the Paradise Cove playground.
For many in Malibu, it’s not Christmas if there is not a Santa Sleigh on Christmas Eve. Longtime Malibuite Deborah Ruth remembers the Santa Sleigh during the early ’90s, an event that always infused joy into the season. “God put Santa Claus on Earth to remind us that Christmas is supposed to be a happy time!” Ruth declared. Chiming in, her husband, Marvin Chan, simply said, “Believe in the magic of Christmas!”
A lot of work goes into organizing the Santa Sleigh each year, and those who enjoyed the event have the parade organizers — the Addison, Mullen, and Baldwin families — to thank. Kudos also go to the firefighters from Station 71, who participated as they always do. But, most of all, the community has Santa to thank, of course! He came through to infuse joy and wonder into the festive season for Malibuites even as they coped with terribly inclement weather near the end of a terribly challenging year.
Thus, the legend of residents’ resilience and adherence to time-honored celebrations continues. Merrick summed it up best: “The sleigh ride is a great tradition keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in Malibu.”
The parade wasn’t the only festive event held despite terrible weather
In eastern Malibu, despite the paralyzing post-fire consequences befalling businesses in Malibu, The Awoken Space, a wellness studio and metaphysical shop, still hosted an event featuring yoga with Santa! What fun! All who attended enjoyed it, according to Jesse Rakusin. Indeed, what’s not to like?
Candace Bowen and her family kept up their family tradition, enjoying a Christmas breakfast at Kristy’s Restaurant, while John Zambetti and other musicians entertained those visiting the créche. “I was privileged to lead the community caroling at the créche,” Zambetti stated. “It’s a great and fun Malibu event that brings the community together to sing some carols over the Christmas season. I especially thank Fr. Larry Goslin for his poetry reading, the other musicians who accompanied me as well as all the folks who showed up to sing the carols with us. It was a great way to slow down from the frantic holiday pace and get into the Christmas mood.”
