Every year, we spend one weekend in December in Big Bear, California to experience the joys of snow and cold in the mountains. Last year, we chose a typical hotel in the village center for our stay and while we had a fantastic weekend, we wanted something a little more rustic this year. I found the newly reopened Noon Lodge at Mallard Bay and it was the ideal blend of rustic charm with village access. It’s only a little over a mile to the village center yet it’s situated on a lake with fireplaces indoors and out. It was exactly what we needed.
When we arrived last night, Darren lit the fire and we sat around it with hot chocolate and marshmallows while looking out at the freshly fallen snow. It was beautiful. I never realized how much I missed seeing the flakes falling to the ground or the crisp air after a recent snowfall.
We had to wear socks and put our feet close to the fire to warm up but it was everything I imagined for my family during the holidays. I don’t miss the shoveling or the layers upon layers of clothes or the way the wind hurts your face and hands, but I do miss snuggling up together and watching the miracle of snow.