A Disneyland Holiday Between Christmas and New Year's

We decided to go to Disneyland in that strange, crowded week between Christmas and New Year's Eve at the end of 2009. The park was absolutely packed, with people filling every street, but the Southern California sun was bright and clear.

The whole place was still covered in holiday decorations. Garlands with red and gold ornaments were strung over Main Street, and Sleeping Beauty's Castle was draped in fake snow and icicles. Our daughter wore her pink princess dress for the occasion and seemed right at home.

We spent a good amount of time in Fantasyland, watching everyone spin around on the Mad Tea Party ride under the colorful paper lanterns. We also made our way over to "It's a Small World," which had its own festive overlay, complete with a Santa hat on the clock face.

I remember standing there holding the baby, just watching the crowds and taking in the scene. It was a chaotic day, but a memorable way to be together as a family and close out the year.