As a little girl full of Christmas spirit – also stuffed with conchas and Nestle’s Abuelita hot chocolate – a slow drive on North Yale Avenue in Fullerton was always on the top spot of my wish list.

Sitting in the backseat of Nana’s car, listening to Christmas music and looking at the holiday lights and decorations on Sparkle Ball Lane was the best part of the holiday season. Even on the drive home, to me it was a winter wonderland that I couldn’t ignore. It became a holiday tradition for my sister and I to fight about which house had the best decorations.

Being back home was no different. While helping prepare what seemed like a billion tamales to my tiny child hands, the lights, the decorations, the 20 different inflatable Santas were all stuck in my head.

Now as a young adult, I’m still filled with holiday cheer and memories of my late Nana when I stop by the neighborhood. A visit to Sparkle Ball Lane always makes me feel like an 8-year-old in the backseat of my Nana’s car – forever making it my No. 1 on my Christmas list.

Where to go: From East Chapman Avenue, go north on North Yale Avenue in Fullerton.

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