Holidays With Legends—Onstage and at Home

Last Christmas, I hit pause on the blog and gave every second to Pancho, our mischievous  Boglin Terrier. At fifteen, he’d earned the starring role in our lives and holiday celebrations, so everything else—including my annual posts—could wait. After a challenging fall, I suspected this was his final holiday with us and wanted to revel in every ounce of love, treats, and naughty moments- he was part Boston Terror, I mean Boston Terrier after all.

Despite all the quiet joy at home, we couldn’t pass up our annual tradition—an epic Christmas concert. And last year’s pick felt doubly iconic: Mariah Carey, at the Hollywood Bowl, singing live. Let’s just say, if you haven’t seen Mariah unleash a flurry of festive magic in person, add it to your own bucket list ASAP.

She owned the stage—red velvet, glitzy set, fake snow swirling, belting out Christmas anthems and absolute bangers from her decades-long catalog. The crowd was decked out in Santa hats, sequins, and holiday glee. And when Mariah’s kids popped onstage (they’re adorable, by the way), it was clear the whole family’s got huge charisma and talent.

If you think her legendary “pipes” are just studio trickery, hearing her blast those whistle notes live will shut down any doubts. She’s the Queen of Christmas for a reason, mixing diva glamour and real warmth with every performance. Plus, seeing snapshots from her own Christmases—her twins grow up in dazzling holiday gear—felt oddly relatable and sweet.

Leaving the Bowl under twinkling LA lights, I couldn’t help but marvel: music is part of our holidays, but so are the quiet moments, like sitting beside Pancho with a glass of bourbon. Last year proved that some bucket list items are flashy and unforgettable, while others—like loving an old friend through his last Christmas—are quietly perfect, and maybe even more important.

Let’s raise a glass to the memories that fill our hearts—a home sprinkled with fur, laughter, and a touch of chaos. To the afternoons curled up on the couch, Pancho nestled in for a Christmas classic, and to those wild moments racing behind him, determined to rescue every stolen scrap of tissue paper. Pancho was equal parts adorable and mischievous, the best good boy anyone could ask for. He is missed every single day, in every quiet moment and joyful memory.

To our forever friend—To Pancho.