Graphic created by Lucas Seidel Design

Growing up in Pembroke Pines, Fla., my Christmas mornings were never about hoping for presents under the tree, but more about hoping it wasn’t too hot outside so I could wear my Christmas pajamas and slippers while sipping on hot chocolate - with extra mini marshmallows of course! While South Florida doesn’t offer snow, the holiday season here brings its own kind of magic. Our warm weather means we can’t get snowed in, but it also means we get to experience some of the most incredible community events, especially during the holidays.

What made these events even more special for me growing up was that they weren’t just about celebrating the season; they were also some of my first opportunities to perform. I can still remember getting up on those stages in front of a crowd made up of families and neighbors, while performing my favorite holiday songs and passing out candy canes, sharing the holiday magic through music. These were the performances where I first learned to connect with an audience, where I found my voice and where my passion for performing truly began. It was in these moments that I realized how much I loved bringing joy to others through music.

These holiday events still hold a special place in my heart, and they’re some of the performances I still look forward to most every year. Even with the big mound of ice from the local rink serving as "snow", the magic of Christmas isn’t lost. It’s not about the perfect winter wonderland but about the joy of being together with loved ones, sharing laughter and music and creating memories that last a lifetime. Every year, I remember how these events helped shape me into the artist I am today, and how they continue to inspire me to spread the holiday cheer wherever I go.

It's been so fun to perform at community events over the last decade!