Happy belated holiday and a merry Christmas to those who are still celebrating this week with those who couldn’t make it happen on the actual date with separated parents, in-laws and the like.

I don’t know about you, but I thought this holiday season kicked off a bit early and everyone seemed to be extra-extra in the festive spirit this year. Maybe that’s because it’s the first year without (as many) apparent COVID interruptions. Or maybe folks were looking for a shiny distraction from all of the horrifying global and national news.

Who knows.

Either way, I’m sure you’re feeling some variation of exhaustion this week. I’ll say you could really use a breather before yet another holiday hits — New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking for something to do on the last eve of the year, check out this list of happenings around LB written by Jake Gotta (yep, the Instagram dude).

But you don’t need to think about all that fanfare now. Today, I’ve got a super simple handful of anti-social activities for you to help you *ahem* chill out a bit.

Here we go:

Step 1: Nature

Just look at this photo (above). Doesn’t it make you feel at peace? That’s what I thought.

Lace up your walking shoes and grab your puffer jacket because we’re going there gloom or shine. We’re going to step right over the Christmas shrapnel that you haven’t cleaned up, you know, the piles of shredded wrapping paper still strewn about — we’re leaving the house for the El Dorado Nature Center.

I know, I know. It doesn’t look like this is really in Long Beach, but I assure you it is. The city’s largest park will make you feel like you’ve gotten lost in the woods — a good opportunity to walk off all that eggnog ‘n’ brandy. This 105-acre park includes two miles of dirt (and tree-shaded) trails, one paved trail and two lakes. Plus, you might even spot some cute little bunnies.

Alternate nearby nature, peace-evoking options: The Colorado Lagoon, The Beach Path, Willmore/Drake Park and Ranchos Palos Verdes Coastal Trail.

Step 2: Art

Lots and lotsa people mark “become a museum member” on their list of New Year’s Resolutions, why not shop around now? Plus, visiting a museum (IMO) presents a great opportunity to both get out of the house and avoid talking to others — after all, you’re there to appreciate the arts, not gab.

Here are some of my favorites in Long Beach:

• Museum of Latin American Art
• Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
• Long Beach Museum of Art
• Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum

Step 3: Indulgence

Speaking of those 2024 resolutions you’re about to try out, and worse yet, Dry January, you’ve only got a few days left to overeat and/or get Blitzened (one last reindeer joke).

Today is a day of self-care after all. And not the kind of ($$$) self-care Gwyneth Paltrow wants to sell you on. And we did go for a nice nature walk to start us all off, so you’ve earned it.

Start with food, because everyone needs a nice carb layer before drinking adult beverages.

• The Win~Dow (4600 Second Street) – I’m obsessed with this place. I’m not going to share how many times I’ve been since they opened less than two weeks ago. It’s affordable ($4.25 for a cheeseburger!!!), they have veggie head options and even a spectacularly flavorful $8 grain bowl if you must be healthy. It’s also adorable. Order a burger — order two. Bone apple tea!
• Rances (5258 Second Street) – Pizza is almost always indulgent (yes, even the cauliflower pies). But Rances takes the whole bakery when it comes down to it. Are you hungry for essentially a pizza cake? Go eat here. You will need a nap afterward.
• Thai Curry Pizza & Thai Food (929 Redondo Ave.) – I am entitled to more than one obsession, obviously. I know we just went over options for ~weird pizza~ (sorry but Chicago pizza is kinda weird), but this one is perhaps my favorite cross-cultural creation of all time: Thai Curry Tofu Pizza. It has Thai curry sauce and is topped with basil, onion and bell pepper. You can get it with tofu or chicken. Pro-tip: Ask for a side of the sauce to dip it in. I don’t know how you define self-care, but this Thai pie is my ultimate comfort. PLUS — everything else on their menu, especially the Tom Kha, is delicious.
• Drips Cheesecake (1950 Ximeno Avenue.) – Four words: Cheesecake dipped in chocolate. I have nothing else to say. Go check this place out.

Alternate options: Str8 Up Tacos, Vegan Castle, Casa Chaskis, Mangosteen and Simmzy’s (get the nachos).

OK now that we’ve laid that bread layer down, these bars will likely still be serving their festive holiday drink menus if you want to end your day with a solo drink (or perhaps now you’re ready to invite a friend).

• Baby Gees – 1227 E. Fourth Street
• The Bamboo Club – 3522 E. Anaheim
• The Hawk – 468 W. Anaheim
• Mezcalero – 525 E. Broadway
• The Reno Room – 3400 E. Broadway
• Pike Restaurant & Bar – 1836 Fourth Street
• The Social List – 2105 E. Fourth Street

And I suppose if you really wanted a shot of the non-alcoholic variety, check out Salud on either Fourth Street or Second Street for a healthier self-care option.

Happy healing.