Holiday Spotlight: Kris Mackerer D'Errico

Name: Kris Mackerer D'Errico
Occupation: Owner, Bella Beach and Bella Beach Kids

What do you like about the holiday season? Everything! The holiday decor, friends and family gatherings, walking around downtown Manhattan Beach and seeing the town and shops decorated. The Holiday Open House and Holiday Fireworks are always great nights where the community comes together and celebrates. I'm also a sucker for all of the Christmas classic movies and cartoons. Just can't help singing along to them!

What don't you like about it? The giant "to-do" list that comes with all of it. 

What's your holiday wish for others? For people to take in and appreciate the beautiful area that we live in. To stop and slow down, spend time with friends and family, appreciate the little things and the amazing community that we live in. 

If you could give someone in your life whatever gift you wanted to, what would the gift be and who would you give it to? I would give our family a trip together. We all get so busy in our lives that spending time together is the biggest gift possible. I'm sure my nieces and nephew would love a Disney cruise!

What are your plans for this New Year's Eve? We are pretty tired after the craziness of the holidays and the two stores...so our perfect New Years is cooking a fabulous meal, drinking some good wine and toasting in the New Year. 

What will you do on (New Year's Day) Jan. 1 and 2? We like to take a walk on The Strand and out to the end of the pier, look back over the town and reflect on the prior year, and New Year to come, and be grateful for all that we have. Having grown up in Manhattan Beach I never get tired of being down by the ocean and our beautiful town. Then we will make a big pot of chili, watch football and relax!

What stands out to you about 2011, either personally, professionally or in general? We are so thankful to be in downtown Manhattan Beach with our two stores. We are involved with community events, and local charitable organizations - which has been so rewarding. Having the support of the South Bay community and all of our customers has been amazing. We love meeting all of the families who come into the stores, as well as the visitors from surrounding towns, and the world as well! Bella Beach and Bella Beach Kids is a true family-run business with my husband Tony and his daughter Heather. We are so lucky to be able to work together and work as a team in our two stores.

What is your New Year's Resolution? To live a healthy and happy life - and make time for myself! Spend more quality time with friends and family - and live life to the fullest!

What's your favorite Christmas tradition? Everything! I love it all - the holiday decorations, parties, baking cookies, all of the Christmas traditions - but nothing beats the smell at the Christmas tree lot! I love picking out the tree and then decorating it with family keepsake ornaments, and that moment when the lights are turned on and you get to see it in all of its glory.

What holiday foods do you like? I don't have a sweet tooth - but during the Holidays its hard to resist all of the cookies and baked goods!

Is there anyone near and dear to you who won't be with you for the holidays? Who, and why? We miss our family in NYC. We don't get the chance to see them as often as we like and love when we can all be together.

What does Christmas mean to you? Shopping! Owning Bella Beach and Bella Beach Kids - we love how we get to be a part of people's lives. Whether it's something for baby's first Christmas, a special outfit for a child, a unique toy, decorative wall art, or a beautiful piece of jewelry, fabulous sweater, comfy PJ's or a new handbag, we really have it all. Again - having grown up in Manhattan Beach for 34 years - it's so great when grade school friends, past teachers, and family friends come in. That's what Christmas is about, creating memories within your community and sharing it with friends and family.