I remember wishing there was snow in L.A. And how jealous we used

The gentle hum of the café filled the air, blending with the rhythmic tapping of rain against the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his coffee cup cradled in his hands, his gaze drifting toward the rain-soaked streets. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, seemed lost in thought, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a moment of silence, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful, with a hint of nostalgia.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from Ice Cube today that made me smile. He said, ‘I remember wishing there was snow in L.A. And how jealous we used to get of those Christmas specials with kids playing in the snow.’ What do you think he means by that? Do you think it’s about how we associate certain things—like snow—with nostalgia and idealized traditions?”

Jack: He looked up, a soft smile forming on his face. “I think Ice Cube is capturing that universal feeling of longing for something we don’t have. Snow at Christmas time is one of those quintessential holiday images—kids building snowmen, playing outside in winter coats. But for Ice Cube, growing up in L.A., that experience was something he could only see in TV specials. It’s not just about snow itself, but about the memories and the kind of magical moments that are tied to a certain idea of Christmas. He’s almost expressing a kind of jealousy over the version of Christmas he saw on TV—one that didn’t align with his reality.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about how we idealize certain traditions and experiences, especially when they seem to fit a certain narrative of what Christmas should be. Growing up in a place like L.A., where snow isn’t part of the holiday experience, you can easily feel left out of that particular image. The snow in those Christmas specials represents something more than just weather—it’s about connection, tradition, and the feeling that everyone else is having this experience that you’re missing.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, leaving a quiet stillness between them. Jack shifted slightly, his fingers still resting on his coffee cup as he continued.

Jack: “And I think it also speaks to how we romanticize other people’s traditions or experiences. When you don’t have something, it can seem even more desirable. Snow, for instance, represents that cozy, picture-perfect holiday scene, and for Ice Cube, watching those specials likely made him feel like he was missing out on an essential part of the holiday. But I think what he’s also recognizing now, in hindsight, is that every place has its own version of holiday magic—it’s just different from the one we see on TV.”

Jeeny: “Yes, it’s a reminder that no matter where we are or what we’re experiencing, we’re always influenced by the images we’re shown—whether it’s through media or other people’s experiences. But those idealized versions often don’t capture the real magic that exists in our own traditions. Ice Cube might have wanted snow, but in L.A., Christmas could still be special in its own way—just without the snow. It’s about finding the beauty in your own reality, even if it’s not what you see in those holiday specials.”

Host: The conversation seemed to deepen, as they both reflected on the power of nostalgia and how it shapes our view of the world. Jack set his coffee cup down gently, his expression softening.

Jack: “Exactly. I think what Ice Cube is getting at is that while we might look at someone else’s experience and feel like we’re missing something, we have to remember that the magic of the season doesn’t depend on one specific image—it’s about the feeling that comes with it. Snow in L.A. might be absent, but the holidays in L.A. can still be full of their own warmth and traditions. It’s a reminder that what makes something special isn’t necessarily what we don’t have, but how we embrace what we do.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small but filled with understanding. “Exactly. It’s about seeing the value in the traditions we have, rather than wishing for something else. Ice Cube’s words remind us that nostalgia can sometimes make us feel like we’re missing out on something, but if we look closely, we can find our own version of the magic, no matter where we are or what we have.”

Host: The rain had stopped, leaving a calm stillness in the air. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that sometimes the things we long for are just reflections of the idealized images we’ve been given. Ice Cube’s words remind us that the true magic of the holidays—or of any time—comes from embracing our own experiences, rather than comparing them to someone else’s. The beauty is found in what we have, not in what we think we’re missing.