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December 8, 2025, Monday, etched itself into my heart as a day of pure serendipity and joy, shared with my beloved Lalitha. It evoked memories of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where my son Shravan and I savored six matches in four whirlwind days—a rare thrill unmatched elsewhere. This time, Shravan whisked us to Apple's annual Christmas celebration at the iconic Apple Park in Cupertino, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Though the event typically allows one guest per employee, Shravan worked an arragement with a colleague, granting us both entry. Amid about 2,000 attendees—part of a multi-day extravaganza spanning Shravan's organization and the broader Apple ecosystem—we immersed ourselves in holiday cheer.
The cafeteria, usually Shravan's go-to for dinners for take out, was shuttered for the festivities. The Highlights of evening included a vibrant dance floor, a selfie station, networking zones where Shravan reconnected with colleagues (including his boss whom he introduced to us), the bustling Karkoe Lounge (lines deterred us), a constellation wall for adding personal stars, an outdoor photo op (skipped due to the brisk 6°C chill), and a mesmerizing light tunnel walk. Food and drinks flowed generously, though vegetarian options remained limited, as is common in the West—despite global calls from health experts for plant-based shifts. We relished momos, buckwheat green salad, noodles, and indulgent desserts like low-sugar treats and chocolate cake. The hospitality, and courtesy extended by event management staff was professional and I would rate above and beyond.
Our evening blended indoor warmth with outdoor strolls, offering glimpses into offices where history unfolded: Apple became the world's first trillion-dollar company in 2018. I mused that CEO Tim Cook might have been in his fourth-floor office overlooking it all. Meanwhile, Sangeetha cared for our grandson Samarth back home. We left after spending few minutes on Formula 1 car used for the Apple TV documentary and wall of awards won by Apple Entertainment TV.
This magical night was destined. We had planned and booked to depart after Radha’s baby shower on the 8th December, via Air India from Bengaluru (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO). A last-minute schedule adjustment by Air India, allowed free cancellation, prompting a switch to Qatar Airways. We extended our stay to celebrate Radha's as well as Shravan’s wedding anniversary on December 10 and 11, flying out on the 12th. Lalitha, however, will linger a few weeks longer for family needs, while I pack as scheduled.
Apple Park itself is a testament to vision and innovation. Envisioned by Steve Jobs in 2006 and pitched in his final public appearance to the Cupertino City Council in 2011, construction began in 2014 and concluded in 2019, costing over $6 billion—one of the world's priciest structures. Spanning 175 acres (slightly larger than the Pentagon's 134 acres), its ring-shaped "spaceship" by Norman Foster houses 12,000+ employees across 2.8 million square feet, with 80% green space featuring 9,000 drought-tolerant native trees, a central pond, and fountains. A full loop takes about 15 minutes by foot or shuttle. The Steve Jobs Theater, an underground 1,000-seat auditorium with a carbon-fiber roof, hosts global events. Powered by a 17-megawatt solar array, it's LEED Platinum-certified, generating 100% renewable energy. Post-COVID, full occupancy resumed around 2022.
As we departed under twinkling lights, the evening lingered like a warm embrace— a reminder that the best moments often arrive unscripted.
Karthik
Cupertino, 9th Dec 2025, 12 Noon PST.
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