December 13th -- Sibling bonding time
Although the holiday season is filled with chaos between finishing work before a deadline or trying to find the perfect gift for someone, in my house it is also a time of togetherness. My household consists of my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and brother -- along with three cute pups. One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is getting to spend more time with my siblings. We all have a lot going on this time of year, but we all always seem to somehow make more time for each other around the holidays. My sister and brother-in-law are eight years older and my brother is five years older than me. When we were younger we were always close, but of course our age difference proved to keep us more distant for a while with our interests. As we've grown up together all of us have gotten incredibly close, something I am extremely grateful for. Now that we're all adults our age differences don't matter at all and we have no boundaries with one another. My siblings are some of my best friends in the entire world and we share a bond that I don't think I could get from anyone else. I could always go to my sister and brother about anything and they always supported me 100%. Not only do I have my siblings, but now I also have my brother's girlfriend and my brother-in-law who are two of the most kind, caring, funny, and genuine people I have ever known in my life as well. Not only do I love spending time with my brother and sister like we did when we were kids, but now I have another brother and someone who is like another sister in my life too. I am so blessed and thankful to have such a wonderful support system in my family, it is something I wouldn't give up for the world. Especially at Christmas time, one of my favorite things is getting together with my siblings and boyfriend to talk, play adult board games, and share delicious drinks and food. It is something so simple, yet I can't imagine my life or Christmas without these moments. I encourage you to spend some extra time with your siblings or someone who is like a sibling to you this holiday season.
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December 12th -- Saying "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" to everyone
As simple as it may be saying "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" -- especially to strangers -- is one of my favorite things about the Christmas season. This time of year calls for all of us to be joyful, repentant, giving, selfless, kind, and loving. You never know how much of an impact a simple phrase can have on someone's day/life. Especially since the holidays aren't always so happy every year. You never know what someone is going through or what they have been through in the last year, and it is often more difficult for people around this time of year. It is a time of transition, reflecting on decisions we've made, celebrating what we have, and remembering those who have passed on. For me, this will be the second Christmas since my grandpa passed and I don't expect it to be easy, especially when the whole extended family sits down for Christmas dinner and he isn't physically there. Traditions have changed a bit, but we always make certain that he remains part of every holiday and family gathering. My grandpa always loved Christmas and he was very strong in his faith, I have no doubt that he truly is with us, especially around Christmas time. Not everyone shares the same beliefs as I do though, not everyone has their faith to lean on and trust in when they are hurting. Anyone who is hurting, has an illness/disease or has a loved one who is sick in some way, the homeless, the hungry, the people who don't have a support system in their homes, the people who are fighting to support their families each day, the ones who are struggling to keep their sanity, the people who crave happiness and love -- these are the people that may need a little extra time, patience, love, kindness, and compassion around this time of year. I encourage you to say "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" to as many people as you can this holiday season. You never know how much that simple phrase can mean to someone -- it may just be the act of kindness they need to keep them going throughout the day, it may be the reminder for them that someone in this messed up world is wishing them well and that someone cares about their happiness. Let's all spread a little extra love and kindness this holiday season -- the world could use some more of it. December 11th -- Our sentimental Christmas ornaments
I mentioned in yesterday's post that we have an overabundance of ornaments for our Christmas tree. To be exact we have 3 storage containers and some smaller boxes full of ornaments starting from when my parents first got married. Each year we definitely acquire at least 5 new ornaments, so the collection just keeps on growing! To me, this is what makes decorating the tree so special. Each ornament has a story or a memory attached to it, and I definitely have my favorites. Two years ago my sister decided to take on the project of making paw print ornaments out of clay for each of our dogs -- needless to say that was an interesting experience that took way longer than we anticipated -- but she managed to get them done and now they hang on our tree next to each other every year. We have so many Disney ornaments I don't even think I can count them. The characters from Mickey's "A Christmas Carol," Disney princesses, the Tasmanian Devil, and Perry the Platypus are featured among many more. We have an entire collection of Thomas Kinkade Christmas ornaments as well that depict Santa doing his many important tasks. One of my favorite newer ornaments is one my best friend Cameron gave to me two years ago for my birthday. It will come as no surprise to those of you who know me well that it's a Star Wars ornament -- my first to be exact, which I don't know how I had never gotten one before but it makes it all the more special. This ornament is C3PO and R2D2 just hanging out together and it makes me happy every time I look at it -- partially because I love Star Wars and partially because my best friend who lives far away gave it to me and it's like part of her is here. These are just to name a few of the many, many special ornaments we have on our tree -- also including milestones like baby's first Christmas, my parents' 25th wedding anniversary, my sister and brother-in-law's first ornament as a married couple (which is this year!), etc. There's just something so incredibly special about looking at a tree full of memories. Whether it's a happy occasion or something I loved growing up, looking at our Christmas tree always fills me with so much joy. December 10th -- Decorating the tree with my family
One of the most important Christmas traditions in my family is when we decorate our Christmas tree, and today was that day! My parents, two siblings, and I are always busy with our jobs that we don't often get to all be together for more than a short time. I always look forward to decorating the tree together because we get to spend time together listening to Christmas music, reminiscing about past Christmases doing the same thing. It is truly one of my favorite things about the Christmas season. It has been made very clear that my family really loves Christmas, and I'm sure it will come as no surprise that we have an overabundance of ornaments for our tree. We've always had a fake tree that was about 5.5 feet tall, but as the years have gone on we've had to downsize a bit. We have three crazy dogs in our house and now have my grandparents old piano, so instead we have a smaller tree about 4 feet tall on top of our end table. Ever since we got a smaller tree, of course we can't fit as many ornaments on it, but believe me we try very hard to make sure we can play tetris with the ornaments to fit as many as we possibly can. I've noticed that a lot of people I know have mostly generic Christmas ornaments, which still looks really beautiful -- but on our tree every ornament has a special memory or story attached to it, and we still can only fit about a third of them! Decorating the Christmas tree with my family is one of my favorite traditions because even in the hustle and bustle of this time of year this day is one we always set aside time for to spend all together. December 9th -- Favorite Christmas movie
Some people think that because I love Christmas it's impossible for me to be able pick a favorite Christmas song or movie -- those people would be wrong. Shockingly enough, both are very easy for me to choose. You already know my favorite Christmas song if you've been keeping up with these posts, but as for my favorite Christmas movie some of you may be surprised. My favorite Christmas movie of all time is none other than White Christmas. Not only is this film a classic, but it has an immense amount of special meaning to me. My grandpa was the most amazing person I ever knew/will know, and he will always be my hero in more ways than one. I saw White Christmas for the first time with my grandparents when I was in middle school and I was hooked. It was a musical and set during Christmas so I obviously loved it immediately. It is a wonderful film from the casting to the acting to the dancing to the music to the feeling of Christmas joy it gives me when I watch it. I have always had a special place in my heart for classic television and film. My grandpa loved watching things like I Love Lucy and The Three Stooges, so I would watch with him every time we were together -- which was at least three times a week when I was really young, and at least once a week as I got into high school. My grandpa was best person in the world, and I will always cherish my time with him -- this is a large part of the reason this movie is so special to me. If all of that wasn't enough, my grandpa has a serious resemblance to Bing Crosby, who is one of the lead characters in White Christmas. Every time I watch White Christmas it puts me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I feel excitement from wondering what it would be like to live in that time period. I feel joy from the way they show Christmas and what it means to truly be a genuine and giving person. I feel sadness but also love whenever Bing Crosby is on the screen because he reminds me so much of my grandpa. I also laugh and smile throughout the entire film because it has quite a few comedic elements. White Christmas is my favorite movie for so many reasons, and I highly recommend watching it if you never have (I'm pretty sure it's on Netflix right now). Even if you're not super into old movies or musicals, it is definitely a must see! ,,December 8th -- Favorite Christmas song
As I've mentioned in previous posts, I love Christmas music of all kinds. I always make sure to listen to certain albums around this time of year, but I also always make room for some new songs/albums as well. This year I've really been getting into Sia's new Christmas album, "Everyday is Christmas" and Lindsey Stirling's new album, "Warmer in the Winter." I really love Sia's voice and all of the new and catchy Christmas songs on her album. As for Lindsey Stirling, I am always amazed by her abilities. She is such an outstanding violinist and I really enjoy her collaborations with other artists -- whether it's new songs or putting her own twist on classic Christmas carols, her new album is everything so you should go listen to it. Although I truly love all Christmas music, I do in fact have a favorite song that helps me relate to the true meaning of Christmas. "Mary Did You Know" is my absolute favorite Christmas song. I've heard numerous versions of this song, and have come to the conclusion that the most powerful and meaningful performance of the song is done by Pentatonix. I'm sure you've all heard of Pentatonix -- and if you haven't, get on that! They're a quintet accapella group and they have insane talent. Their rendition of "Mary Did You Know" is filled with so much passion and soul I actually cried the first time I heard it -- it is so beautiful. For those of you who don't know what the song is about: in short it's about asking Mary if she was aware of all her child (Jesus) was going to be capable of and do for the entire world to save humanity. Especially for myself, someone who's faith is extremely important, this song helps me get back to origin of Christmas by recognizing and paying homage to all Jesus did/would do to help this world. If you haven't heard the Pentatonix's version of "Mary Did You Know" go listen right now! Watch the music video if you're feeling especially festive. December 7th -- Peppermint Mocha coffee
I absolutely LOVE coffee, just as much as I love Christmas, probably more. I'm one of those people who is really intense about drinking their coffee black, too. Coffee in general is the most delightful and delicious smell to me -- I even bought a Hazelnut Latte scented candle today. Not only does the smell of coffee immediately make me feel more awake every morning, but the taste...THE TASTE. Coffee is the one thing I cannot go a day without, I love it way too much. I don't only love regular coffee though -- oh no -- I love coffee of all flavors and sizes. Hazelnut, French Vanilla, Caramel? HECK YES PLEASE! My favorite flavor aside from regular though, that would definitely be Peppermint Mocha. Aside from it being my Christmas season drink of choice, it's so dang tasty! I don't discriminate either, I'll get it from Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, local cafe's -- pretty much anywhere I can get it, I will. As soon as I take a sip of my Peppermint Mocha I am instantly more awake, happy, and filled with Christmas spirit. For real, catch me with a Peppermint Mocha in hand and I'm pretty sure I won't be in anything less than a wonderful mood. Something that makes Peppermint Mocha such a special flavor to me is the fact that you can really only get it around Christmas time. It's a little way to treat yo'self and make you more appreciative of the Christmas season, at least for me. If you looking for a little extra Christmas flare try adding a candy cane to your Peppermint Mocha coffee -- DELICIOUS. December 6th -- Hallmark Christmas movies
Everyone has different favorite traditions and memories about the holiday season, but I'm pretty certain that Hallmark Christmas movies made the list for most people. Some of you probably own this up and down (myself included) and others will deny it until the end of time, but we all know those in denial have a soft spot for them deep down. Yes, they're cliche, make you cry, are loaded with obvious product placement, pretty much always end with a kiss, and there are a ton of repeated plots and actors -- but if you think that's going to stop me from watching every single one I possibly can this Christmas season, you are out of your mind! Although I'm usually the person who points out mistakes and notices little foreshadowing elements in movies (thanks Dad) when it comes to Hallmark I'm a huge sap for all the cliche moments and the plots you call from the first five minutes of the movie. Who doesn't love a feel good movie that has a happy ending -- and throw Christmas time into it -- these are the best things to watch to make you happy for literally no reason at all! Having a bad day? Hallmark Christmas Movies. Stressed/overwhelmed with work? You know what's always on tv this time of year? Hallmark Christmas Movies. Need a date night idea that doesn't require spending money? How about Hallmark Christmas Movies for a cozy night in. Can't fall asleep/wake up at an absurd hour and can't fall back to sleep? Hallmark Christmas Movies will be there for you. In my first post I mentioned that my friends know me as a crazy Christmas lady -- I think now is when you really start to believe it. If it's not enough that I seriously love this time of year, I even have a list of some of my favorite Christmas movies -- many of which are Hallmark -- that I check off as I watch/add to as they come out each year. If you don't know I'm also an intense list maker. For those of you who like me and seriously LOVE Christmas, I've posted some of my ongoing list of (mostly) Hallmark Christmas movies for you guys to binge watch whenever you feel like you need some happiness in your life. Enjoy it and if you have any favorites not mentioned, leave a comment -- I'd love to watch your suggestions too! -Christmas List -The Sweetest Christmas -A Royal Christmas -A Princess for Christmas -Just in Time for Christmas -Christmas Incorporated -Enchanted Christmas -My Christmas Love -Love You Like Christmas -Christmas Under Wraps -A Song for Christmas -12 Days of Giving -A Crown for Christmas -The Mistletoe Promise -Christmas in Conway -Every Christmas Has a Story December 5th -- The awful chocolate in Advent calendars
I know I'm not the only one who thinks the Advent Calendar chocolate is gross. I know it depends on the kind you get, but in my experience it pretty much always taste like the cardboard it comes in. Even though it's definitely not good chocolate, every year I am always so excited to get one and open up the little tabs each day for some reason. Thinking about it now maybe it's because I love Christmas and it's a countdown to the day. Maybe it's because treat yo'self, it's been a long day today and I deserve this chocolate even if it's not very good. Most of all I think it's because it makes me feel like a little kid again. When I was growing up I was even more obsessed with Christmas than I am now -- hard to believe, but true. I would always be so excited to get home from school and open up each day's tab. My favorite advent calendars were the one's that had little sayings, names of Christmas songs, or a line from The Night Before Christmas behind the tabs -- it made things even more exciting. To this day I still love getting advent calendars for the month of December, and it's something that I think I will always do. When being an adult is hard and overwhelming, especially during the Christmas season, being excited to open the day's tab on the Advent calendar may just be the little thing that gets you through your day. It's traditions such as this that help all of us to remember the magic of Christmas and to bring us closer to the kids we are at heart. December 4th -- Getting cozy by the fake fireplace and watching classic Christmas movies with my boyfriend
There's nothing better than getting cozy by the fireplace during winter, but for those of us who don't have real fireplaces, we make do with fake ones. If you're anything like me, I'm cold almost all the time, so in winter especially I always need to have on lots of layers and blankets. One of my absolute favorite things to do in winter is stay in with my boyfriend and watch some of our favorite Christmas movies in front of his fake fireplace. We will sit there for hours too, with breaks to make coffee/hot chocolate and maybe even bake a little between movies. It is one of my favorite relaxing times to share with him. Some of our favorite movies to watch during the holiday season are Elf, The Polar Express, Jingle All The Way, Home Alone, and the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We always make sure to watch these few movies together every year -- of course we do add plenty more to the mix as well. We've probably seen these movies so much that we could recite part of the dialogue. Especially on cold winter nights when you don't feel like going out and spending money, it's a relaxing but fun date night where you can be comfy in your favorite sweats and fuzzy socks. How can anyone not LOVE that? |