Christmas Favorites

It's the most wonderful time of the year ...

Although Christmas decorating, parties, and events have been going on since the beginning of December, I have been thinking more and more about the season. Reminiscing about past Christmases ... thinking about Christmas favorites ... planning on new traditions in the future. It's a magical time: lights warming the windows of homes, setting up the manger and remembering the true Reason for this season, heating up a hot drink in the evening while watching a cheesy movie, filling the calendar with Christmas-themed everything.

I know that I am so so blessed to be able to have many years of memories that include a happy Christmas. Not everyone gets to have that. That's why I'm also thankful that this is a time of "extra giving." People are more willing to give more and pay attention to the needs of others around them. Giving is one of my favorite things to do. Find a local charity or family in need and bless someone this season - the opportunities are endless! There are always people in need.

Some Christmas songs I have on repeat:

I Celebrate the Day by Relient K
Carol of the Bells by August Burns Red
The Bell That Couldn't Jingle by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
Merry Christmas, Baby by The Beach Boys
Come On Santa by The Raveonettes
White Christmas by George Ezra
O Come O Come Emmanuel by August Burns Red

Some favorite Christmastime memories:

1. This was a wonderful ladies' night. The women in our family decided to have a movie night with a themed dinner. The movie was Moonstruck (if you have not seen it ... it's a MUST), so we had steak, shrimp, and pasta with red wine. Cheesecake with Italian dark roast coffee for dessert.

2. That time we took a family vacation to the Virgin Islands during the holiday season. It was a really neat trip. Of course, we had been there before ... but it was a really fun change to see everything decked out for Christmas wherever we went!

3. Finally, my favorite tradition that has continued into our married lives is Christmas Brunch at my parents' house. Although we do it on Christmas Eve Day now, it's still special. The menu is always bubble bread, fruit salad, some sort of breakfast casserole, sparkling grape juice, and coffee. Mom always sets a beautiful table.

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful and cozy season. As for Justin and myself ... we will continue to turn on our Christmas lights, cheat on our healthy eating, and spend time together and with family when we can. Merry Christmas to all!