Favorite CHRISTMAS Things

So, it's been a while. I actually have a lot of things to blog about and pictures to show off of my kids, but let's do the most important post first. I haven't done a Favorite Things post in quite some time. And since I've got the Christmas spirit goin' strong right now, it's time to share the joy. So, without further adieu, here they are in random order:



I'm a teeny bit of a freak when it comes to lipgloss from Bath & Body Works. They keep having these gigantic sales and I'll buy way too many, open them all up at the same time and try them ALL. You'd think I'd save one or two as a gift for someone, but I'm much too selfish. I can't even wait until one kind is gone off my lips before applying the next. I'm sure I look pretty awesome too--what, with the braces and all, but I can't seem to help myself. My latest favorite is C.O. Bigelow Warm Spiced Cider. It's Christmas in a tube!!

And speaking of spiced cider, I really love to curl up with a blanket and a hot cup of Alpine Spiced Cider. Sure, it's the cheap version and not nearly as yummy as homemade wossail or something, but hey, I'll take it!


And speaking of curling up in a warm blanket, last year we saw these amazingly cozy blankets by Berkshire at Costo. We love it so much we recently bought another one for our bed. SO COZY! And for only $20 bucks, you can't beat it. I'm instantly happy when I get wrapped up in it. And don't even think about asking me to share it with you cuz I won't. Just ask John.



If it's not Spiced Cider I'm in the mood for, then it's hot chocolate. But not just any hot chocolate. It has to be Stephen's and it has to be made with milk in our Back to Basics Cocoa Latte Machine. It's frothy! It's the perfect temperature!! It's delicious!! It really is the best one out there. We make hot chocolate ALL THE TIME because it's so easy and yummy.



This next one sort of doesn't have anything at all to do with Christmas, but I've been DVR'ing episodes of this show and I can't get enough! It's like they really ARE my friends. (and yes, I'm that pathetic.) That crazy Chandler... and Joey..... and don't get me started on Ross, Rachael and Monica!

Seriously, if you're a fan of 'Friends' and it's been a while since you've watched it, set your DVR and get going! Everyone should re-watch the episodes every couple years or so. One of my favorite episodes is when Rachael makes a trifle and puts "meat, sauteed with peas and onions" in one of the layers and then Ross says it tastes like feet! Oh, Ross.... you kill me!!



It goes without saying,that Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the great music that goes along with it. I've been listening for a while now... (November 2nd, anyone?) and I can't get enough of it. Well, except for that stupid Wham 'Last Christmas' song that they play OVER AND OVER again and that super lame 'Christmas Shoes' song where I literally want to hit something every time it comes on. But seriously, besides that I LOVE Christmas music!



Today I watched my cute little nephew, Ian, while my sister went to a fun cookie exchange party. Because I begged she loves me, she shared a few of the cookies with me. And that was it! I vowed not to ever be this lame again. Next year I WILL make cookies throughout the season and be a fun mom and adoring neighbor. I want to at least make a batch of her yummy orange cookies for Christmas day. They were divine. And no, I don't think she'll let me share the recipe. You can get in line though. I haven't received it yet either. But I will because I'll beg she loves me.



Lately, around these parts it has been C.O.L.D!! BURRR! The last several days it has been foggy. I, for one, LOVE LOVE LOVE the fog! It goes so well with all the above items and I especially love how all the branches on the trees get white and frosty and you can't even see any of your neighbor's houses. It's like you live in your own little frosty village!



I'm into GOOD SMELLIN' THINGS! That's why I love my Scentsy and the scent Christmas Tree. If you have an artificial tree like me and you miss the scent of a real tree, but you don't miss the fire hazard and the pine needles all over the floor, then you'll love this scent! Oh, and if you don't have a Scentsy, you NEED ONE!



Every Christmas morning (and before that on cold evenings too), John will get the fireplace going and make things all cozy and fun for when the two littles come downstairs to see what Santa gave them. I love cozy warm blankets, hot chocolate, a great movie and the fireplace going. I want to make sure that if we ever move, we'll always have a fireplace in the living room. It's definitely one of my favorite things.



I saved my three favorites for last. They're movies and I have to watch every single one of them every year at least once (if not more) for it to be Christmas.

First: The Family Man
This is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. Every time I watch it, I want to look just like Tea Leoni. She's so pretty! This movie is funny, warm and feel-good. See it if you haven't already and if you have, see it again!


Second: Christmas Vacation
Many instances of this movie remind me of my own childhood for reasons I can't mention right now. Seriously one of the funniest christmas movies of all time. I love it when Uncle Eddy wears a cream see-through, v-neck sweater with the black dickey underneath. CLASSIC!




And probably my favorite Christmas movie of all-time and definitely a Christmas Eve family tradition in my house is watching: A Christmas Story. Every year TBS plays 24 hours of it and I seem to watch it at least 6 or 7 times. I love it when the father wins 'A Major Award' and mispronounces the word 'Fragile' for 'Fra-Gee-Lay'. SO FUNNY! And ya gotta love Randy and Ralphy!



I have to mention that one of my other favorite things is receiving Christmas cards from friends and family in the mail. It is seriously like a little gift every time I open one up. So, if you've sent one... THANK-YOU. We were extremely lame this year and never got ours out. We usually do so well! I think my vanity got in the way because I didn't want a picture of me with braces on. Yes. I'm vain. But I bet if you had braces on right now then you would be too.

And if it's a few days (or weeks, months) before I post again, here's wishing you and yours a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!