November 24, 2008

A few of my favorite things: Holiday edition

The weather outside is (approaching the Palmetto State's version of) frightful, Bing Crosby is serenading me in Target and visions of vacation days are dancing in my head. That can only mean one thing: it's Christmastime!

So what does Christmas bring? Around here, usually not much snow. It does bring lots of quality family time, silly Christmas sweaters, reasons for impromptu gatherings with friends and time to remember what's really important.

A few of my favorite things each Christmas:

Amy Grant's original Christmas album. Grew up on it, still love it, not ashamed. Seriously, try to find something better than "A Tender Tennessee Christmas." No, I'm not joking.


If anything could possibly be better, it'd be James Taylor's Hallmark Christmas album. I'm a huge JT fan. I could listen to him sing about the latest stock market crash and feel comforted.

A favorite Christmas (-ish) movie from my childhood.

A recent addition to the holiday lineup. Happy endings are always a favorite.

I have probably seen this movie 10,714 times. By year's end I imagine we'll add at least a dozen.

As a thank you to Bradley for tolerating so many viewings of Love Actually, during which I tear up no less than six times despite knowing it word for word, I'll throw in a favorite of his.

Because I quote "Santa! I know him!!" all year round.

It's just not Christmas until you catch up with George Bailey and family.

A socially acceptable reason to eat more mashed potatoes than should ever be consumed.

The Nutcracker ballet, music and my favorite Clara ornament that's now almost 20 (!) years old.

Christmas cookies. Yes, please. Can we squeeze more icing and sprinkles on there? Goes right along with the elves' favorite food groups, as listed in Elf: "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup." Delish!

A fully decorated Christmas tree. Forget Martha Stewart's version - show me the preschool macaroni ornaments, mismatched creations from elementary school, old parental purchases and some multi-colored lights. The brighter, the more festive, the more personalized, the better.

What are you looking forward to this Christmas?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great list, and I'm with you on the Christmas cookies, but don't forget the egg nog!

Unknown said...

I have to say that i am right there with you on all of those things.... Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color gets quoted here all of the time. And amy grant, well I could NEVER have christmas without her!

Rowena said...

Ok, so I'm glad that I'm not the only one who has added "Love Actually" and "The Holiday" to favorite Christmas movies. Two more worth considering: "While You Were Sleeping" and "Little Women". Big sigh.

Anne said...

How could I forget Little Women? Definitely a favorite in my collection. Haven't seen While You Were Sleeping in ages!

Alex said...

I'll have a tender Tennessee Christmas,
it's the only Christmas for me!
Have been listening to that since it came out - love it, love it, love it.
Now this year in preparation for the holidays, I have already viewed Love Actually, Home Along, Elf, Polar Express...
Im such a nerd - I wish we could take one of our trips to Target and spend hours spraying body scents like Sugar Cookie and Cinnamon Strudle!
Great list!

Anonymous said...

Alex: I love The Polar Express! White Christmas is a favorite, too.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails


      

      



 
Designed by Munchkin Land Designs • Copyright 2012 • All Rights Reserved