It’s that time of year when all sorts of people in bloggy land start Favorite Things and Home Tour parties! I figured I’d mash it all up and make it one ginormous post – are you ready?!
.rockettes.
After growing up going to NYC on a regular basis and then living there for 6 years, I can only associate one type of performance with Christmas: the Radio City Rockettes! Did I mention they are on the Netflix Instant Queue now?!
Nothing like a good kick line to get you in the mood :)
image from google.com search
.hot drinks.
Even though we’re living in the desert now, I still like to cuddle up with a hot drink and pretend it’s snowing outside, watch a Christmas movie, or just enjoy the quiet! Nutella Hot Chocolate is my drink of choice right now :)
Yup, something so amazing is so simple!
.tree.
Growing up, both of us always had a real tree! I miss having one, but it’s just been a better choice for us to have our fake one for right now. We got it the day after Christmas a few years ago for over 50% off and we don’t have to worry about it making a mess or running out of water while we’re both working and then leaving town for awhile. Keith is very impressed by the remote control lights.
It's covered with ornaments from significant moments in our lives - we've already run out of room for all of them!
.decorating.
When it comes to decorating for Christmas, I am always on a mission. If it doesn’t get done (start to finish) in 48 hours, it never will. Usually, I dedicate about four solid hours and do it all at once. I really like how the buffet in the dining room turned out this year!
The garland plus lights make it so cozy :)
.christmas cards.
This is only the second year we’ve sent out Christmas cards – every year before that was a massive email to everyone about our year. Now that we’re stationed far away from family, we enjoy filling everyone in on our adventures…I’ll post our card and letter on Christmas day!
Last year's card.
This year I’m hanging the cards around the door frame from the living room to our bedroom – I love the way it turned out!
I hate it when my phone gives me a crummy picture! Clara's battery only has a 40 minute lifespan these days, so I'm stuck with the phone until a new battery arrives!!
.cookies.
Who doesn’t love Christmas cookies?! I’m trying not to love them so much since I’m trying to figure out the status of my metabolism after changing several medications. It’s a losing battle. I love the chocolate dipped shortbread cookies and peanut butter blossoms, but my all time favorite are date balls!
Yes please!
image from google.com search
.food.
Some of you may remember the Christmas Eve post from last year. Well, the count down is exactly 7 days!! I am so excited for some stuffed peppers, meats, cheeses, and bacala! Just in case you’re a seasoned Italian Christmas Eve fan, I do not eat octopus, raw squid, eel, or smelts. I just don’t and you can’t convince me otherwise.
Olives, sharp cheeses, and sopresatta make me a happy girl!
.gifting others.
I am really starting to think my love language has shifted to gifts. I’ll always be a physical touch person, but I can’t help buying people lots and lots of gifts to shower them with love. I also love wrapping it in fun ways and making everything coordinate :)
This year I've got "Ho, Ho, Ho" and candy cane coordinating paper
.music.
I have loved doing the Songs of Christmas series this year! I know I’m about four days behind, but it has made me so thankful for all the wonderful artists out there! Not many people have linked up, but I am enjoying it just the same – maybe I’ll start my own bloggy-land Christmas party next year!
.movies.
I am obsessed with Christmas movies :) I refuse to watch them during the year, but they are playing constantly after Thanksgiving! My new favorite this year is Christmas in Connecticut, but I also love Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Holiday. It’s so hard to choose…but right now I’m in the mood for the Kranks!
Funniest. Movie. Ever.
.concerts.
As a kid, I went to the U.S. Coast Guard Band’s annual Christmas concert. Sadly, I haven’t been in quite a few years, but having our school Performing Arts Concert this week made up for it in a small way. I do miss the Boston Pops’ arrangement of Sleigh Ride though!!!!
The band on tour in Japan
image from http://www.uscg.mil/band
Lots of parties to link up to!!!
