The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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The Christmas season is, and will always be, my favorite time of year. In my house, we start celebrating Christmas either before Halloween, or after (whenever the Hallmark Channel movies start airing LOL.) We get really festive and embrace all that Christmas is! Not only do I love the atmosphere of the season, but I love picking out gifts for my family members and friends, and reuniting with special people in my life whom I haven't seen in a while. It seems like everyone and everything is a little happier and brighter during this season. It is December 19, and I can't believe how fast the season is ending. I always like to stretch out the days before Christmas because while I love the actual day, I love the days leading up to it even better. I don't want it to end! For this post, I am highlighting all of the ways that I get in the Christmas spirit & celebrate this wonderful time of year.

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1. Christmas movies

My favorite movie of all time, "The Holiday," is one that I watch at all times of the year. For those that know me, you know that I have seen this movie well over 500 times. It is such a great feel good film directed by Nancy Myers, one of my favorites, set during the Christmas holidays, making it especially appropriate during this time of year. This season, I think I have probably already watched it 20 times, with more to come. We also love the Hallmark Channel original movies. Even though they all have the same outcome and similar story lines, there's something comforting about them that's unlike any other film out there! Lifetime has also stepped up their game this year and has been putting out some festive ones as well. Of course we also love the traditional ones as well, such as The Polar Express, The Santa Clause movies, Disney's A Christmas Carol, Home Alone 1 & 2, The Grinch, etc.

2. Festive drinks

Whether at home, or at your favorite coffee shop, there is always a plethora of Christmassy coffee drinks to be had. My favorite is a peppermint mocha from Starbucks in a festive cup or a vanilla chai tea latte! Cozy up with hot chocolate at home, a blanket, and one of said movies with no lights but the Christmas tree, and you've reached peak Christmas relaxation vibes!

3. Baking Christmas cookies

Or really anything! I don't know what it is about this season that sparks my baking obsession, but I want to make every single scrumptious cookie I come upon Pillsbury or Food Network. There's something about turning on Christmas music and getting lost in a recipe that is so incredibly festive. Yesterday, I made traditional cutout sugar cookies with sprinkles for my sister's end of the year Christmas party at school. It is super fun, but messy. The end result is delicious though! I find my recipes on Food Network, Pillsbury, Tasty by Buzzfeed, or Martha Stewart!

4. Picking out and decorating your Christmas tree

I am such a traditionalist when it comes to this. I like for us to get our Christmas tree shortly after Thanksgiving so that we can have it up for the perfect amount of time before it starts to die. We always get a real tree...they're gorgeous, and they smell great! We go to the cutest Christmas tree farm in town (buy local) and put it in the living room for everyone to enjoy. My favorite part is decorating of course. We have really gorgeous Christopher Radcko ornaments that go back to when I was little. We turn on music, eat candy canes, and decorate it as a family. It looks good doesn't it?

5. Look at your town's Christmas lights

I love taking a drive or a walk through town and looking at all of the businesses and homes decorated for Christmas. Our small town goes all out, and looks absolutely gorgeous for the season.

6. Create a Christmas playlit/Listen to Christmas music

After you make a special holiday playlist or find one on Spotify (may I suggest my own) you can put it on for background noise for whatever you're doing! Whether it be driving, doing things around the house, taking a bath, or doing work, Christmas music is the perfect way to add a little spirit to your day! I love the albums that Spotify makes as well, such as pop Christmas, Christmas jazz, and Christmas instrumentals. The instrumental Christmas music is my favorite for when I'm trying to go to sleep or relaxing in the tub. I love the Vince Guaraldi Trio (Christmas time is here by the Charlie Brown kids) and the Eddie Higgins trio. I also love the She & Him Christmas albums, Harry Connick Jr's albums, Ariana's, Ingrid Michaelson, and the traditional music as well. Get exploring!

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These are just a few ways that I get in the Christmas spirit and embrace it before Christmas Day! This time of the year and all of the fun activities involved makes me so happy and thankful for everything that I have. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all of you!