Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. I went to a really fun Christmas party on Saturday night; my friends host it every year and we eat good food, sing Christmas songs around the piano - it really gets me in the Christmas spirit!
As much as I love the Christmas season (for many reasons), I admit I get too caught up in all the "to do" items. Just this morning, as I was getting ready I was counting off the days in my head, and all the things I have to get accomplished before Christmas AND going on vacation.
I worry that getting caught up in all the minutiae takes away from the joy of the season, and so I've decided to make a concerted effort to keep in a good frame of mind, and really ENJOY these weeks before Christmas. To me, the best way to do that is to have one thing each day, no matter how big or small, that puts me in the spirit of the season and reminds me to take each day as it comes, and enjoy this time of year.
So, here is my list:
December 8th: We're doing a gift exchange / Secret Santa this year in our travel agency. I am doing the "crafty" part of my person's gift tonight, and then mailing it to her in the next few days. I'm pretty excited about it, I hope it turns out!
December 9th: As a Christmas "gift" to myself, I am going to take a break from technology (no checking my phone, email, Facebook, etc) and settle down with a good book. For whatever reason I don't seem to find or make the time to read, but I love it. I'm going to grab my Kindle, a snack and snuggle on the couch with my puppy and some cozy blankets.
December 10th: I'll watch one of the greatest (in my opinion) Christmas movies of ALL TIME, Elf. I'm not a huge Will Ferrell fan, but in this movie I think he's perfect. The best combo of funny AND heartwarming. And an endless supply of quotable lines. ("You sit on a throne of lies!")
December 11th: Tonight, I am going to finish up my Christmas shopping. I feel like I have a lot to get, but in reality, it isn't that much. I'll head to Target, grab a coffee from Starbucks to enjoy while I stroll, and take my time. No need to rush around, this night is all about finalizing that gift list.
December 12th: My cousin's wife and I are having an essential oils get-together at my place tonight. Afterwards, I think I'll unwind by listening to Christmas music while I tidy up after the party. My new favorite Christmas music station is on the free app, Songza. Check it out and download it - there are TONS of free stations and their Classic Christmas one is my favorite.
December 13th: On this day, I'm heading to Des Moines to spend the day with my friend Bekka. We'll do some Christmas shopping, have a great lunch and just spend some fun time together.
December 14th: Since my Christmas shopping will now be done, today is the 2014 Present Wrapping Extravaganza! I'll put on Christmas music and might even brew some mulled cider to enjoy while I wrap.
December 15th: One of my FAVORITE parts about Christmas are the lights and decorations that people do on their homes, from the simple to the elaborate. Tonight I am going to brew a mug of my favorite Dunkin Donuts coffee, get in the car, and make a leisurely drive around town, looking at everyone's Christmas lights.
December 16th: As another "gift to me, from me", I'm going to take my laptop to our local Starbucks, buy myself a holiday-themed beverage (my personal fav is the ever-popular Peppermint Mocha!) and do some blog/travel work. I really like sitting and working in Starbucks and for some reason hardly ever do it, so tonight is the night!
December 17th: We'll have our office Christmas party at lunch time today. Yummy food, good conversation AND the best desserts ever?! Sign me up!
December 18th: Each Thursday night during the Christmas season, one of the area churches hosts a Live Nativity. For two hours, volunteers dress as Joseph, Mary, the Wise Men, etc and re-enact the Nativity scene in an outdoor set. I am going to bundle up, brew some coffee in the Keurig, and walk the few blocks downtown to see the Nativity for myself.
December 19th: Tonight, I am watching my cousin's kids (ages 1 and 3) and am going to attempt a Pinterest craft with them. We'll then wrap it up, and they can give it to their parents for Christmas.
(Yes, I am going to do/attempt a craft with two kids under 4. By myself. Pray for me.)
December 20th: On this day, I am going to finalize my Christmas Eve menu (I'm having my family over for dinner that night). Part of the prep is getting out my pretty Christmas dishes and serving ware - this always get me in the Christmas spirit!
December 21st: Tonight, I'll watch another one of my favorite Christmas movies, the classic White Christmas. I love older movies and this is one of the best, holiday-themed or not.
December 22nd: Only three days to Christmas! To relax and get ready for Christmas festivities (and vacation!) I am going to go to our local nail salon and get my fingernails and toes painted and pretty.
December 23rd: For our extended family celebration on Christmas day, we have a menu of appetizers and soups in crock pots, which is not only easy but fun as you get to try little bites of lots of things. On this day, I'll assemble what I'm taking (
a SUPER easy and yummy potato soup and the
salsa that my family loves, recipes linked, check them out!) and make my final Christmas preparations.
December 24th: Our family's Christmas Eve tradition is church, a nice meal, and then we open our gifts. It's always a fun, festive night with family. I love watching my nieces open their Christmas gifts - I think having kids around the celebrations make Christmas that much more special and fun. It's awesome to see it through their eyes.
December 25th: It's Christmas! :) Today, I'll go over to my parents house where my larger extended family will be gathered for the day. Most of my cousins and their kids/spouses will be there, so it'll be a great day. Food coma at the end of the day, naturally.
What ways do you mark the Holiday season? What are your favorite traditions / events / etc? Please share here and on Facebook / Twitter!
Have a magical day!
