How to get yourself into the Christmas spirit

With Christmas slowly sneaking up on us, I found it fitting that we discuss the holidays. Before anyone starts thinking that I skipped Thanksgiving… Damn right I did. I’m one of those people that starts celebrating Christmas the second that the clock strikes 12 on November 1st. No shame.

I love everything about Christmas… minus the cold weather. That part kind of sucks. BUT, it gives us all an excuse to drink hot chocolate and snuggle up by the fire watching our favorite Christmas movies. If you aren’t like me and wait until after Thanksgiving to start getting all holly and jolly, or even worse: don’t care for the holidays (I see you, Ebenezer Scrooge) I hope this week’s blog changes your outlook.

Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like some Christmas music. It’s time to blast the Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé albums on full volume. I mean come on, how does listening to Michael Bublé sing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas not give you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside?

You can’t fight the urge to sing along. Buddy the Elf even told us, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” If you don’t know where to start, I’ll suggest some of my favorite classics:

• “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee

• “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Bing Crosby

• “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams

• “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives

So now that the music is playing, go make some hot chocolate and some eggnog.

Pumpkin spice, who?

Yeah, you heard me. Hot chocolate and eggnog are both integral parts of fully embracing the holidays. Light up the fireplace, grab your favorite blanket, and sip on your seasonal beverage as you hum along to Brenda Lee.

This goes without saying, but for the Scrooges out there I’ll stress the importance. Is it even Christmas if you don’t watch your favorite holiday films? I could easily list about 20+ movies, but I’ll cap it at four that you must watch this season.

• Home Alone

• Elf

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas

• The Santa Clause

Oh, and let me just add this. Stay inside and keep warm. While Christmas is my favorite time of the year, the cold weather isn’t my friend. For those who live in warmer places, the “white Christmas in New York City” is definitely not what it’s made out to be. Being a native New Yorker, I can assure you on that. The white snow everyone refers to is actually black slush that you have to jump over to save your shoes.

I rest my case.

While there are many perks to the Christmas season, like an endless amount of cookies, the most important part will always be family. Hug your loved ones extra tight and make some Christmas memories.

I hope Santa treats all of you well. XOXO and Merry Christmas!

First Photo By: Anastasia (www.anastasiablogger.com)

Second Photo By: Danielle Mallery