Step Into Christmas

So, I am in the middle of final exams, just dying to be home so I can start "simply having a wonderful Christmastime." I am not sure how many people really realize this about me, but I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I love everything about it from the decorations to the songs to the first snowfall to giving gifts (and getting gifts :-)) to decorating cookies to stale TV specials to to sending Christmas cards to spending time with family, and of course, the Christian celebration of Jesus' birth. It's just so lovely to have time off to enjoy what matters most in life and reflect of everything I have to be thankful for before the new year begins. Alas, I am stuck studying my brains out before I can finally head back to my old Kentucky home and brace the cold and enjoy the holidays. So, until I can finally rest and soak in the holidays, here are a few things that keep me going...

1. Gift Exchanges - I've participated in three different gift exchanges this year in my sorority, in a club I am involved with, and at work. Mostly because I love shopping, I really enjoy picking out gifts! This year, I went with some of Trader Joe's delicious holiday treats. However, for my work Secret Santa, I shared one of my favorite Christmas CDs and got my co-worker a cute black and gold clutch.

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels

Trader Joe's Peppermint Pretzel Slims

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Minty Mallows

Trader Joe's Mini Gingerbread Men with White Fudge Icing

2. Classy/Tacky Holiday Sweaters - I keep adding this theme to any holiday party just so I can show off my mom's ridiculous Christmas sweater. When I asked if I could borrow her "ugly" Christmas sweater, she was a bit offended. Still, it's pretty insane, given that it dates back to about 1989. Either way, it really rings in the holiday spirit.

What a gem from my mom's closet... trust me, the other  arm  looks just as good!

3. Starbucks Christmas Cups - Nothing says it's the holidays quite like a nonfat peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream in a red cup! The debut of the red cups officially marks the start of the season!

4. Christmas Decorations - So I live in a sorority house that was originally a French Consulate, so it's a pretty stunning home, which makes it the perfect canvas for some beautiful holiday decorations outside and on the first floor. However, up in my bedroom, my roommate, Lori, got a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, while I received a singing and dancing snowman, from our Secret Santas. While they don't exactly match our personalities (seriously, a J.Crew or Starbucks gift card would have sufficed), they have added some cheer to our study cave.

5. Christmas Music - I probably have one of the most extensive collections of Christmas music, including oldies but goodies from Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Kenny G, Whitney Houston, and even a recording of my high school A Cappella Choir's winter performance. Out of this collection, here is my ultimate BEST Christmas playlist...

• "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (A Shrift Remix) by Andy Williams
• "Step into Chrismas" by Elton John
• "Run Rudolph Run" by Brian Adams
• "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey
• "Winter Wonderland" by Eurythmics
• "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway
• "Sleigh Ride" by KT Tunstall
• "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by The Pointer Sisters
• "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney
• "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" by *Nsync
• "Little Drummer Boy" by Jars of Clay
• "Last Christmas" by Wham!
• "My Only Wish (This Year)" by Britney Spears
• "Deck the Halls/Silent Night" by Whitney Houston
• "Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• "Santa Baby" by Madonna
• "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by U2
• "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Jackson 5
• "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson

... may your days be merry and bright...