Click here for the audio blog.
Music:
"Carol of the Bells" Trans-Siberian Orchestra featuring Metallica
"It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas" Bing Crosby
"Christmas Time is Here" Vince Guaraldi Trio
"The Christmas Song" Nat King Cole
"Deck the Halls" Alena Hicken & Rebecca Mordo
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" Brenda Lee
It is 3 days before Christmas. Last weekend, we received our first bit of road-sticking, “danger” snow, though the only remnants of it now are nestled atop my car’s windshield. I decided that this week, I’d keep (most of) my cynical sarcasm at bay, and talk about my favorite Christmas traditions, be they big or small.
1. The shopping.
Somehow the smell of fresh evergreens mixed with Abercrombie and Fitch’s natural tool aroma distracts me from the screaming children, hormonal Hot Topic dwelling teenagers and mothers at the brink of sanity being harassed at every kiosk they pass.
2. The music.
Ah, yes. From Bing Crosby’s “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,” to the entire Charlie Brown Christmas album by Vince Guaraldi Trio, to my all time favorite Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” Each tune hits me just right and makes me feel 5 years old again.
3. The decorations.
I feel I can say with much confidence that our apartment is the most cheery of the complex. From the bow on our front door, to the lights framing our back sliding doors, I imagine passers-by looking in are filled with warmth, joy and envy for the badass that is our holiday cheer. Our tree is bright with symmetrical decorations and the living room grandfather clock brings peace to all who gaze upon its ticking face. Outside of the clock, I had next to nothing to do with any of this.
4. The family and friends.
This year, I get to celebrate Christmas day with two families: my blood relatives who are my best friends and biggest supporters, and my Bloomington family, who are there for me, entertain me and keep me out of trouble from day to day.
Though our Christmas is not ostentatious,
We love and remain humble & gracious,
With the love of family and dear friends,
Outlasting the cold, our Christmas spirit sees no end.
Happy Holidays to all, may 2010 bring you and yours peace, joy and well-deserved revenge upon your enemies.
This is a lovely post. I, too, love all of those things about Christmas! I like how you describe the feeling you imagine of someone looking into your house at your Christmas decor. Isn't it funny how lights and ribbons make us feel so warm and cheery at this time of year?
ReplyDeleteTo expand on your list, my #5 would be the food. Christmas cookies, brownies, fudge, cocoa, candy canes. It is a big part of the season for me. Also, I would tie movies in with music. "A Christmas Story" is a classic. We were trying to find "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "Home Alone" but to no avail. I'm stuck with "Jingle All the Way."
Have a holiday milkshake for me ;)
P.S. I put a link to your blog on my page.
i had a hunch you've been throwing the scrabble games. it's nice that you let us win every time but i see through your ruse.
ReplyDelete...ostentatious...
see you at Christmas.
Zannie, (tee hee, Zannie)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Food is definitely on the list, but there's so much and I wasn't sure how I would audibly represent it in a non-gross, hearing people chew kind of way. Also, as soon as I found that Ralphy photo I realized I should have done movies, but I think I could devote a whole separate blog to movies alone! Isn't "Jingle All the Way" that Arnold Schwarzenegger movie? Booooo! We'll watch Home Alone & A Christmas Story when you return, despite it being January :)
p.s. That's so cool, thank you!!!
Dear Drivica,
I ain't gots the least bit of a clu wut ur talkin bout. i was meanin to say ostredge...yah, tats the tiket.
You are right about the movies. Remember when we DID have a blog about movies? "Jingle All the Way" is indeed the Schwarzenegger movie.
ReplyDeleteDid you write that little poem? It's gorgeous.
Yes, I did write the poem, thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat blog did we have about movies? When I was moving over the summer I found an old notebook with movie reviews we had written. They were hilarious! Is that what you're refering to?