12.18.2011

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

As I get older, I find myself embracing parts of who I am, that never had a place to land previously. This Christmas season, I've really discovered how festive I am and how much I love to get in the Christmas spirit.  So, for all my blog followers out there, I've decided to write a how to guide on how to get in (and stay in) the Christmas spirit this holiday season.

First things first, you must wet your appetite  for all the festive treats you are going to experience.
My personal favorite way to start: A Grande Starbucks Peppermint White Mocha, Non-fat, No Foam, Extra hot :)

What's your favorite Christmas drink?

Once you have driven to your local Starbucks and picked up this delicacy, it's time to move on to the next treat of the season. Christmas music! Here in San Jose, KOIT radio (96.5) has round the clock Christmas music----some good, some.... not so good. (Why did Madonna ever think she should sing Santa Baby? ... just sayin.) This year, I've found a few favorites that will surely put a jingle in your ear:

Michael Buble's Christmas Album


seriously... if this guy doesn't put you in the mood, no one will.
















The next special treasure I found today actually at the local Salvation Army.



I'm currently listening to Christmas Sing-Along with Mitch, and it's a true gem. The best part is, it comes complete with a booklet of lyrics for all the songs. Cannot wait to sit around the fire and sing with my kids someday :).... with Mitch.






What would Christmas season be without Christmas cookies? Every single year, my Dad and I would spend at least one full day making cookies. We worked laboriously for hours to make hundreds and hundreds of cookies to share with everyone. This year, I decided to continue the tradition and find a sugar cookies recipe of my own. They didn't turn out too shabby  :)





Step 1: Make dough, let it chill for 1 hour, then cut cookies and bake!










We all know the best part is frosting and decorating! I chose a delicious cream cheese frosting, for my sugar cookies this year.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cream-cheese-frosting-ii-2/







The next part, which REALLY cannot be skipped or messed with, is decorating the house. You can do this before making cookies, but definitely not before the peppermint mocha. This step MUST be combined with listening to good Christmas tunes.This has been one of my favorite things this year. Ideally, you are going to go to the tree lot to get a real tree, like I did... Check it out.
This is our centerpiece for our dining room table, very proud of it if I do say so myself. I collected and glittered those pinecones myself. Much better than paying ten buck each!



 I know there are many other traditions for people get in the spirit for the holiday season. You honestly need to watch at least a few good Christmas movies. My personal favorites would be: Elf, Little Women, Gremlins, and White Christmas. So make sure that you are spending time with those you love this year and taking the time to treat yourself to a peppermint mocha or two....hundred. I wanted this post to be longer, but I'm actually in Disneyland with my dad right now, so I know another good one will be coming soon. Merry Christmas everyone. I miss you all. Wish you were with us here!
Just a little teaser of what's to come...