"The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer Is Singing Loud for All to Hear"

It's officially Christmas time for me! My finals are over, I'm home for Christmas break, the tree is up and decorated, and I watched Elf last night. Christmas time is my FAVORITE season/holiday without a doubt. I'm not sure what it is about Christmas but it just puts me in a good mood.

When I was younger Christmas was special because of the presents but now it seems to have a much deeper meaning. There is just something magical about Christmas time. For me some things must be a specific way when it comes to Christmas. The tree must be put up asap, the nativity scene must be in the center of the dining room table and only I can do it correctly, and Mariah Carey Christmas music must be played while decorating the tree. Maybe it's my type A personality shining through, me being an only child, and/or Christmas is just that important to me that things have to be done these ways. Last year I got upset that my aunt stayed over for Christmas...pathetic I know but hey it's Christmas!

The first night I was home for break(Friday) a few friends wanted my bf and I to come over and I refused to go over unless the tree was up and decorated and even said 'No one messes with my Christmas' when Aaron said we were expected to be at the friends' house a lot sooner. Okay, yes I could have put it in a less obnoxious-only-child-like-way but again it's Christmas! Last night we watched my favorite Christmas movie, ELF with Will Ferrell. I can't help but smile while watching that movie and I know the movie like the back of my hand. There is just so much innocence and pure Christmas cheer in that movie that it is hard not to love it and quote every line. Now I just need to watch Home Alone 1 and 2, and maybe the old school Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer if I can get my hands on it. Ohhh yeah, and go Christmas shopping...

Speaking of shopping...
This year it has been really hard for me to think of things to go on my wish list and also what to get people. Usually I have a good idea what I want, I guess it was a lot easier when all I wanted were Barbies and toy horses. Now that I'm older and have better taste it's hard to ask for things because all the things that I want are expensive. I blame my mom for making me look through Vogue as a kid and making me appreciate good looking and good quality things like Louis Vuitton bags and designer shoes. The Earth Kit song "Santa Baby" sadly sums it up:

"Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me
Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don't mean a phone
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight"

Obviously I can't expect people to get me these expensive things but I really don't 'need' anything but food, money, and maybe a new pair of Rainbows.

I'm also unsure about what to get friends and family, especially my boyfriend. My requirement for whatever I usually get him is that I know(before purchasing) that he will use it. I really don't like giving people gifts that they won't use. Sometimes I have to give in if the gifts are funny or fit the person's personality but I'm very picky about presents for friends. I put a lot of thought into things I buy or make for someone. Maybe that's another reason why Christmas is so special to me, the joy of giving is such a reality. I have to feel good about what I give people because I know if I don't like the gift I'm giving they probably won't either.

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
Our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas"