Favorite Christmas Everything – Part One!
Happiest December, Friends!
I am trying to soak up every activity of the season this year in an attempt to be more present. Does anyone else have this problem? We are so busy doing Christmas that we wake up and miss Christmas?
One thing I am focusing on is taking a photo a day this December, so make sure you’re following me on Instagram to see what all I’m up to!
Three years ago I did a few Just Me, JC posts on all my favorite Christmas everything, so I wanted to update the posts. Most of the content is the same because the things we love most about Christmas never change! Let’s first talk about Christmas movies. I LOVE Christmas movies so much! I could do a whole post on my ode to Hallmark, but today we will stick with the classics. In no particular order these are ten of my favorites. How many of these make your list too?
I think the main reason I love this movie is because my mom loved it so much. She always cried at the end. Always. Mr. Potter scared me, and I always felt the overwhelming need to practice “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” on the piano over and over, but this sweet movie just represents special memories with mom.
I remember the first time I saw Elf. I was on a charter bus on my way to a college bowl game in Georgia the week of Christmas with the marching band. I had never heard so many “adult” guys and gals begging to watch a movie. It had come out the Christmas before, but I somehow missed it. I laughed out loud so many times, and the memory of watching the film with 40 of my closest band friends is so special to me. I think we’re seeing a pattern here. It’s not just the movie; it’s the experience of seeing it that often means the most.
#sonofanutcracker
I most definitey prefer the oldest version of this film with Maureen O’Hara. I love the NYC setting, Macy’s, and rediscovering the magic of Christmas through a child’s eyes.
This one is self explanatory. Always a good watch no matter how many times you’ve seen it!
I just love this one! Such a sweet, romantic Christmas everything.
I also remember watching this one for the first time in sixth grade science class the day before Christmas break. We were big Home Improvement fans at my house, so my whole family loves this one. And I think my dad is shooting for the Santa Clause look.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
I love the old claymation movies so much. They remind me of my childhood and grandparents and all the feels. I wanted to adopt all of those poor misfit toys – especially the spotted elephant.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Classic. Christmas. Just yes.
Wanna know why I was always obsessed with Frosty? Because the little girl’s name is Karen. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. I always felt so sorry for Karen freezing to death.
(For those of you who don’t know, my mom’s name is Karen.)
This movie was Jud’s addition. I asked him for a tenth movie to add to this list, and he said his top two are the Grinch and Charlie Brown. I didn’t even think of this one, so he helped round out my favorite movie list!
You can’t have Christmas without all the Christmas carols! Music literally defines the season!
Here are some of my favorites. I didn’t include links because most of us only use iTunes anyway, so there’s no real reason to like to CDs!
Michael Buble
The Carpenters
This one just defines Christmas for me. I grew up on The Carpenters. Mom loved them!
Nat King Cole
Sandi Patty
Bing Crosby
Hands down the very best Christmas album ever!
Celtic Woman
Clay Aiken
Judge me if you want, but this is a fantastic album!
Martina McBride
I don’t ever listen to country, but she does a fantastic job on these carols.
Point of Grace
My very first concert was to Point of Grace. This album is an oldie, but goody!
Jewel
Jewel is my favorite solo female artist. I’ve seen her live once, and she’s hilarious too. I love this album!
HONORABLE MENTION: Sara McLachlan, Maria Carey, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, and Elmo and Patsy!
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I’d love to hear your favorite CHRISTMAS MOVIES AND MUSIC in the comments! I’ll be blogging most all of December – the most wonderful time of the year! – so come back tomorrow for more fun!
