Home for the Holidays

As promised, I will now share photos of my CHRISTMAS DECORATING GREATNESS!!! Maybe I'm exaggerating on the "greatness" part... maybe not. You decide.

Last year was incredibly difficult on many levels, so our brand new apartment (at the time) never received the "holiday treatment." It's wonderful to be in the proper spirit to celebrate the Advent Season.

Our apartment has never felt more like a home than it does this December. It's funny, every decoration I have has a story and so many people have contributed to my collection that it's actually quite beautiful how much Christmas in my home represents the community of beautiful people surrounding me.

I put snow and berries on my tree instead of garland. I have another tree that I add gold ribbon to, but that one didn't make the cut this year. Are you LOVING my Disney mug?? Check your local Disney Store-- they're half off right now!

 

I realize my Dicken's Village is comprised of two whole buildings-- I'm working on it!-- but two of the best buildings: The Cratchet's and Scrooge's Counting House, complete with interior scenes. Next I hope to add Scrooge's home and get a figure of Bob Cratchet and Tiny Tim.

 

One of my favorite books for the season!

My Disney winter stuffed animals needed some air (the "ball" on the right is Betty the Yeti).

Thanks for taking a tour of my home at Christmas!

Christmas is coming....

...the goose is getting fat!  (Or as I used to sing happily when I was little: "The Goose is getting laid!")

As Andy Williams says, it's the most stressful wonderful time of the year!!!  In all seriousness, I am incredibly excited for Christmas this year, as last year I was pretty much Ebenezer Scrooge from Black Friday until Dec. 26th.

I already kicked off the season early with a Starbucks snowman cookie (seriously, they're fucking delicious-- yes, it deserved the "F" word!), Williams-Sonoma hot chocolate-- made on the stove with milk, thank you very much-- and cinnamon marshmallows from Atwater's Village Bakery and Cafe. 

We traversed over to The Americana at Brand where you can visit Santa in his house, stroll around beautifully decorated grounds while listening to classic Christmas tunes, savor the 100ft. tree, or chase the suds they call "snow" at designated times. It's a blast!

 

 

Plus I added to my holiday movie collection with this beauty:

It's cute but "The Thin Man" is still my favorite film to watch this time of year.

In honor of the Holiday Season, I'll be posting more recipes and product reviews for gift ideas this year. Not to mention I'll have a few movie posts reviewing some of the latest releases (anyone else excited for "Les Miserables" and "The Hobbit?!"), as well as awesome/cheesy/terrible holiday films.

What are some of your Christmas traditions?