Christmas ramblings.

Throughout December I listen to "Happy Christmas" by the Beatles on repeat. And I'm not ashamed to say I also really dig Hanson's "Snowed In" album. Like, every song on that album.

I love the movie Home Alone; it's my favorite Christmas movie. My favorite quotes in Home Alone are "Silver tuna tonight!" - which I sometimes say in real life conversations - and "When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone!" And yes, I know it's probably the cheesiest movie ever. I also immensely enjoy It's a Wonderful Life, Elf, A Christmas Carol, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

When I'm walking around downtown and I see garland woven with white lights wrapped gaily around lamp posts, colored lights strung on every store, and lit-up Christmas trees in the display windows, I almost cry because it's so beautiful.

The scent of freshly cut firewood, hot apple cider, and holiday-scented candles will never grow old.

All year long I crave the taste of the cranberry + Sprite punch served at Christmas Eve, so when Christmas Eve comes I have a glass...or seven.

I love Christmas-colored tulle and I am going to tie it around all the gifts I give this year.

And when I come home for Christmas and see the tree with mom's collection of Christopher Radko ornaments and peacock feathers on the very top, my heart will swell.