I love giving presents. I love the face people make when opening up the specifically picked gift, hearing the sounds of the wrapping paper tearing. I love the hugs and thank yous, the ‘Oh my god! You totally shouldn’t have (but I’m secretly really really glad you did)’s.

However, I hate the process you need to take to get there. I guess you could say I hate being thrown into a crowd of about 5,376.5 people all on the same mission. It’s like survival of the fittest except the contestants are fatter and will kill you to get the prize.

So, to help every other last-minute shopper out there, here are ten gift ideas that are sure to warm the hearts of the loved ones in your life. Or at least make them wince with an unappreciative ”Yeah, totally love it.” Read More »

It’s official.  The holiday season has started.

I’ve spent weeks and weeks bemoaning the fact that Christmas commercials were airing in November. Macy’s has had their holiday decorations up for months. The Starbucks baristas have been wearing Santa hats since the day after Halloween. “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet,” I kept saying. “Why are people already doing their holiday shopping, why are the decorations already up? The holiday season starts after Thanksgiving. That’s the way it goes!!” The early start seriously upset me. And I refused to take part in it. But now, it seems, I have nothing to complain about.

Thanksgiving is over.

We’ve watched the parade. We’ve carved the turkey. We stuffed ourselves with stuffing and cranberry sauce and ate pumpkin pie until we wanted to puke. And then, when the feeling passed, we ate more. The holiday season is upon us. So I better just get in the spirit. Here’s how.

10. Watch a Christmas movie. Everyone has a favorite holiday movie. So what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by watching Tim Allen in The Santa Clause or the Olsen twins in To Grandmother’s House We Go? There’s always the recently made into a musical, Elf, or the kind of creepy but still enjoyable The Polar Express. Everyone has a favorite. Just find yours on YouTube and enjoy.

9. Order a peppermint mocha or a caramel latte. These have been available since the first of November and although I drank my coffee from Starbuck’s Christmas cups I refused to indulge in a peppermint mocha until the day after Thanksgiving. So after I did some cyber shopping, I went out and got one. It was worth the wait.

8. Decorate your dorm room. Don’t wait until you’re back home to decorate for the holidays. Get into the spirit now. Studying for finals and finishing out a semester that should have ended the day before Thanksgiving is depressing enough without prolonging your holiday cheer. So don’t. Hang twinkle lights. Make paper snowflakes. Throw tinsel everywhere. And while you’re decorating… Read More »

Secret santas and fruit cake — two simple holidays staples I consider pretty innocent and wholesome. But in last night’s episode of Nip/Tuck, they were anything but. Santa’s secrecy reached a new level and that cake had some serious scandal baked inside.

Let’s begin with the love triangle.

Julia, Christian and Sean were seemingly adorable with their litte secret santa tradition. But beyond who’s buying what for who (like it’s hard to figure out with 3 people), Julia and Christian were secretly falling in love, leaving poor, mid-life crisis Sean out in the cold.

I couldn’t believe it took him so long to figure things out. But I guess it was quite appropriate for him to realize the truth once they revealed their gifts to each other. Merry Christmas Sean. Although it seemed like he was willing to accept the circumstances, I doubt Sean will give Christian his blessing.

Side note: Was this episode all about Julia or what? Not only were two guys practically fighting over her, but Eden was out to get her with her homemade fruit cake.

Honestly, what in God’s name was this about? Read More »

‘Tis the season for parties, get togethers and family dinners.

And if you’re going to be spending the next few weeks in a perpetual state of socialization, you’d better look your best!

Manicure anyone?

Lancome, the French makeup brand who I mostly associate with mom’s and makeup counters at the mall has released it’s newest polish which is set to completely blow your mind.

Le Magnetique is a brand new nail varnish that is activated with its own custom magnet…which leaves a sassy little star shape on each and every finger. Perfect for the holidays, right? Read More »

I do not celebrate Christmas; I am a Hanukkah kind of gal. You know…a Jew. And I love me some Hannukah. From the fried potato pancakes smothered in apple sauce to the time I spend with my family; I truly do adore this holiday.

Oh, and the gifts ain’t too bad either.

But even though I don’t celebrate Christmas, I absolutely love everything about it, too. I love walking around just after Thanksgiving and seeing all the lights and decorations go up. I love how kind and generous people are to one another (except at malls and stores). All the great food, the great sales, and, of course, my Christmas bonus!

Aye! I just love this time of year.

My all time favorite thing about Christmas, though, is the music. When I hear it on the radio I turn it up and belt it out. It is weird, I know, but enjoying the music doesn’t mean that I am suddenly all about Jesus. I just like the spirit, ok?

Maybe it is the lack of Hanukkah songs out there (I do appreciate your attempts, though, Adam Sandler) but there is something about Christmas music that totally pumps me up and puts me in the best mood. I consider myself somewhat of a Christmas Tunes connoisseur, so I thought it only fair to share my knowledge with all of you.

Consider it a gift.

So, here you have it; The Top 10 Best Christmas Songs…According to a Jew. Read More »