It’s that time of year again, when the weather is getting colder, and the semester is coming to an end, and there’s a reminder of the holiday season everywhere you turn. From Christmas carols to wrapping paper, to baked goods, the usual December suspects are all around us. But nothing truly says the holiday season quite like Christmas movie marathons. Like the rest of the world, I started the holiday season a little early this year, so I’ve been watching Christmas moves since before Thanksgiving. And I have to say after watching about six (or sixty) of them, I’m beginning to notice a few similarities.

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The holiday season, I’ve come to realize, is all about the traditions. Baking cookies. Listening to festive music. Wrapping presents. Eating way too much in a way too short amount of time. Shopping for days. Decorating. It wouldn’t be Christmas without all of it.

But really, probably my favorite Christmas tradition is the endless Christmas movies. It starts on Thanksgiving day with March of the Wooden Soldiers and continues through the New Year. The perfect excuse for movie marathons and munching on sweets, all I really want to do is grab some hot chocolate and those sugar cookies I bought baked, and settle down with one of my favorite Christmas movies.  Any of these will do. Read More »

With exams and packing this week, I have to be honest, I’ve had little time to read. But, I have been getting myself into the holly, jolly season that is Christmas and thinking about my favorite Christmas stories! Sure, most of them have been turned into movies, but it’s the books (and memories of curling up next to the big tree to read ‘em) that really make me happy this time of year.

I’ve compiled a list that will hopefully get you thinking of fond memories from your younger years and maybe even help you find a new favorite! I know that they are mostly children books, but isn’t Christmas all about being a kid again?

1. The Jolly Christmas Postman
This one was always SO much fun. The Postman books have pages with pockets full of fun things like letters and puzzles. Basically, it tells the story of a Postman who delivers various Christmas letters, cards and packages, and the readers get to play with their own version of each one! I have such fond memories of this one and could spend hours leafing through the novelty letters. Even now.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Everyone knows the Grinch! The Hollywood movie featuring Jim Carrey is eons more popular, but the classic is really where it’s at. Dr. Seuss is a genius in the realm of children’s stories and his take on Christmas is just as fun as all his other work! Maybe compliment this one with a viewing of the television cartoon special? Read More »

Thanksgiving has passed, everything is on sale, and Christmas carols fill the air of every store you go into–yes, the holiday season is in full swing. The next few weeks will be filled with parties, goodies, family time, shopping and avoiding those frigid temps when you can. A great way to do this? Put on some cozy PJ’s, bust out the popcorn, hot cocoa, cider or egg nog, and watch some heartwarming holiday movies.

Nothing puts me into a more jolly mood than these holiday classics (in no particular order)…

1) It’s a Wonderful Life: You’d have to be a total Scrooge not to tear up at this movie about a suicidal man who is reminded of how beautiful his life is (played by the always amazing Jimmy Stewart). It will forever stand as one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time.

2) Home Alone: This movie made Macaulay Culkin the biggest child star on the planet and had audiences around the world roaring as he gave two burglars a Christmas butt whoopin’.

3) Miracle on 34th Street: This classic story about a man claiming to be Kris Kringle being put on trial for legal insanity will make anyone a believer in Old Saint Nick.

4) Love Actually: Not only does this British flick have a fantastic cast (Colin Firth, Keira Knightly, Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson), but it’s a truly lovey dovey romantic comedy that is guaranteed to make ya feel extra cozy.

5) A Christmas Story: This hilarious 80′s movie about a truly American Christmas has stemmed so many famous lines and scenes, people all over the world recognize them: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” (Get’s me every time!) You can even buy that (in)famous sexy leg lamp. Read More »