It's That Time of Year

Today is Black Friday, which means the holiday season is officially underway. Shoppers are storming the malls, Wal-Marts and Best Buys today to find themselves immersed in Christmas music and the madness of finding the perfect gift. I, myself, have never participated in Black Friday shopping, and I don't intend on changing that this year. Although I did purchase a few gifts on Amazon.com today, within the comforts of my own home. :)

In an effort to avoid the crowds today, I plan on eating Thanksgiving leftovers (the best!) and decorating my dad's house (AKA putting up the Christmas tree!) while my sister is in town for the weekend. I love putting up the Christmas tree and looking at old ornaments (some that I've had since I was a baby) while listening to Christmas music.

But to those brave enough to fight the crowds... I'd like to share some of my favorite songs and movies of the holiday season, the things that remind me what Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and all of the other holidays are all about: spending time with and appreciating your family, friends and loved ones. And hopefully it will remind you, too, what's important to you during this holiday season.

The Classics:

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas - Bing Crosby

The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland

Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley

Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas - Shirley Temple

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Bing Crosby

But you can't forget these:

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Bruce Springsteen

All I Want For Christmas is You - Maria Carey

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - N Sync (You know you love it, too!)

Christmas Don't Be Late - Alvin and the Chipmunks


Favorite Christmas movies:

Elf! Here's a clip of Zooey Deschanel singing "Baby It's Cold Outside."

The Nightmare Before Christmas (A scene of Jack singing one of my favorite songs in the movie, "What's This?")

Love Actually (I love their version of the Beatles' "All You Need is Love")

Home Alone

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (The original Dr. Seuss version)

And last but certainly not least, my all-time favorite Christmas movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." If you haven't seen this one yet, go rent it, TONIGHT! One of my favorite scenes:


Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

And if you have favorite Christmas songs or movies that weren't mentioned, I'd love to hear what's on your list!