Festive-ities

Christmas is just around the corner! So now is the time to get everything done and get into a festive mood. Here are some ideas to get this holiday week kicked off!

Make a gingerbread house

I love making gingerbread houses! Whether you make it from scratch or use a kit, it can still be a fun activity for a group of family or friends, or even to do by yourself. The one I made, as pictured here, was a kit. I also bought a couple extra decorations that did not come in the box. My mom and I had a great time doing this together and it always puts me into a festive mood!



Bake some cookies
Baking cookies is a Christmas tradition in many homes. I love having the job of being head cookie baker for my family! There are so many kinds of cookies you can make, but here are a few of my top recommendations-
Chocolate Chip- nothing can beat a classic chocolate chip! And if you feel like being even more festive, swap out chocolate chips for holiday colored M&Ms!
Peanut Butter- these taste amazing, and there's nothing better than adding a chocolate kiss on top!
Sugar- everyone needs a good sugar cookie recipe. I love using cookie cutters on my sugar cookie dough and decorating them as trees, reindeer, and santa hats!

Christmas Movie Marathon
It's not Christmas for me until I've watched my favorite Christmas movies! My top 10 list would have to be (in no particular order)...

• Elf
• Santa Clause (1,2,and 3!)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• Frosty the Snowman
• The Polar Express
• A Christmas Story
• Home Alone
• It's a Wonderful Life
• A Charlie Brown Christmas

Wrap some presents

Wrapping presents can be a burden at times, so I try to turn it into a fun activity by adding some fun! I love making things look beautiful, and wrapping is a great chance to show some creativity. And whether or not you use bags or paper, bow or tissue, you can make any present look wonderful.

This video offers some ideas if you can't come up with anything creative! 

Listen to christmas carols
And finally, you must listen to all the classic christmas songs. Here are my top 10 (once again in no particular order)...

• All I Want for Christmas is You
• Blue Christmas
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• Believe
• Frosty the Snowman
• Where Are You Christmas
• Jingle Bell Rock
• Last Christmas
• Silent Night
• Holly Jolly Christmas

You can also follow my Christmas Spotify playlist here. Or listen to any of their various playlists!