First up, favorite Christmas song: Mary, Did You Know?
I don't even have words to describe why this is my favorite. There is just something about the lyrics and the melody. It's almost like a lullaby, but the message is so powerful and soulful.
Favorite Christmas Movie: Elf. Or The Holiday. Or Love Actually. Oh, but I do enjoy a good classic, too. Hmmm...decisions never were my forte. Especially with movies...
Favorite Christmas Gift This Year: Invicta Watch
Well, I cheated a little because this is the only gift I've gotten so far this year. But I think it's absolutely beautiful! The boy got me this Invicta watch that I had spied on the Rue La La boutique one day. (Interested in joining Rue La La? Click here and get a $10 credit towards your first purchase!) I'm not sure where he ended up getting it, possibly through an eBay seller, but I believe it is still available on sites like Amazon and Overstock.com.
Isn't is gorgeous? It's a chunkier style, which I worried about since I have small hands and wrists. I actually had to have all 6 of the spare links taken out. But I really think it is more of a statement piece rather than seeming gaudy or too large for me. It has a sapphire coated face too, which I was pleased to discover. That way it is more scratch resistant (especially since there is a larger surface to scratch!) without being as pricey as a sapphire faced watch.
Favorite Christmas Gift as a Kid: Barbie Dream Boat (circa 1994).
Don't remember this one? Let me remind you with the commercial that won my heart.
It had a pool that you could actually fill with water. And a blender! Because what 7 year old doesn't need a blender?!?! I remember begging my mom to buy me this. And then I remember in my bed time prayers every night: "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, but if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless Mom and Dad and brother and (whoever else I would think to pray for)...and please let Santa bring me a Barbie Dream Boat for Christmas. Amen." Christmas morning I ran to the top of the stairs and looked down...and there next to the tree was a big package wrapped in a black garbage bag with a big red bow. (It never occurred to me that Santa probably would have elves use their fancy Christmas paper. I wasn't about to be picky.) And MY name was on it. I just knew it was my Dream Boat, and I was one heck of a happy kid that Christmas. Bless my parents' hearts, but they are not the greatest gift givers. Dad does well if you ask for technology -- laptop, camera, etc. Otherwise, he doesn't have a clue. Mom likes to know exactly what you want and is much happier if you pick it out and she pays you back for it. (Side: I personally love giving - and receiving! - gifts. It just feels good. And it makes other people happy. And I am inherently, as anyone can tell you, a people pleaser. It's a blessing and a curse...). But THAT Christmas was a slam dunk. Mom will tell you now it's because one Christmas she didn't buy my brother some ninja turtle toy he wanted, because she thought it was just a stupid piece of plastic. My brother apparently was heart-broken and thought Santa forgot to bring it. Mom felt soooo bad about it that she went right out and bought it for him. I guess it's one of the perks of being the youngest child that your parents learn that lesson the first time.
Favorite Christmas Joke: I'm only including this because I just heard it this week.
Q: Whats the difference between Santa and Tiger Woods?
A: Santa stopped at 3 hoes.
Favorite Christmas Tradition: Traveling to see family.
We travel. Every Christmas. For as long as I can remember we have gone to mass on Christmas Eve, then hit the road Christmas morning to St. Louis or St. Charles to visit Dad's side of the family. Then the day after we skip over to Illinois to celebrate with Mom's side. The only change to this routine that has ever been made is when (**spoiler alert**) we had finally accepted that Santa wasn't real. We started opening gifts, etc on Christmas Eve instead so we weren't rushing around in the morning. I think I'll have a very difficult time adjusting once...I mean if ever...I get married and have to adapt this tradition. I have a fairly large family, so Christmas always included lots of people and gifts and food and I can't imagine not celebrating in this fashion.
Favorite Christmas Treat: Again, decisions aren't my forte. My mom used to always make this strawberry pretzel salad. I could never figure out why it was called a "salad" because you cut it in squares. It had a pretzel-based crust, with a delicious cream cheese layer, topped with strawberry jello (with real fruit in it). Aunt Peggy always makes heaping mounds of cookies -- of which I immediately go for the gooey butter cookies. I think it's a St. Louis thing, but this is the only place and time of year that I know I can get gooey butter cookies. Yum! Although since I've been "of age" the traditional mimosas, Bailey's and eggnog that make their rounds Christmas day are working their way up my list.
On a totally unrelated note, I found this text I received last night quite humorous. One of my oldest and dearest friends sent a random message that said "If you get engaged and don't tell me, I will cry. I'll be happy for you but I will cry." I called her immediately, despite it being 10:30 p.m. and us both having to work in the morning, to find out what the HECK that was all about it! I made it very clear to her that I am no where close to being engaged. Apparently a good college friend of hers got engaged and she found out 2 weeks after the fact via Facebook. We laughed about it and caught up for a while, which made me smile. And since this post is already long enough, I'll sign off now...Sleep sweet, blog world!
Simply,
MJ
Thanks for the shout out! I found that Christmas things were so hard to narrow down...but nice choice on the Clay Aiken version. It is definitely my favorite of that song too! Merry Christmas!
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