Things to Do for the Holidays

Although I will be with my family starting tomorrow, I'm still not quite in the holiday spirit...so I thought I'd kick off the Christmas countdown with a couple of short lists--you can add any of these to your big list.

Must See Christmas movies: Nothing is better than being curled up with a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate or some popcorn and watching any (or all) of these Christmas classics.

• Miracle on 34th Street
• It's a Wonderful Life (this is one of my favorites)
• A Christmas Story (you'll shoot your eye out...lol)
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (classic cartoon version is still the best)
• Polar Express (this is a great film if you've never seen it)
• Frosty the Snowman
• Elf (Will Ferrell, syrup and spaghetti...enough said)
• Home Alone (still a classic)
• The Muppets Christmas Carol
  
  and of course... Charlie Brown Christmas

Great Christmas tunes: I'll be putting together a cd tonight to listen to on my 7 hour drive

• The Christmas Song- Mel Torme OR Nat King Cole
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town- The Jackson 5
• Santa Baby- Joan Ellen Javits
• This Christmas- Donnie Hathaway (still the best version ever!!)
• Let it Snow- Boys II Men and Brian McKnight version
• Silent Night- Temptations
• Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer- Temptation
• The Chipmunk Christmas Song- Alvin and the Chipmunks
• All I want for Christmas- Mariah Carey version

and the one that always makes me think of Christmas:

Carol of the Bells- the Trans Siberian Orchestra version rocks!

Things to do to put you right in the holiday mood: Continue or start a holiday tradition this year

• Bake a batch of cookies*
• Make Christmas cards*
• Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' on Christmas Eve*
• Drive (or walk) around your neighborhood and look at Christmas lights OR find a local drive through light display (we do this every year. our neighbors put up great Christmas displays)
• Have a Christmas movie fest (see above)
• Make homemade decorations
• Get your picture taken with Santa
• Go for a train or sleigh ride (a lot of parks have Christmas train rides set up and things like that)

and lest we forget the reason for the season:

Go to church (most have Xmas eve programs and services. Even if you are not particularly religious it's a good opportunity to connect with people)

If you're wondering why I starred 3 items--see below

Ideas for giving back: Please let's not forget there are those who are going through hard times this season. And it's not too late to volunteer. Here are some small ways to help

• Volunteer to serve Chirstmas dinner at your local food bank/homeless shelter
• Donate blankets/food/supplies to your local charity or Salvation army
• Bake cookies*--and give a batch to an elderly neighbor or friend who may be alone for the holidays
• Make Christmas cards*--and take them to the local retirement home or veteran's hospital
• Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' on Christmas Eve*--or any other book at a local children's hospital (call and see if they need volunteers or have a program set up)
• Become a "Secret Santa"-- if you happen to know someone in need, do something small. For instance if you have a co worker/neighbor who is struggling, buy a $25 gift card to the local grocery store or gas station and give it to them anonymously.

Ok, I'm feeling a little more Christmas spirit already! Be safe and enjoy your holidays!