Let it Snow

I decided it was the perfect time to sit down by the fireplace, and to simply enjoy a good book. As I sat there, I realized it would only make sense to read a Christmas book, which I immediately knew which one I would dive into for the second time.  I reached for “Let it Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle.

I know what you’re thinking, “How can a book be written by 3 people?!” This book is crafted in just the right way; it would be weird if it weren’t! The book is actually a compilation of 3 different short stories, each story slowly and ever so slightly tying into the last. (It’s truly only something that certain authors could do)

I would be the world’s biggest liar if I didn’t admit to you that I only got this book for two reasons. 1) It was a Christmas book and 2) JOHN GREEN, DUH! John green is hands down one of my favorite authors, the way he writes just makes me laugh! When I read this book for the first time, I really thought I would just like John’s part of the 3 stories, because I had no idea who the other authors were.  As I began to read I was so disappointed to see that John’s chapter wasn’t the first story, but the second. Which if any of you are big readers like I am, you can’t break the sacred code; I was actually going to have to read someone else before John.

 I dove right in, and fell in love with the characters that Maureen Johnson created. She wrote beautifully, and it was truly one of the best short stories I had ever read. Of course, John’s story was equally amazing, and the last story by Lauren Myracle was the icing on top of the cake. It was a wonderful Christmas book; that would make you laugh, and make you feel all warm and fuzzy.  I would definitely recommend this book to ANYONE during the holiday seasons. 

I realize that this seems like a really strange book review, seeing how I didn’t even mention the story line, trust me I know.  I went to try and fit into words just how the stories worked, and realized there was no good way to tell you about the three short stories, without giving away the best parts!  Sadly, you will just have to take my word on how wonderful this book is.  I hope you all get the chance to curl up by a fire, with some amazing spritz cookies and get drawn into this brilliant holiday book. It’s a book I plan on having become a yearly Christmas tradition for me!

Christmas Movie Night

Big fluffy blanket, crackling fireplace, cup of hot chocolate and the perfect Christmas movie playing in the background.  Sounds nearly perfect right?  I started to mentally prepare myself for one of my cozy Christmas movie nights the other day, and realized just how monumental these moments were.  I never realized how much I actually looked forward to these nights!  There is just something about curling up and watching a good ole’ Christmas movie.  Below are some of my absolute favorite Christmas movies that are perfect for one of these nights.  I also might add that some of these movies have amazing soundtracks along with them! Depending what kind of Christmas movie you are looking for, I have them categorized for you! J

Nostalgic:

•        The Grinch
•        Disney’s A Christmas Carol
•        The Polar Express
•        Prancer
•        The Santa Clause

Humorous:

•        Elf
•        National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
•        Four Christmases
•        A Christmas Story

Romance:

•        Hitched for the Holidays
•        It’s a Wonderful Life

Oh Christmas Tree

As we decided it was time to finally being to “deck the halls” at our house, we immediately headed straight to the Christmas tree box.  This Christmas tree is an iconic symbol of Christmas world wide, and it’s all around magical to look at. 

As we went to put up our Christmas tree, my dad put it together, and went to plug it in.  (Take note that we had bought this tree 4 years ago, pre-lit, and we’ve ALWAYS had problems with the lights) In previous years, after we plugged it in we noticed one or two sections lights weren’t working, in which my dad would begin to work with the wires, resulting in him eventually getting the whole thing to light up.

 This year as we all crossed our fingers as he reached for the plug, once it made contact a whopping 12 lights on the tree worked. Defeat, that’s the only word I can use to describe the look on all of our faces as quickly we all began to loose the “Christmas cheer” luster.  We all sat, waiting for my dad’s reaction. Finally he stood up, looked at the tree and muttered “nope, not today”.  All of us looked up at my dad to see what we were going to do, in which he responded with unplugging the tree and taking it apart. 

We all laughed and joked about it, but then we realized, WE DON’T HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE! My mom then went into her room and grabbed three, very skinny, very unconventional Christmas trees and arranged them around the living area where the “stupid” Christmas tree was supposed to be. 

All of us girls just looked up at her and just shook our heads and said “it’s better than rewiring that old tree!” If that isn’t lazy family problem solving, I don’ t know what is! 

When the trees first went up I didn’t know how I felt about this weird Christmas tree assortment, but in the end I actually kind of like it better! It’s like having a forest in our living room!  Oh, the Christmas memories the Klahr’s make.

Christmas Spritz Cookies

I wanted to share something that really sparks some Christmas cheer at my house during the holiday season, which of course means cookies!  I’m not really sure when this tradition started, but all I know is now we can’t go a year without! 

We call them “spritz cookies” comparable to a sugar cookie, but with a slight short bread vibe. (Sorry describing things isn’t exactly my best skill) I can tell you this for sure; they are absolutely delicious.  My dad is usually the one that makes them every year, and in past years he has even colored them and made them into adorable little shapes.

           

I would also like to note that this isn’t an old family recipe, we aren’t THAT creative! J It’s featured in an older Betty Crocker cookbook that my parents were given when they got married. I really encourage you all to try out this recipe; they make a really great Christmas gift!

Prep Time: 25 min; Bake Time: 45 min

Makes about 30 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup stick butter, softened*

½ cup sugar

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour**

1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla

½ teaspoon salt

1 large egg

Few drops red or green food color, if desired

•     Heat oven to 400˚ F
•     Mix butter and sugar in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients.
•     Place dough in cookie press. Form desired shapes on ungreased cookie sheet.
•      Bake 6 to 9 minutes or until set but NOT brown. IMMEDIATELY remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

* Don’t use margarine or vegetable oil spreads.

** Do not use self-rising flour in this recipe.

The Best Christmas Playlist of All Time

As I explained in my last post I have a true love for Christmas, and all the music that comes along with it.  I love pretty much all Christmas music that there is, whether it’s the classic “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby or the new “That’s Christmas to me” by Pentatonix, it can make my heart swell with nostalgic holiday vibes.  As I sat here thinking about what I wanted to write today, I decided why not share with you some of my all time favorite Christmas songs?! All of these songs that I show you here are just a small snippet of what’s on my massive Spotify playlist (it’s up to 3 hours, woops!) Enjoy.

o   It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

o   Snow Globe by Matt Wertz

o   Believe by Josh Groban

o   It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé

o   That’s Christmas to Me by Pentatonix

o   Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! By Dean Martin

o   All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

o   Papa Elf by John Debney

o   Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

o   Baby it’s Cold Outside by Dean Martin

o   Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby ft. The Andrews

o   Mistletoe by Justin Bieber

o   White Winter Hymnal by Pentatonix