Things are obviously very different this year and that makes the holidays hard and maybe not as exciting. I was so worried that I wouldn’t have as much Christmas spirit, but I’m so glad I was wrong. I was truly so blessed to celebrate with my family and be surrounded by love. This is the first Christmas in a long time that I’ve been in Texas and it didn’t disappoint.
We’ve reached the final day of my very first blogmas this year. I hope you all enjoyed my posts and had some fun alongside me! I would love to hear your opinion on how I did! I want to get feedback on what posts you enjoyed, ones you might not have liked as much, or what posts to include next year.
Today I thought it would be fun to wrap up blogmas by telling you what my Christmas looked like!
Things are obviously very different this year and that makes the holidays hard and maybe not as exciting. I was so worried that I wouldn’t have as much Christmas spirit, but I’m so glad I was wrong. I was truly so blessed to celebrate with my family and be surrounded by love. This is the first Christmas in a long time that I’ve been in Texas and it didn’t disappoint.
Christmas Eve
My family and I baked Christmas cookies and filmed a fun video for Youtube
I went to my brother and sister-in-law’s to unwrap our annual Christmas pajamas with my nephews, we got matching ones! After that we heated up some milk for our hot chocolate bombs and watched a Christmas movie. I went back home and finished celebrating the night by unwrapping my presents from my dad, stepmom, and sister.
I Facetimed my mom after this and we listened to my grandma’s recording of her reading A Night Before Christmas. As I went to bed I put on a couple Christmas movies and relaxed in my new pajamas and basked in the Christmas spirit, I felt like a kid again.
Christmas Morning
I went back over to my brother’s with all my presents for them. We exchanged gifts, and I also opened my presents from my mom in Ohio. Then, my dad, stepmom, and sister came over and we ate lunch together, played with my nephews, talked conspiracy theories, and ended the night playing Taboo.
Reflecting over this Christmas, I’m so blessed. It was more than I could’ve asked for and nothing short of amazing. I pray you all had a wonderful, safe, and healthy Christmas. This year, more than others, we have so much to be thankful for and it’s important to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
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Love you guys so much, thank you for the support, and Merry Christmas!!
One of the things I look forward to every year is when Spotify releases everyone’s year in review. I love looking back at what I’ve listened to during the year and seeing all the stats. I also love seeing everyone else’s when they share theirs: I get to find new music and podcasts to check out. So, I thought it would be fun to share my detailed Spotify Wrapped for you all!
Merry Christmas Eve and Happy 11th Day of Blogmas!
One of the things I look forward to every year is when Spotify releases everyone’s year in review. I love looking back at what I’ve listened to during the year and seeing all the stats. I also love seeing everyone’s when they share theirs: I get to find new music and podcasts to check out.
So, I thought it would be fun to share my detailed Spotify Wrapped for you all!
Let’s take a look…
New artists discovered: 414
Total genres listened to: 322 (including 80 new ones)
Top genres:
Pop
Rap
Modern Rock
Contemporary Country
Pop Rap
Top song: Sunday Best by Surfaces
First stream: January 19
Day with most streams: February 4
50th stream: July 4
Total streams: 75
Top songs:
Sunday Best by Surfaces
Guilty Pleasure by Bryce Vine
Sour Patch Kids by Bryce Vine
Sunflower Seeds by Bryce Vine
A Song to Sing by Kid Quill
Top podcast: Office Ladies – 27 episodes/1,676 minutes streamed
Top podcasts:
Office Ladies
The Spooky Hour
My Favorite Murder
Total minutes of all podcasts streamed: 2,980 minutes
My biggest podcast binge: 5 episodes in one day of Office Ladies
Top decade: 2000’s
My throwback track: Electric Feel by MGMT
Top artist: Bryce Vine
Top streamed song: Guilty Pleasure
Minutes streamed: 2,246
Total artists listened to: 1,258
Top artists:
Bryce Vine
Taylor Swift
Quinn XCII
DaBaby
Total minutes listened: 32,385
If you’re interested in checking out the rest of my Top 100 songs this year, here’s a link to the playlist.
What does your Spotify Wrapped look like?
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Love you guys so much, thank you for the support & I’ll see y’all tomorrow.
Of course, I got all of my decorations from Target, where else would I go? Everything was so reasonably priced, I didn’t feel like I was breaking the bank. I wanted to stick to a simple theme this year with the basic red, green, and white colors to give it a classy and clean look.
I thought it would be fun to show you all my Christmas decorations for this year. I have a ton of other decorations in a storage bin that I left in Ohio, sadly. But that’s okay! Because I went out and bought a bunch of new ones this year, so I can add these to the collection.
Of course, I got all of my decorations from Target, where else would I go? Everything was so reasonably priced, I didn’t feel like I was breaking the bank. I wanted to stick to a simple theme this year with the basic red, green, and white colors to give it a classy and clean look.
I’m absolutely obsessed with them and I plan on keeping them up way after Christmas is over, everyone needs a little extra cheer this year, right?
I saw the “Welcome to The North Pole” sign and had to get it. It’s so cute and has all the colors I planned on incorporating this year. I decided to add two mini trees to the other side of my TV, one with a green and black plaid fabric and one with fake snow on the branches. Then I added a stocking with the letter “G” to hang in front. It gave a nice little touch.
Similar to my other sign, I fell in love with this one immediately. It’s so simple but so cute. I thought adding some more mini trees on either side would be a good touch. These ones are slightly smaller than the ones by my TV, but pair perfectly here.
I didn’t want to overdue the decorations on my bed, I thought adding a little touch would dress it up just enough. I got this throw pillow and matched the blanket to that. It adds some color without being overwhelming, which I love. The blanket is so soft and warm, I love using it every night. I highly recommend getting it. (Peep my little Lamby and his family occupying my bed.)
The only decoration I bought for my desk is the little snowman behind my graduation pictures. My desk is a bit smaller so I didn’t want to put too much here. But then I got some Christmas cards in the mail and thought it would be cute to put them on display. I like how it turned out.
Lastly, I found this simple and classic advent calendar. It has a little wreath attached to the end of the string to mark the day. I love advent calendars because they really get you excited as you count the days down to Christmas. I hung this right outside my bedroom door so everyone can see it.
Those are all of them! I’m so excited to share this with you all and hope you enjoyed it. I love putting on a Christmas movie, lighting some candles, and decorating. It’s so soothing and makes my heart so happy getting in the Christmas spirit.
Do you decorate your room for Christmas? What kind of decorations do you put up? What are some things you do to get in the Christmas spirit?
If you haven’t already: subscribe to the mailing list, you’ll get notified whenever there’s a new post! You can unsubscribe anytime if you ever change your mind. If you have any posts you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to let me know through the comments or contact form!
Love you guys so much, thank you for the support & I’ll see y’all tomorrow.
I love love love Marvel, it’s one of my favorite franchises. Watching them in order helped everything click into place. It’s honestly a masterpiece. Everything is connected and makes sense and they include even the smallest details. So I wanted to give you guys the official list of all the Marvel movies in timeline order so you can enjoy watching them too.
Since quarantine started back in March, I decided I wanted to watch all the Marvel movies in chronological order: this was one of my quarantine goals. Sadly it’s taken me this long to finish, but I’m so excited about it. I’ve seen all the movies at random points in my life or when they premiered in theaters but the storyline always confused me because it jumped around.
I love love love Marvel, it’s one of my favorite franchises. Watching them in order helped everything click into place. It’s honestly a masterpiece. Everything is connected and makes sense and they include even the smallest details.
So I wanted to give you guys the official list of all the Marvel movies in timeline order so you can enjoy watching them too.
I streamed all of these (except Hulk and Spiderman 1&2, due to owning rights) on Disney+. It’s convenient because they include a Marvel section and mini sections within that: Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and even The Timeline Order.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain Marvel
Iron Man
Iron Man 2
The Incredible Hulk (not on Disney+)
Thor
The Avengers
Iron Man 3
Thor: The Dark World
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Ant-Man
Captain America: Civil War
Spiderman: Homecoming (not on Disney+)
Doctor Strange
Black Panther
Thor: Ragnarok
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Endgame
Spiderman: Far From Home
That’s the whole list! Write it down and start your movie watching. I’m looking forward to when they start releasing Phase 4 in theaters, I’m eager for new Marvel movies.
Have you watched these movies in Timeline Order? Do you have a favorite movie? A favorite character?
If you haven’t already: subscribe to the mailing list, you’ll get notified whenever there’s a new post! You can unsubscribe anytime if you ever change your mind. If you have any posts you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to let me know through the comments or contact form!
Love you guys so much, thank you for the support & I’ll see y’all tomorrow.
For today’s post I thought it would be fun to give you guys my Christmas Wish List! Obviously not for you to buy me anything, haha. But, I thought it might give some ideas if you’re doing last minute Christmas shopping and to show you some things I’m interested in currently!
For today’s post I thought it would be fun to give you guys my Christmas Wish List! Obviously not for you to buy me anything, haha. But, I thought it might give some ideas if you’re doing last minute Christmas shopping and to show you some things I’m interested in currently! I’ll have all the items linked to Amazon so you can see the pricing, reviews, and such.
I have a pair of Airpods which I love, but I think these would be great if I’m going for a walk or working out. I wouldn’t have to worry about them falling out with the added movement. Plus, since they’re on-ear, the overall sound of music will be more encompassing and noise cancelling.
I have heard rave reviews about this guy. Usually, when I blow dry my hair it takes a while because I have to blow dry while using my hairbrush to help style my hair. My arms sometimes go numb because the position they’re in is awkward and my hair is so long. This dryer combines those two steps making it easier and quicker.
Let’s be honest, you can never have enough purses. What I like most about these are that they’re the same color, so you can swap out styles but not have to worry if the color will match. Tan is my go-to color for purses because it goes with EVERYTHING. And this set has a combo of purses you would need for every occasion: something small, medium, and large.
How stinkin’ cute are these accessories. Currently, I have a steering wheel cover and license plate frame from a couple years ago, but they’re already worn out and ready to be replaced. I’m not a huge “bling” fan, but I think these add a nice little touch without being too much.
I need to do my annual replacing of bullet journals. I’ve filled up the one I’m currently using, so I need to get ready for the new year. I love Dingbats, because not only is the quality really good and they have cute animals on the covers, BUT they donate a portion of their revenue to The World Wildlife Fund, which I think is really great.
I’ve been wanting one of these for forever. I knew someone in college that had one and immediately fell in love. Bose speakers are the best, and this speaker in particular is a great size to travel with. It’s easy to connect and the sound is amazing.
Now that I’m getting into vlogging, see Youtube Channel, I’m trying to stock up on some good equipment without breaking the bank. I want to hold off on officially buying a vlogging camera until I absolutely need it. I’ve been able to use my phone and it works great, it just needs some accessories to boost the performance. Hence, this microphone. It can easily attach to my tripod and help pick up the sound a lot better than my phone alone.
That’s all I got! I’m so blessed that with everything going on this year, I have everything I need. But, it’s always fun to find things you’d want and hope to get either as a present or to save up for.
Leave a comment of some things on your wishlist! Is there anything on my list that interested you?
If you haven’t already: subscribe to the mailing list, you’ll get notified whenever there’s a new post! You can unsubscribe anytime if you ever change your mind. If you have any posts you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to let me know through the comments or contact form!
Love you guys so much, thank you for the support & I’ll see y’all tomorrow.
I saw a tag called 100 Questions for You to Get to Know Me and thought this looked so fun. There’re so many good questions you might not usually ask/know about people and a lot of fun/goofy ones too.
Hello everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. A while back I did a post: 10 Things You Don’t Know About Me. But, I saw a tag called 100 Questions for You to Get to Know Me and thought this looked so fun. There’re so many good questions you might not usually ask/know about people and a lot of fun/goofy ones too. So without further ado, let’s get into it…
Are you a morning or night person?
Night person, 100%
Are you afraid of the dark?
It depends on where I’m at. In my room no, somewhere unfamiliar and scary, yes
Are you an extrovert or introvert?
Extrovert
Are you double jointed?
Only on my thumb, “Hitch-hiker’s thumb”
Are you left or right handed?
Right-handed
Are you more of a tidy person or a messy one?
Tidy, I make my bed every day and I’m proud of that lol
Are you on time or always late?
In between- I call it running on time. I get to where I need to be at exactly when I need to be there, not early not late
Are you ticklish?
Yes
Can you curl your tongue?
Yes. I can roll it, twist it, and make it a cloverleaf (look it up, it’s cool)
Can you ice skate?
Nope, I’ve tried but I have no balance
Can you wiggle your ears?
No
Coffee or tea?
BOTH
Cookies, cake or donuts?
ALL- especially chocolate flavored
Did you ever participate in a talent show?
Never- made me too nervous
Did you go to prom?
Yes 3 times
Did you like school?
Loved school, I loved being able to challenge myself. I just received my Bachelor’s and I’m kind of considering going back for my Master’s
Do you believe in ghosts?
I believe in demons, I’m not sure if I believe in ghosts (someone passed but their spirit hasn’t moved on), but I’ve heard some crazy unexplainable stories so I’m open to the idea
Do you bite your nails?
Sometimes, I used to do it a lot when I was younger. Now it’s only when I’m anxious
Do you consider yourself a good cook?
Average
Do you enjoy dancing?
I love to dance, mostly with friends
Do you enjoy DIY or crafts?
Sometimes, it can be fun but I’m impatient
Do you forgive easily?
Depends on who you are and what you did. Usually, yes
Do you have a nickname?
Gean Bean, Gean, POTSB (President of the Student Body)
Do you have any allergies?
Dust, ugh
Do you have any phobias?
Heights, drowning, claustrophobia/being buried alive: the usual
Do you have any piercings or tattoos?
Nose piercing and double ear piercing
Do you have children?
Not yet
Do you have pets?
No, but I really want one
Do you have siblings?
2 brothers, 2 step-brothers and a step sister
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Dogs, but I love them both
Do you prefer Mac or PC?
Mac, 100%
Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
BOTH
Do you prefer to bath or shower?
Shower unless I’m having a self care night, but I still shower after
Do you sing in the shower?
No, but I do talk to myself lol
Do you smoke?
Never
Do you speak any different languages?
No, sadly, but I’m using Duolingo to improve/expand the Spanish I learned in high school
Do you still have your wisdom teeth?
Nope, got those bad boys out in May
Do you still watch cartoons?
Not typically, but I will watch old Nickelodeon cartoons, especially Spongebob
Do you/have you played any sports?
Played soccer when I was really young after that I was just in Marching Band/Color Guard
Does your name have a special meaning?
Nope, but it was Italian and that’s why my dad chose it
Have you ever been hospitalized?
No, thank God
Have you ever been on a diet?
No, I don’t like diets, I’d rather try and eat healthier but not restrict myself
Have you ever been to a concert?
A few, my friends and I would go to Blossom Music Center during the summer a lot for country concerts. My favorite artist to see in concert is Dierks Bentley
I’ve also seen the Cheetah Girls when I was younger
Have you ever gone camping?
No
Have you ever met any celebrities?
MIKE JOHNSON
Emily Osment and Bella Thorne
Have you ever skipped class?
Yes, sadly, many times. But I did the work to make up for it so I still got good grades
Have you ever won something?
Nothing big, but some small contests here and there. I just recently won two T-shirts from Courageous Clothing, check them out
Have you had braces?
Yes for 2 years I believe, but I stopped wearing my retainer, don’t do that
How are you feeling right now?
I’m feeling good, the weather is really nice and relaxing
How tall are you?
5’7”
If money were no object what would you get for your next birthday?
A car, I’m not sure what kind though
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Italy
Were you ever a scout or a brownie?
No
What city were you born in?
Ravenna, Ohio
What did you last eat?
Cheesy, Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Veterinarian: every girl wanted to be one because they love animals lol
What do you do on a typical Friday night?
Before Covid my friends and I would go downtown and get food/drinks and go dancing. Now I watch movies by myself/with friends (on Scener) or binge Netflix
What is one food that you refuse to eat?
Brussel Sprouts
What is one item on your bucket list?
Skydiving (funny because I’m afraid of heights)
What is one item you can’t live without?
Leave-in conditioner
What is your shoe size?
10
What movie have you watched repeatedly?
Mean Girls and She’s the Man
What phone do you have (Apple or Android)?
Apple
What should you be doing right now?
Laundry
What’s one goal you would like to accomplish this year?
Try new things
What’s one of your pet peeves?
When people chew their gum loudly
What’s the last song you’ve listened to?
Mistletoe by Justin Bieber
What’s the most expensive item of clothing that you own?
I don’t think I have any expensive clothing, most of my stuff is from Old Navy lol
What’s the thing you can’t leave the house without?
My water bottle
What’s your best physical feature?
Freckles
What’s your Chinese sign?
The Ox
What’s your current obsession?
Marvel movies, I’m watching them in chronological order
What’s your dream car?
Yellow Camaro with black racing stripes: Bumblebee
What’s your favourite animal?
Red panda
What’s your favourite book?
I don’t have one, I have a lot that I love
What’s your favourite colour?
Turquoise
What’s your favourite dessert?
Anything chocolate
What’s your favourite drink?
Coca-Cola
What’s your favourite food?
Chicken Parmigiana
What’s your favourite foreign food?
I don’t have one
What’s your favourite gadget?
Tile, I just got this and I’m obsessed
What’s your favourite hobby?
Bullet Journaling
What’s your favourite movie?
I don’t have a favorite, I love so many
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Chipotle
What’s your favourite sandwich?
Turkey, American cheese, and mayonnaise
What’s your favourite season?
Fall
What’s your favourite series?
The Office
What’s your favourite snack?
Strawberries with sugar, chips and dip, hummus and tortilla chips
What’s your favourite sport to watch?
I don’t have one, I’m not super into sports but I would rather be there in person
What’s your favourite thing to have for breakfast?
Chocolate chip pancakes with peanut butter and chocolate milk
What’s your full name?
Gina Marie Nagella
What’s your longest relationship so far?
5 years
What’s your lucky number?
7
What’s your star sign?
Capricorn
When is your birthday?
January 6, 1998
Which city did you grow up in?
Ravenna, Ohio
Which city do you live in now?
Dallas, Texas
Who do you miss right now?
My friends and family in Ohio, mainly my mom
Who is your celebrity crush?
Chad Michael Murray
Who’s your favourite fictional character?
Edward Cullen
That’s all of em! Hopefully you learned something new about me. Before you go I have a couple questions I want to ask you. Drop a comment below and answer them! I answered them too, in case you were curious, haha.
Boneless or bone-in?
Boneless
Give-up chocolate or cheese for the rest of your life?
Cheese
Do you call them JoJo’s or Potato Wedges?
JoJo’s
What superpower would you want?
Ability to fly
If you haven’t already: subscribe to the mailing list, you’ll get notified whenever there’s a new post! You can unsubscribe anytime if you ever change your mind. If you have any posts you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to let me know through the comments or contact form!
Love you guys so much, thank you for the support & I’ll see y’all tomorrow.
These are the songs that make me feel the most spirit, get me hype, and make my heart happy. Everything from the classics to newer songs. They all encompass the spirit of Christmas and honestly make me feel like a kid again.
On the Sixth Day of Blogmas my true love gave to me… a Christmas Playlist!
Welcome back, everyone! Today I’m going to give you my top 15 Christmas songs that I BLAST through my speakers during the season. These are the songs that make me feel the most spirit, get me hype, and make my heart happy. Everything from the classics to newer songs. They all encompass the spirit of Christmas and honestly make me feel like a kid again.
Let’s get to it!
All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow by Dean Martin
+ the Frank Sinatra, B. Swanson Quartet version
Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes
Mistletoe by Justin Bieber
White Christmas by Bing Crosby
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas by Bing Crosby
+ the Perry Como version and Michael Buble version
My Only Wish (This Year) by Britney Spears
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town by The Jackson 5
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by *NSYNC
Like It’s Christmas by Jonas Brothers
Mary, Did You Know? by Pentatonix
The First Noel by Frank Sinatra
I created a Spotify playlist, welcome to the north pole, so you can listen to all these songs in one place!
That’s my Christmas playlist! I will be listening to these on repeat until Christmas Day and (let’s be honest) probably after. I hope you enjoyed and get to listen to some (or all) of these to help celebrate the holidays!
What’s your favorite Christmas song? Are any of these on your playlist? What songs would you add?
If you haven’t already: subscribe to the mailing list, you’ll get notified whenever there’s a new post! You can unsubscribe anytime if you ever change your mind. If you have any posts you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to let me know through the comments or contact form!
Love you guys so much, thank you for the support & I’ll see y’all tomorrow.
I LOVE this recipe because you use the Crockpot, and I know some people have a hatred toward Crockpots, but I love them. All you have to do is prepare the ingredients, throw it in the pot, and in 4-8 hours (depending on the heat setting) it’s ready.
I mentioned in a few blog posts ago that I started meal prepping. This was one of the meals I bought for, along with my Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole. I LOVE this recipe because you use the Crockpot, and I know some people have a hatred toward Crockpots, but I love them. All you have to do is prepare the ingredients, throw it in the pot, and in 4-8 hours (depending on the heat setting) it’s ready. It takes no thought, it’s great if you’re extremely busy and need to multitask, and it tastes delicious!
1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken tenders breasts will work fine too
1 lb. bag baby carrots
1 1/2 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes cut into wedges
1/2 cup salted butter melted
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried parsley
Usually when I do this recipe I’ll buy the garlic for the seasoning but not thyme or parsley (I don’t usually have this/use it for anything else.) This time I chose to only use salt and pepper mixed with the butter and it still tasted great.
Instructions
Add the chicken down in the middle of the slow cooker. Add the potatoes on one side and the carrots on the other side.
In a small bowl mix together the butter, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme and parsley.
Pour the butter mixture over the chicken and veggies.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Serve and enjoy!
That’s it! How stinkin’ easy is that? Try it and let me know how you like it! I’m excited to continue finding delicious Crockpot recipes to try, if you know any leave a comment and let me know!
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Love you guys so much, thank you for the support & I’ll see y’all tomorrow.
Today I wanted to share my favorite Christmas traditions that my family and I do every year. This year things will be a little different, but we’re gonna try and follow them the best we can- after all, traditions are one of the best things about Christmas!
Today I wanted to share my favorite Christmas traditions that my family and I do every year. This year things will be a little different, but we’re gonna try and follow them the best we can- after all, traditions are one of the best things about Christmas! I think after all the craziness this year, being able to do things like traditions will help bring some joy back into our lives and make things feel a bit more normal.
Nativity Set
When my mom and I begin decorating, I always get the task of setting up our Nativity Set. This is one of my favorite things to do. Our set has more realistic aspects, like some hay and grass underneath the stable, and the porcelain figures have paintings of their clothes with beautiful detail. I love doing this, because while it’s always fun to get into the Christmas spirit and buy gifts for loved ones, it’s so important to remember the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus. Setting this up allows me to take some time and reflect on this beautiful gift and sacrifice.
Christmas Pajamas
On Christmas Eve, we’re allowed to open one present. This present is always a set of pajamas. Everyone in the family gets a pair and we all wear them that night and Christmas morning. Usually, the pajamas aren’t Christmas themed, just a design we would enjoy, but I always remember which Christmas they were from. It’s like a little memento. I love this, because once we put our pjs on we’re in the Christmas mood and ready to celebrate the rest of the night.
The Night Before Christmas
My grandma gave us a present one year, a book: The Night Before Christmas. This book is extra special, though, because the book allowed her to record her voice while reading it. Every year we would listen to her read the book, and we loved it. She’s now passed away, so it means even more. We still get to spend every Christmas Eve with her and hear her voice as she reads this book.
The Christmas Story
Following The Night Before Christmas, we have to pair this with The Christmas Story, of course. Similar to the Nativity Set, this is a chance for us to read about the true meaning of Christmas and what that means for us as Christians. It’s important to remind ourselves why God came to Earth as a man: Jesus. He paid the ultimate sacrifice: to die on a cross for our sins so we could live eternally. It’s greater than any gift anyone could give and it’s such a blessing.
Christmas Movies on Christmas Eve
We end the night by making tea or hot chocolate, settling in front of the TV with a cozy blanket, and watching Christmas movies. It’s all dark except for the light from the Christmas tree and decorations, and if we’re lucky there’s snow falling outside. The picture-perfect way to end Christmas Eve with family.
Well guys, those are my favorite Christmas traditions! I hope you enjoyed! I’m excited to figure out how to do these this year since I won’t be in Ohio, and due to the pandemic we’re unable to see some family members, so we’re gonna get really creative in order to still have a wonderful Christmas.
What was your favorite tradition out of my list? What are some traditions you have? What’s your all-time favorite tradition?
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One of the things I have to do every December is create a list of must-see movies to get into the Christmas spirit. Of course I’m always adding and taking some things off, depending on what came out that year, but I have my core 10 of CLASSICS that I always watch.
Hello friends! It is the Third Day of Blogmas, and today we have a Christmas themed post!
One of the things I have to do every December is create a list of must-see movies to get into the Christmas spirit. Of course I’m always adding and taking some things off, depending on what came out that year, but I have my core 10 of CLASSICS that I always watch. I feel incomplete if I forget/don’t have access to watching them. These are my all-time favorites, and I hope you guys enjoy them! In no particular order, let’s dive in!
Elf (2003)
Buddy (a human) grew up in the North Pole with elves. When he discovers he’s actually not an elf, he travels to New York in search of his real father, who happens to be on the naughty list (gasp.) He reluctantly attempts to form a relationship with Buddy, and chaos follows. Will Ferrell is fantastic in this movie and it never fails to make me laugh. Look forward to a heartfelt and warm ending filled with Christmas spirit.
Where to watch: $3.99 on Prime Video
Home Alone (1990) + Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
The epitome of a classic Christmas movie. In these movies, Kevin is separated from his family for their annual Christmas vacation. What seems like a fun and exciting time for himself quickly turns into a dangerous fight to protect his house (Home Alone) and the Toy Store (Home Alone 2). This is one of my favorites, Macaulay Culkin does a wonderful job paired with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the bad guys. This movie is sure to make you laugh and remind you of the importance of family, especially during the holidays.
Where to watch: Free with Disney+
The Santa Clause (1994) + The Santa Clause 2 (2002) + The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
Tim Allen is a genius in this trilogy. Each movie covers Scott Calvin’s journey of becoming Santa Claus and the different challenges he faces through that. These movies give all the Christmas feels, paired with great laughs, and the reminder of having a childlike faith and believing in something when you can’t see it.
Where to watch: Free with Disney+
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The holidays are right around the corner, and Clark Griswold wants to have the perfect Christmas. His plan goes out the window, however, when his crazy family shows up unannounced. This movie is full of wild twists and turns, lots of laughs, and crazy shenanigans. Chevy Chase is a classic on his own, so you know this movie will be great.
Where to watch: $3.99 on Prime Video
Four Christmases (2008)
If you’re looking for a great Christmas movie to make you laugh nonstop, look no further. Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn are the perfect pairing in this comedy. It follows the couple as their trip away for the holidays gets cancelled, forcing them to visit their family and each of their Christmases. What fun are the holidays without a little family dysfunction?
Where to watch: $3.99 on Prime Video
Krampus (2015)
If you’re into spooky things, Krampus adds a bit of scare to Christmas. There always needs to be a bad guy, in this case Krampus, to balance out the good guy, Santa Claus. The movie follows a family who has no Christmas spirit, because of this, Krampus comes to punish them. Personally, I didn’t find it too scary, which I enjoyed and it gave a nice contrast to the usual heartfelt Christmas movie.
Where to watch: $3.99 on Prime Video
Jingle All The Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger is absolutely amazing in this movie. He plays a workaholic who doesn’t make enough quality time for his wife and son. To make it up to his son, he promises to get him the hottest toy of the year, Turbo-Man, for Christmas. The movie shows the wild and chaotic events that happen as Schwarzenegger discovers this toy is sold out almost everywhere. This movie is sure to give you a good laugh and show you the true meaning of Christmas and family.
Where to watch: $3.99 on Prime Video
Deck the Halls (2006)
Steve, the classic suburban dad who happens to be obsessed with Christmas, finds his well-kept life is thrown for a loop when his new neighbor, Danny, moves in. Danny decides he wants to decorate his house in Christmas lights, and wants them to be so bright you can see it from space. Steve won’t let Danny outdo his festiveness, so war is declared.
Where to watch: $1.99 on Prime Video
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
The Kranks decide to “skip Christmas” due to their daughter being away for the holidays. The small and very festive town they reside in doesn’t take this news well and try to deter the Krank’s plans. The Kranks soon find themselves outcast by the town for their lack of Christmas spirit. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis are two of my favorite actors, so their pairing in this movie is the perfect combination for a great laugh.
Where to watch: $3.99 on Prime Video
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The Grinch is a loner who lives by himself on a mountain far away from the Whos in Whoville. He hates Christmas, opposite the Whos, whose personality revolves around Christmas. With the help of his dog, Max, he decides to steal Christmas. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who. Jim Carrey plays this character so well, and in my opinion this movie really shows what the true meaning of Christmas is.
Where to watch: Free with Netflix
*Bonus*
White Christmas (1954)
I actually just watched this for the first time this year, but it automatically made my list. Bing Crosby, KING of Christmas stars in this movie. It has such a great message about Christmas and giving to others. It’s an old-timey musical filled with Christmas songs, and what else puts you in the holiday spirit than that?
Where to watch: Free with Netflix
I hope you guys enjoyed my take on the best/classic Christmas movies! Make sure to add some (or all!) of these to your list to watch this December.
What do you think of my list? Would you add/take any of these movies away? What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
If you haven’t already: subscribe to the mailing list, you’ll get notified whenever there’s a new post! You can unsubscribe anytime if you ever change your mind. If you have any posts you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to let me know through the comments or contact form!
Love you guys so much, thank you for the support & I’ll see y’all tomorrow.
The Variety Files 