Andy Williams was right. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. There are so many little things that combine to make that true - and for each one of us the list is different. Here is my list of Christmas Cravings - the little sights, sounds, smells, tastes and happenings that warm my heart and say "Christmas" like nothing else:
The tiny ring-ring of the Salvation Army bells
(please give)
Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino at Starbucks
Vince Guaraldi on the piano on a late December afternoon, playing something Charlie Brown-ish
The convoy of SUV's and minivans rolling out of the mountains with fresh Christmas trees strapped on top. One afternoon I counted 36 coming toward me in a 15-mile stretch.
Vince Guaraldi on the piano on a late December afternoon, playing something Charlie Brown-ish
The convoy of SUV's and minivans rolling out of the mountains with fresh Christmas trees strapped on top. One afternoon I counted 36 coming toward me in a 15-mile stretch.
Any Christmas song sung by Dean Martin
My friend Mickie's Peanut Brittle - the best in the world
A simple evergreen wreath with a red bow on a handsome front door.
Fresh orange peel
Spices - in hot wassail, scented candles, warm breads and cookies
Woodsmoke drifting from a chimney
The clip-clop of horses hooves. Our little town offers starlight carriage rides through the village during the month of December.
And speaking of stars twinkling in an inky blue night sky...
My friend Mickie's Peanut Brittle - the best in the world
A simple evergreen wreath with a red bow on a handsome front door.
Fresh orange peel
Spices - in hot wassail, scented candles, warm breads and cookies
Woodsmoke drifting from a chimney
The clip-clop of horses hooves. Our little town offers starlight carriage rides through the village during the month of December.
And speaking of stars twinkling in an inky blue night sky...
Moravian Cookies and Sugar Cake, baked just up the road in Winston-Salem
A live Nativity
A choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus
Sleigh bells
My annual movie favorites:
Christmas Vacation
"The little lights aren't twinkling, Clark"
and
Home Alone, Lost in New York
"Kevin's not here...Kevin's not here...Kevin's not here..."
and
White Christmas
Rosemary Clooney in that black dress...
My favorites might not be the same as yours, but whatever it is that makes Christmas magical and special for you, I wish you the biggest dose possible this year. If you are struggling with less than perfect circumstances, or know someone who is, may you take comfort and courage in the sights and sounds of the season - and above all - in the very Reason that we celebrate to begin with.
Though this isn't a Christmas song, it came to my mind as I was composing this post. It holds just as true at Christmas - maybe even more so at this time of year. I had plenty of youtube versions to choose from, but this one brought me to my feet with tears in my eyes.
Have a Very Merry and Very Blessed Christmas!
A live Nativity
A choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus
Sleigh bells
My annual movie favorites:
Christmas Vacation
"The little lights aren't twinkling, Clark"
and
Home Alone, Lost in New York
"Kevin's not here...Kevin's not here...Kevin's not here..."
and
White Christmas
Rosemary Clooney in that black dress...
My favorites might not be the same as yours, but whatever it is that makes Christmas magical and special for you, I wish you the biggest dose possible this year. If you are struggling with less than perfect circumstances, or know someone who is, may you take comfort and courage in the sights and sounds of the season - and above all - in the very Reason that we celebrate to begin with.
Though this isn't a Christmas song, it came to my mind as I was composing this post. It holds just as true at Christmas - maybe even more so at this time of year. I had plenty of youtube versions to choose from, but this one brought me to my feet with tears in my eyes.
Have a Very Merry and Very Blessed Christmas!
I'll second those, Beth!
ReplyDeleteHoping to add some snow here!
Hugs, Diane
Beautiful post, Beth! This (His Eye is on the Sparrow) was my father's favorite song.
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