Revitalizing Christmas

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Christmas just hasn't been the same ever since I grew up! I remember the excitement of going through toy catalogs and making my list for Santa (Barbie Malibu, Barbie Cooks, Shrinkadinks, My Buddy...). I would spend my weekends rehearsing with my cousins for our annual Christmas show - we would perform in someone's basement with costumes and props (it was a big deal!) One year I was a Chippete and we sang Alvin and the Chipmunks' Christmas Christmas time is here, time for joy and time for cheer... Another year, I was Annie (red wig, red dress) belting out Tomorrow... wow how I miss those days.

Anyway, I was reading Blueprint (my favorite magazine at the moment) and it's all about Christmas. So it got me thinking... I need to make a bigger effort this year. I hardly get to spend Christmas with my family because we're spread out throughout the country and everyone has kids and in-laws blah blah blah. AND I don't have kids of my own yet so Christmas and holidays are just not quite as extravagant as they used to be. But it doesn't have to be that way, so this year I vow to at least give it a shot and see if I can revitalize the holiday season.

I'm going to come up with a plan but for now here are some thoughts that are swimming in my head...

1. The Stocking: I might borrow the "a daily gift" Hanukkah tradition and have small (but still tokens from the heart) gifts stuffed in the stocking that can be opened on the days leading up to Christmas.

2. NYC events: Take advantage of the city during the holidays. I know that the crowds can be hellish but nothing beats the Tree Lighting event to spark up some holiday spirit. Skating in Rockefeller or at the Wollmans Rink - Central Park. Watch the Rockettes?

3. Roasted Chestnuts & Mulled Cider: Attempt to make mulled cider and have our apartment smelling like Christmas in seconds.

4. Create a Christmas Playlist and play it the entire month of December. Sort of like when Zandra and I would play "party" music before heading out to party back in college (god how embarrassing).

5. Do Christmas cards this year.

6. Get a fresh tree as soon as I see them on the sidewalks (not 2 weeks before!)

7. Schedule a viewing of "A Christmas Carol" and invite as many friends that can fit in our apartment. Hillsy's special Kettle popcorn included.

Do you have any other suggestions? Please leave a comment or email me. I'm sure there's at least one more person out there who feels the same and can use a little inspiration!

Have a great weekend everyone!