These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

So, it’s December and even the hardest hearts can’t deny the pull of the holidays. For me and my family, we celebrate Christmas.

Today, I’m going to share three of my favorite things about the holiday season.

Christmas Music

I like all the Christmas music. I can happily tune my Sirius Radio to Channel 17 after Halloween and rock out to whatever they choose to play.

• Traditional (read: old), like Rocking Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee and Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Throw in some Burl Ives and I’m all over it.
• More modern fare, like Mariah Carey (sans Justin Bieber, please) in All I Want for Christmas is You or Jon Bon Jovi’s Please Come Home for Christmas. I love me a good Christmas love song. Wham, anyone?

(Note, the links above will open in Spotify.) 

Share your favorite holiday songs in the comments to make me love you forever.

Hand-crafted Gifts

I think once you’re an adult the joy of Christmas becomes giving. In that vein, I’m busy crocheting gifts. For instance, my aunt asked for 2 sets of cat butt coasters. Those do exist and here is the pattern, if you’re interested. Alternatively, you can buy them on Etsy if you’re dying for a set.

Charity

I know it’s kind of hard to make the jump here from cat-behinds, but let’s do it anyway.

One of my most favorite things about the holidays is charity. The spirit of it, sure, but the act as well. On this one, I won’t out myself, because I believe giving should be private. It doesn’t mean as much if you want a pat on the back later.

I will, however, share a few charities dear to my heart. In West Virginia, where I live, drugs are an epidemic. That leaves many children unfed and without Christmas presents (among other more terrible things). The Family Resource Network not only tirelessly works to meet every need, there’s a toy drive you can donate to. They often have to take used toys just to come close to having enough. Your donation would mean a lot.

On a bigger scale, there’s always Toys for Tots. It’s the Marines collecting toys for needy kids–doesn’t get more awesome than that.

Finally, my favorite charity is St. Judes. No child should be denied treatment that could save their lives.

Comments are open for you to list your favorite charities, as well.

I wish you all happy holidays, whichever holidays you and your loved ones celebrate.