Christmas is almost here...

I was at the mall today, getting some last minute shopping done. It was packed, lineups everywhere, and I loved every second of it! It is a great sign, that people are starting to feel confident again after the economic train wreck of the last couple of years. At least I hope we are on the mend.

Why is it that people  seem friendlier at this time of year? There seems to be some positivity in the air, almost like a magical spell has been cast. Yes I know what you may be thinking, there are also those who get so stressed and cranky, and the crazy drivers that almost run you over to get to a parking spot...but other than that, haha! I'm taking about people smiling more, even when in a line up, of wishing strangers a Merry Christmas, and connecting with each other if only for a brief moment.

Contrast this with the fact that this time of year can also be the most depressing for some people dealing with loss of a loved one, loneliness, depression, or illness. Christmas seems to magnify their pain. Watching others smile and feel joyful can make you seem smaller and lonelier. I wish I could do something make them feel better, unfortunately we all have to walk our paths alone, but if you can possible reach out to someone who may need a helping hand, please consider doing so. There are many people struggling right now, I have seen it in person, and in the blogging world. Sometimes all it takes is a kind word to let them know they matter.
What if we took just a single moment to look in someone's eyes, wish them a Happy Holiday, and silently bless them? Just so they know that they are not alone? Not only would they feel better, but you would too. The giver of the blessing receives as much as the recipient . Let's try and fill this beautiful  earth of ours with loving energy!


Well, we are getting down to the wire, and after I finish this post, I will sit down and watch another Christmas movie. One I saw a few days ago called 'Eve's Christmas' was sooooo boring! The bridal shop scene was so bizarre, it didn't belong in this movie. I had such high hopes, and felt like I wasted 2 hours of my life....consider yourself warned :-)

Yesterday I watched 'A Boyfriend for Christmas'  a cute sweet romantic movie. It's the perfect movie to pop into the DVD player, and relax with. It is about a woman who gave up on Christmas a young girl when she didn't get her wish. Fast forward 20 years, she is still single, but Santa has other plans.


Next on my list to watch in the next few days is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, a classic! I never tire of this one, or 'A Christmas Story' , or even Elf, which I think will be around for a long time. So many movies, so little time!! Ok, enough of me babbling on about movies, I am off to watch one.
Feel free to comment with your favorite movies, or music,

Christmas movies, music and more

This will feel like a scattered post, but that's the way I am these days. The time is flying! and Christmas will be here before you know it.
If you look on the right side of my blog you will notice I added a widget for you to listen to an all Christmas music radio station, or if you like, further down, I have added a playlist of music I chose, for your listening pleasure :-)
The sun finally came out this weekend, so I photographed some of my decorations, but then my computer decided not to accept my camera card! So no pics for now, however, I did watch a couple of Christmas movies.

The first one is called 'Fallen Angel' with Gary Sinese. It was a nice, slow paced but enjoyable movie, about a workaholic man who is alienated from his father for many years, and goes back home after getting a call from the hospital saying his father is ill.  I won't spoil it, but anyone who enjoys a nice slow romance will enjoy it. Worth watching.

Next was a movie called 'Silver Bells' about a Nova Scotia tree farmer who is raising his 2 kids since the death of his wife. A few minutes into it, I realized I had read the book a while ago. This is a Hallmark film, as was the previous one I wrote about, and I would also recommend this. Again, there is a romantic element to it, and of course, a happy ending. Great movies to sit on a cozy couch, make yourself a hot beverage, and enjoy.
One that I thought I would like but was very disappointed in is 'Snow 2: Brain Freeze'. I watched 'Snow' last year, and it was a cute film! I would recommend the first if you get a chance, in fact, I may rent it again.

Now if you are looking for a nice Christmas CD as background music, for when you have friends over, I discovered 'A Black Tie Christmas' by Atilla Fias. I purchased through iTunes, and it is a wonderful addition to my hundreds of Christmas CDs, lol!
It is instrumental, and very laid back, not at all my style, but for some reason, it is very easy to listen to. Preview the album on iTunes and let me know what you think.

Can you believe I got another Blog award? this time from the talented Nicola Toms. I appreciate it when people still think of me, (even though I am notoriously bad at following
through). Thank you again Nicola!

thanks for indulging me dear readers....
I would love to hear your thoughts on any Christmas movies you have enjoyed. Feel free to recommend or talk about them in the comments section. From now till Christmas, let's share our thoughts of music and movies, or anything else you enjoy about the season.

More Christmas movies

Okay, don't throw tomatoes at me, but I really like the movie 'The Christmas Shoes'. It is a surprisingly well done movie, based on the song of the same title by the group called 'New Song'. I will admit to cringing whenever the song played during Christmastime, but the movie itself, is wonderful. It stars Rob Lowe as a workaholic father who has forgotten what is truly important in life. His life changes when he helps out a little boy buying some shoes for his mother before she dies. It is a sad story, but don't let that discourage you from seeing it. I love watching movies about people's lives, and how they affect each other. There is a sequel called
'The Christmas Blessing' but I have not yet seen it.

Another one I will mention is Noel. For this movie you better have kleenex on hand. Some may call it depressing, but I find it hopeful, a bittersweet story. Just a suggestion for those looking for something different from the typical Christmas movies normally found.
So many movies, it is a miracle I get any work done!

Seasonal Treats

I thought I'd blog about some of my favorite things. Tonight I sat down and watched one of my favorite movies called 'Prancer'.
If you haven't seen it yet, I would highly recommend this feel-good holiday movie, perfect for the whole family. It is about a young girl who thinks she has found Prancer, one of Santa's reindeer. I love the innocence of the main character, her love of Christmas reminds me of myself when I was her age. Make yourself a warm cup of cocoa, turn on the Christmas lights, and snuggle under a blanket as you watch this wonderful movie.