Friday's Three Post #6: Holly Jolly Fun on it Way!

Wondering through Salem, MA my friends and I started chatting about our favorite holidays in order of top three. For all of them Halloween was right up there, but not me! I love Christmas!!! I love winter and Christmas lands right smack in that season. So much that I am listening to Christmas music on my vinyl record player as I am writing this post. The holiday last so long and has so many joys to it. I'm sure you of are thinking that I just love Christmas because the presents but actually I would prefer a Christmas without them.

I love the holiday because it is such a family and friend centered holiday with turkey, pies and candy. I promise you that this post is not going to be a rant why Christmas is the best. We all know that is true already! But with the festive date poking its glittery smile right around the corner of Hallow's Eve in every store I thought I would put up my favorite things to do during the Holiday to be sure to plan for them!

1. Christmas Lights- Who doesn't love bright shiny colorful Christmas lights??? Ok, the Grinch, but even he comes around. Grab some snacks this December, tune into the local holiday radio station and cruise with the family checking out the lights in your neighborhood. I remember being little with my mom, dad and grandmother and driving around my hometown to find the best lights. Its also inexpensive treat for the whole family. There are some extra-spectacular Christmas Lights you can check out all over New England and New York. These sometimes cost a small fee but it usually goes to a charity. One of my favorites is Lights on the Lake in the Syracuse, NY area. LaSalette in Attleboro, MA and Millis Wonderland in Millis, MA are another two I found out about from coworkers and I plan to check them out!

2. Making Cookies- Pretty much any holiday means food for me. I LOVE to eat! Seriously, ask any of my friends. Christmas isn't any different. And what is my favorite of goodies on this cheery holiday you wonder? Molasses and Sugar Cookies, Of Course! This has been a favorite for me ever since I was a kid. I still remember the weekends leading up to Christmas while my dad was out hunting, my mother and I would hold ourselves up in the kitchen making cookies to package into tins for the season. This was one of the few times of the year we would set aside the good ol' chocolate chip recipe for must trickier and time intensive recipes like the Molasses cookies. This year I'm thinking a girls bake night is in order!

3. Extended Family Games Night- I may be an only child but I come from two large families. My dad is one of ten kids and my mom one of eight. As you can imagine there are a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins around on Christmas. After eating we would often pull out the games we received for gifts or fun group games that are stored away for special occasions. My favorite of games is Catch Phrase, we all end up laughing and joking the whole time. Its such a great way to enjoy each others company and the kids can play too. My mom always ends up playing for both teams because she can't stop herself from wanting to help everyone. But that is what makes her so damn special!

~Happy Friday~