Let me start by saying I am a Hallmark whore when it comes to Christmas. Ornaments, movies, their SiriusXM channel, cute leading men… 😍 I am into it all 😁. So far, I have watched 12 of the new holiday movies released this year. It’s only about half of the new releases (some I haven’t caught yet), but to be honest, I don’t watch every movie they make at Christmas because not all of them interest me 🤷‍♀️. Besides I have so many other favorites from years past that are reshown. Basically, in the months of November and December the Hallmark Channels are on a lot in my house 😆.

And I have many other non-Hallmark favorites as well. Unfortunately, one of my favorite movie traditions has been altered thanks to my ex 😒. Every Christmas Eve we would watch the first showing of A Christmas Story during the 24-hour marathon but thanks to him that tradition has been ruined, so now I watch another showing. It takes the fun out of it a little bit ☹️.

But new traditions have been born out of old disappointments. Like watching The Holiday several times before Christmas, a classic that is rapidly becoming old 😬. I mean Cameron Diaz doesn’t eve act anymore! But I love it anyway and plan to watch it for the third time this weekend 💜. A newer favorite is Last Christmas with Emelia Clark and Henry Golding. I stayed up late last night watching it. Damn thing makes me sob every time 😆. I am also fond of Almost Christmas with Danny Glover (one showing under the belt already 😉) and I really need to catch a showing of Gremlins as well – and yes, it is a Christmas movie, so say I.

I should mention there are two classics I go out of my way to not watch each year: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and It’s a Wonderful Life – both for very different reasons. Rudolph because the messaging is awful (misogyny, bullying, the list goes on…) and I just couldn’t do it anymore 🤷‍♀️. As for It’s a Wonderful Life, I realized long ago that even though I’ve watched the movie in its entirety – I have seen most of it on so many other shows set at Christmas 🤯. I think it’s the most referenced movie in other movies, so why watch it? Plus, there was a time in my late teen early twenties where it seemed to be playing all the time around Christmas and it became a point of pride to avoid it at all costs 🤪. We all have our issues – these are two of many for me during the holiday season 😁 (well three if you count A Christmas Story 😆).

But the one show that is a must for me every year? The Year Without a Santa Clause! It is my favorite of all Christmas classics old and new 🥰🥰. I mean how can you not love Heat Miser and Snow Miser (though I’m partial to HM 😎). I am giddy with anticipation at their entrances so that I can sing along in the most gloriously awful way every time 🎶. Truly the highlight of my holiday season!

Now it’s your turn – what are your favorite holiday shows this time of year? And, yes, I do except Die Hard as a holiday classic 🎄. Sound off in the comments.

…and it’s too late to change course 🤦‍♀️.

We’ve all had those moments where an idea sounds great up until the moment you put thought into action and realize this is “this is probably a bad idea” but it’s too late to turn back. They don’t happen often, but they when they happen you can’t help but laugh at your stupidity (after thoroughly chastising yourself).

I had one of those moments last night. Some part of my brain knew that what I was about to do was so dumb, but it waited until the point of no return to speak up and disaster occurred 😵.

Here’s what happened: I was making dinner and went to open the jar of green olives to add to the casserole. It was a new jar, and the lid would not budge! I beat on it to break the seal, used grips, beat on it some more – basically trying everything I could to get the lid off. Nothing was working and I was getting very frustrated 😡. So, I thought I would tap the lid on the counter to see if that would help. I turned the jar upside down and about 3 seconds before I brought it down on the counter I thought “maybe I shouldn’t do this 🤔 …” Way to late to stop what was already in motion. Down comes the jar – did I mention it was glass? – and the bottom half breaks off. Why the bottom is beyond me, as it didn’t even touch the counter. Shards go flying while I am holding the top of the jar in my hands and the bottom of it is sitting on the counter with olive juice soaking into the towel I had sitting there (thank the Goddess for that towel otherwise 😬)

Now I’m trying to figure out if I should clean the floor or the counter first all while trying not to overcook my dinner. It was that paralyzing moment when you don’t know what to do and your brain has decided not to participate in problem solving the situation 🙄. After what seemed like an eternity of confusion, my brain finally decided to jump back into action and I started with the floor (turning down the stove in the process so as not to add to the mess), searching far and wide for the shards (and boy did they go far 😳). Next up, the counter – after a quick check on dinner. I swept the remains onto a plate that was nearby, trying to keep the juice from flowing down the counters onto the dishwasher, and watching for loose shards. Just when I think it’s mostly under control, I drip olive juice all over the floor near the trash can because I didn’t keep the plate level 🤬🤬🤬. That was a look up at the sky moment and ask “SERIOUSLY?” (Grey’s Anatomy fans will understand 😁😁).

So now I’ve added to my mess, and I still hadn’t finished the counter cleanup 🤦‍♀️. At this point I’m questioning all of my life choices and wondering how I haven’t accidently killed myself yet 🤪.

In the end, all was cleaned up and I didn’t even get one scratch on me 🤯. 

However, I think I may need adult supervision going forward 😆😆😆.

Just a quick post encouraging those who were unable to vote early to get out and let your voices be heard! 

As voting rights are eroded in some states and access to polling stations is getting harder, it’s important to assert your right to vote.

So, brush up on the issues that are important to you AND your family (esp. your daughters), find your polling place and get out the vote!

My PSA for the year 😁.

P.S. And yes, I Voted! Practicing what I preach.