How to Give a Hug

I'm not the huggy type.  I've honestly tried, but I just can't seem to give them of my own volition.  When others give me a hug, especially in greeting, I become awkward and stiff.  Naturally I appreciate hugs as a display of "I have missed you" or "farewell," but I can never seem to perfect the art of giving a natural embrace.  Because he has been the recipient of some of my awkward greetings or farewells, Karl jokes that I hate hugs, and I most certainly do not hate them, but I have never been a child to cuddle and hold for a prolonged time period. I was much too busy for that.

As the wedding season approaches, I feel that I must perfect this customary greeting in order to let others know that I am actually a warm person, I just might be a bad hugger.  My usual formula is fairly standard. Bend at the waist.  Extend one arm over the shoulder facing downwards and one arm around the waist extended upwards.  Pat back three times.  Release.  I find that this formula is increasingly difficult when one is taller than me.  And apparently I shouldn't use this when I am the shorter (which Karl has so kindly pointed out on occassion).  So now I am forced to discover a new way to hug like a normal person.

If I have given you a hug and you felt I was cold, I actually do like you.  If I have to give you a hug in the future and still feel rather awkward, I still actually like you.  Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, and perhaps you are still on my practice run.

A Child at Heart

Like my affection for Christmas music, there is also a deep love of Christmas movies.  Christmas movies are ridiculous.  Oh, they are enjoyable (mostly), but they are also nonsensical.  Below I have listed my favorite Christmas movies (in no particular order).  And they are childish, most certainly, but try not to judge too harshly.

1.  Eloise at Christmastime

Some might think Eloise is annoying.  And the idea of a small female child romping around The Plaza wreaking havoc is most definitely amusing.  But I love the original artwork from the books that is used in the film, and I adore the multiple story lines.  Each character brings something to the table, and Eloise's "spirit of Christmas" is enviable.

2.  The Polar Express

If you weren't read the book by your first grade teacher on video, then you might not enjoy the movie.  I don't care.  Tom Hanks is fantastic, the artistry and sound superb, and the characters heartwarming.  ELVES!

3.  Home Alone

If you ask me, the Home Alone series should have stopped after the second.  Since Hollywood obviously did not ask me, the series has been tainted by flops; however, the original is the best.  Slapstick comedy is not hard to understand. It's funny.  And even though I sometimes find myself picking out inconceivable events in the film, Macaulay Culkin gave the performance of his life.  Favorite line?  "This house is so full of people, it makes me sick.  When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone.  Did you hear me?  I'm living alone!  I'm living alone!"

4.  Little Women

I don't know why I include this as a Christmas film.  Maybe because it begins in winter.  Either way, this is my favorite movie to watch with tea and a blanket (or multiple blankets).  I can really watch it anytime, but it suits me best in the cold.  It's a classic.  That should be enough.

5.  National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

My fiance's deep love for this movie mirrors my love for Little Women.  His family can quote the entire movie. Sometimes I have to remind him that others are watching the film (me), but he still whispers the lines under his breath.  Again, slapstick never gets old.  And I sense Chevy Chase's drive to have the most awesome family Christmas ever (every year) will be my silent drive as well.  I might not have so many lights, though.

Honorable mentions:  All other Christmas movies

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

My roommate brought back boxes and bagfuls of Christmas decorations.  You know how I feel about Christmas.  So last night, we happily hung ornaments and lights from our new little tree, as well as set up the most beautiful wooden nativity scene on a Christmas-y placement.  Now, lights are up outside, bows and boughs are placed, and the inside is warm with lights.

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This bug...

...because I'm not the only one who enjoyed the nice weather.

Theo...

...because she really wants to help mom fold the laundry.

This glass of wine...

...because it was the best I ever had. And it was shared with lovely people.

These flowers...

...because they're bright and beautiful.

 These pies...

....because everything was delicious. And made with love.

Domestic

Cooking and baking are both intimidating to me.  There is most certainly an art to making food that is both tasty and aesthetically pleasing.  Pies are especially daunting- fillings can run, crust can rupture, and the overall taste can lack...sweetness.  Furthermore, my mom is the queen of pies. It's a lot of pressure.

So when I decided to make my first real pie for my fiance's family Thanksgiving, I was more than nervous.  But this recipe was excellent, and I think it turned out okay in the taste AND look departments.

The most difficult task...the crust.

Fitting it all inside was no easy task.

The hard part- waiting.

My Christmas Playlist

I know it's not Christmas yet.  But listen.  I love the Christmas season.  Oh yes, I cherish the fact that God gave us His Son on this day, and I certainly will continue to value the true meaning of Christmas.  But I also mean that I love the first snow, winter scarves, warm gloves, fuzzy hats, hot chocolate, and peppermint.  I love twinkly lights and Christmas trees and wrapping paper.  And I love Christmas songs.  Not just Christmas carols or Christmas hymns.  All. Christmas. Songs.

I've decided to share my favorite songs, not because you care (particularly), but because if you're not in the holiday spirit, I find that these songs have stood the test of time.  And by that, I mean that I sing these songs poolside in July.

1.  White Christmas- Bing Crosby

I always want a white Christmas.  Usually I'm sorely disappointed.  And don't you dare play some cover by Taylor Swift or Michael Buble.

2.  It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas- Perry Como/The Fontaine Sisters

This song in particular makes me think of my favorite Christmas-y movie.  The Polar Express.  I especially love the elves.

3.  Baby It's Cold Outside- Dean Martin

The romantic in me can't skip this song.  And Dean Martin?  'Nuff said.

4.  Believe-  Josh Groban

Again, from The Polar Express.  But Josh Groban's voice is simply perfect, and this song is so inspiring.  Well, at least it's inspiring to me as I always want to be able to hear the bells.

5.  I'll Be Home for Christmas

The whole premise of this song makes me want to weep because it is so dang sweet.  I can't imagine how hard it was to wait, wondering if your husband/boyfriend was coming back from war to spend the holidays with you.  I am sentimental like that.  Although Bing Crosby is classic, I've included the Frank Sinatra version because...well...it's Frank Sinatra. 

What song gets you into the holiday spirit?

Snapshots

A few snapshots of my week:

This candle...

...because it smells like peppermint. And Christmas.

This apostrophe worksheet...

...because a student turned it in with commas. I must have said something wrong.

This collection of books...

...because the 7th graders are about to start a unit on fairy tales. I admire the teacher's appreciation of The Hobbit.

This journal...

...because it is made of recycled products, and I love the look of it.

This hot chocolate...

...because we made a special trip for marshmallows. And there are two sunken mints inside.