My holiday favorites + remaining wide-eyed

Well, there’s no other way around it: I am a 5’5”, 28 year-old kid. I can’t get enough of this time of year, for as long as my mind can remember.

Even though it’s not yet snowy in Minnesota, the weather isn’t stopping all the cheer going around. I get so giddy with gladness, it is almost like I am taking in everyone else’s excitement in the air. This time of year is so refreshing – more people smiling, laughing, saying “Hello,” seemingly walking with extra pep in their step and offering their internal joy to come out. Allowing ourselves to be kids again is so awesome (and so necessary!).

So here are a few of my favorite things about the most wonderful time of year:

Christmas movie (duh): “A Christmas Story“

Christmas song: “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOszvL9lgSs

Holiday treat: chocolate mint brownies

Holiday beverage: brandy alexander (with ice cream, of course!)

What I want to wear all. the. time.

What I actually wear all. the. time.

Christmas ornament:

The all-time best thing about this time of year… 

Spending quality time with my families (yes there are many and I love them all!). Hearing my favorite people laugh. Share memories.  Seeing their faces as they open gifts, and yet knowing that the best gift of all are these moments. Not things. Hugs. Watching the snow fall. Heart-centered contentedness that radiates through and through.

How do you stay childlike this time of year?