I would love to be invited to this party. Apartment Therapy likened it to a snowstorm and I think that’s pretty bang on! And what a blizzard the design students of The House that Lars Built whipped up!

It snowed in Ottawa today. The first snowfall that stuck. Libby loves the snow so we got out and she hurried along the sidewalk all in a tizzy.

Every December, my Poppy would dust off the record player and play Orson Welles’ A Christmas Carol. He’d sit in the middle of my sister and I (if we let him), grab our hands and shake at the scary bits. This year is our first year without Poppy. But I don’t think he’s really gone when we celebrate him and our traditions. Tonight my sister and I hopped in my car and cruised around our hometown scouting out pretty Christmas lights (although this year we found a lot of ugly blow up Santas – blech). We usually dance around with A Charlie Brown Christmas on full blast but this year we listened to the radio play. It was lovely. Thanks for the memories, Bec – new and old. If you’d like to check it out, you can listen to it here.

I personally love the good ol’ german advent calendars. They might be lacking in chocolate, but the sweet pictures you open every day brighten your mood. But these diy calendars just might change my mind!

{Saganaga}

{Ali Edwards}

{Mermag}

{Mayalu}

{Martha Stewart}

And one for Miss. Libbyloo:

{ejwines2}

O’ Christmas tree, o’ Christmas tree. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a tree. So I put up mine on the 1st. And I had plenty to live up to. I saw this photo from Canadian House and Home magazine last December and fell in love. Sarah Richardson is a design goddess to me. So…how’d I do?

Here’s Sarah’s tree:

And mine:

I love eggnog during the holidays. It’s pure bliss. But since I’ve started my uber diet, eggnog no longer has a place in my Christmas  traditions. Or does it? Intro  Philosophy’s Eggnog shower gel. I’m telling you this smells exactly like the real thing. Who knew a whiff of this could satisfy my cravings!?

How do you welcome your guests for the holidays? A pair of slippers? A hot toddy? Nor do I. I’m not that snazzy. But I am festive. Hence the wreath. I bought a pretty red berry wreath at Michaels a couple of weeks ago to spruce up my new front door. It may still be November and perhaps a little early to be full out decking the halls, so ease into the holidays by decking your door first.

{Canadian House and Home}

{Martha Stewart}

Christmas traditions, both old and new, make this time of year so exciting. There’s so much to do! So much to appreciate! This year, I decided to make up a list of ways I’d like to enjoy this most festive season.

Cruise around Aylmer with my sister looking at Xmas lights while listening to Charlie Brown Christmas tunes

Put up a wreath

Find pretty blue ornaments for my Christmas tree

Listen to good ol’ carols by Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby

Take a walk on a snowy night with Libby

Watch White Christmas

Read my advent calendar every day

Bake Christmas cookies for friends

Wear a pretty cocktail dress and party it up

Suds up with Philosophy’s Eggnog Shower Gel

Exchange gifts

Make ice candles with my sister

Go caroling with friends and family

See A Christmas Carol in theatres

Drive downtown to see the Parliament all lit up

Dress Libby in her Santa Claus outfit

Fall asleep every night counting my blessings

Watch The Nutcracker ballet on dvd

Light candles and drink a cup of chai

Go to a Sunday service at the Parkdale United Church

Have a drink with my dad at his office party

Listen to A Christmas Carol (narrated by Orson Welles)

Put out christmas cookies for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph

Savour one (small) bowl of Christmas Crackle ice cream for Pop

Wear bright red lipstick on Christmas day

Wouldn’t you love to get this  if you were globetrotting on your big day? How thoughtful is this video?

It’s only November but I’m in the spirit! I can’t stop myself! I’ve been listening to The Nutcracker all day at work (it keeps me focused, you know) and I’m collecting every Christmas magazine I can get my hands on. Oooooo Christmas! I love  you.