Gift Idea: Disney's 'Christmas Carol'

Are you looking for a gift idea for your kid? Well we all know that DVDs are never the most exciting gift of the holiday season, but this movie is a great addition to Christmas movies for children. It mixes dazzling special effects and great performances from the likes of Jim Carrey with the wonderful Charles Dickens tale.

Elf on Broadway!

Are you one of those people who see the Rockettes every year and are looking to switch it up? Or maybe you're heading to NY for the first time and would like to see a Christmas show. Or maybe you just love Elf. Well heres the show for you. Elf is being brought to Broadway and the reviews are starting to roll in. While I havent seen it yet, I can direct you to a review. Click Here

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Arrives!!

Check out the 74 foot tall tree being trucked in to New York City. It is going to be erected on friday as the 79th Rockefeller Christmas Tree. At the end of the holiday season it will be cut into lumber and used to build homes.

Glee: The Christmas Album

While I am definitely not a fan of the show Glee, I am a fan of Christmas. So when Glee and Christmas collided I certainly had to take a listen to the album. Upon listening to the preview of the album, i am looking forward to the actual release and would like to bring the attention to all of my readers. Many of the songs stand out especially one of my personal favorites, Baby its Cold Outside. Take a listen.

Christmas in London

This years marks the 180th shopping season on London's Regent Street. It is also known for being lit up with Christmas Lights during the Holiday season. So last night the Christmas shopping season officially began on Regent Street with a celebration and a lighting of the lights ceremony. This years lights were Narnia themed in anticipation of the new movie. A little too much sponsorship? Probably, but it looks nice.

Recipe of the Day: Gingerbread Cookies

This recipe is courtesy of Allrecipes.com

Gingerbread Cookies:

Ingredients

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup shortening, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, until they are completely absorbed. Divide dough into 3 pieces, pat down to 1 1/2 inch thickness, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When the cookies are done, they will look dry, but still be soft to the touch. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on wire racks. When cool, the cookies can be frosted with the icing of your choice.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

So guess what kicked off today? The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring none other than the Rockettes! Im also glad to announce that this is the EARLIEST it has ever been premiered. If youve never gotten the opportunity to see this show, its is awesome. While it is different from year to year, it never ceases to be incredible. It is truly a staple of Christmas. If you get the chance I would recommend going to see it. For ticket and more information follow this link. http://www.radiocitychristmas.com/newyork/index.html

National Christmas Tree Lighting

Ever wanted to watch the White House Christmas Tree lighting? Well now is your chance. The National Park Foundation is holding a lottery for tickets to the event. The event takes place December 9th, 2010. Follow the link for more information and a chance to take part. http://www.thenationaltree.org/

Clip/Song of the Day: The Grinch

This song goes out to all of those who believe its still too early to partake in Christmas related activities. Those who have to wait til after Thanksgiving to begin Christmas. To all of those Scrooges out there because you "stink, stank, stunk."

Post Halloween

Welcome back everyone! I hope you had a good Halloween. Now that that holiday is over, Christmas focus is in full force! All stores will begin decorating for Christmas and advertising for Christmas sales. This is the best time of the year! Yes I know that Thanksgiving still hasn't happened. And i realize that Thanksgiving is an awesome holiday, but lets face it, I wouldn't be running this blog if Thanksgiving was as good as Christmas. So once my candy hangover wears off Ill be back into bigger and better Christmas posts.

Toys "R" Us: The Great Christmas Book

Toys "R" Us has released their annual Christmas book. Ive had a good time browsing the toys. In order to gain access visit the Toys "R" Us website. There you will find a link to "like" their facebook page. If you like their page you get instant access. Im a little disappointed with the FAO Schwarz area, because I have grand ideas of what FAO Schwarz should represent but all in all its a quality catalog. My personal favorite is the Big Foot Monster.

Drink Recipe: Eggnog I

Id like to thank Allrecipe.com for this recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 quart milk
• 1/3 pint heavy whipping cream
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 
  
• Directions

1. Beat eggs; mix in condensed milk, vanilla, quart of milk and salt.
2. Beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold in to egg and milk mixture and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve chilled.

Train: "Shake up Christmas" : Coca Cola

Unfortunately the sound on my computer isnt working right now but anything that is Coca Cola and Christmas has to be good. Heres an article I just found. Enjoy!

The song, "Shake Up Christmas," is a key part of Coca-Cola Co.'s new Christmas advertising campaign that in past years has featured people or animals, such as the friendly polar bears of 1993, which became iconic for generations of TV viewers.Continue Article...

A Tourist's Guide to Christmas in Manhattan

So its never too early to start planning for Christmas. And theres no better place to enjoy the holidays (in my opinion) than Manhattan. So i found an article to help anyone who wishes to visit there in the holiday season to get a head start. Ill most likely re-post this when it gets closer to Christmas as well.

A tourist's Christmas in midtown Manhattan has a logical starting place: Rockefeller Center, with the famous tree and ice skating rink, Radio City Music Hall, and the view from Top of the Rock, the observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Continue Article

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas II You Release

So her Christmas Album has been released. So far ive only found one other song and it is terrible. They definitely havent lived up to my expectations. Here it is, have a listen and let me know what you think.

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas II You

Mariah Carey's new Christmas album is one that I am definitely looking forward to. Mariah has already established herself as a worthy candidate for producing Christmas songs after her rendition of All I Want For Christmas Is You. The first sneak peek available for her new album didn't impress me much but hopefully her other songs will be better. Heres your first sneak peek, i hope you enjoy and ill keep you updated as more comes around.

Neiman Marcus Update!

As posted previously I stated that the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was released. In a matter of three minutes, all 100 of the Neiman Marcus Convertibles sold out. That is an incredible feat and shows the interest of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Props to them. 

Glee: Christmas Album

Rumors are starting to circle about Glee producing a Christmas Album. While Im not a fan of Glee, Im always up for listening to different versions of Christmas songs so keep and eye out for this album. Ill release more information whenever it becomes official.

Back! Sonny Boy Williamson: Santa Claus

So Im back from my Habitat trip which was easily one of the best experiences of my life. All the people were awesome, I was able to help others, and it was fun in the process. So my review today is a "Christmas" song that most people probably have never heard but its a combination of my favorite blues artist and Christmas. I put Christmas in parenthesis before because its not exactly a Christmas song, just mentions bits of it. I hope you enjoy the harmonica as well as the song.

Habitat For Humanity

Hey Everyone. In honor of the giving spirit of Christmas I am going on a Habitat for Humanity trip this week so I will not be able to post until next Saturday. Unlike the picture below, Im doing this in Fort Smith, Arkansas, not Ireland.  I hope you can last a week without your daily Christmas Fix.

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

For those who can afford it, Neiman Marcus released their Annual Christmas Book of fantasy-like items today. This years catalog features a $17,500 camera, a $75,000 corvette, and my favorite, the Edible Gingerbread PLAYHOUSE for a measly $15,000. So if you can afford it, or if you just want to fantasize of what it would be like if you could, take a stumble over to the Neiman Marcus website.

Dorm Idea: Wrapping Paper

This section is for all of the college kids out there who desire a way to decorate their dorms. Everyone who's been through college knows that money is tight and therefore the allowance for decorations is limited. My roomate's and I composed an idea last year which worked brilliantly. Run down to your nearest dollar store and pick up rolls of wrapping paper. Then cover your walls. Yes it might come off as tacky, but you'll be the most decorated college dorm and spend the least amount. Trust me, we received many positive comments on our walls. Enjoy!

Drink Recipe: Candy Cane

For my first drink recipe, I chose one that ive been wanting to try for a while. This is Sandra Lee's Candy Cane Cocktail. I haven't tried it yet, but when i do ill leave a review. Enjoy.

Ingredients
1 shot vanilla rum
1 shot white chocolate liqueur (recommended: Godiva)
1 shot peppermint schnapps
Candy cane, garnish

Directions
Add all liquid ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into martini glass. Garnish with candy cane.

Song Review: Happy Holidays: Andy Williams

This is a staple of Christmas songs and one of my favorites. It was first performed in Holiday Inn by Bing Crosby and while Bing's version is incredible, the Andy Williams version has more of a holiday feel to it for me. Ive started rating songs with various criteria. This scored an overall score of 9.5/10 and scored a perfect 10 in the "Christmasness" criteria. I dont have much time for a full review today but sit back and enjoy this must listen to Christmas song.

White House Christmas Tree

Well I'm a little late on this Christmas news, but better late then never, right? Especially since I started this post yesterday. Anyway, The White House has chosen their Christmas Tree already (i like the enthusiasm) from N.E. Pennsylvania. Heres a quick video. Enjoy.

Christmas Movie Clip of the Day: Elf: Exploring New York

First off, what an awesome movie. Second, I chose this to be my first clip because I believe in demonstrates one of the most important aspects of Christmas (while being really funny at the same time). To me this aspect is finding your inner child. When you find your inner child, you are able to have fun with the simplest of things. If you can find your inner child again, hopefully you can regain some of the Christmas magic. Sorry the video quality is a little poor, hope you enjoy.

Baby It's Cold Outside: Dean Martin

When a song is as popular as Baby It's Cold Outside, you need a "control" to help you in your later reviews. A control is the norm, the version that comes to mind when you hear the title. For me the control of Baby It's Cold Outside is Dean Martins original version. This goes against my general philosophy of choosing the King of Christmas, Mr. Bing Crosby, and even my personal Queen of Christmas, Martina McBride who was overdubbed to duet with Dean Martin. However, Dean's original version stands out the best for me for 1 huge reason.
This song as most people know is a conversation that takes place after a date between the two individuals. To me Dean Martin's voice and his partner's voice team up for a perfect pair of conversational voices while still singing. I am able to be swept away and envision myself as Dean himself. To me that is the power of this song. By far one of my favorites, and one of the all time classics. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

-SLB

Christmas 365

What better time of the year is there than Christmas? My answer, and THE answer is Christmas. Often times my friends criticize my affection for all things related to Christmas, but I believe it is justified. So I created this blog for all of those Christmas fanatics out there who listen to the songs, watch the movies, and share in the joy throughout the year. I say, why confine yourself to "after Thanksgiving and until Christmas?" 

I watch normal movies because they are inspiring, funny, contain action and dare I say romantic. Well guess what, Christmas movies have all of these aspects; inspiring (It's a Wonderful Life), funny (Elf), contain action (Jingle All the Way), romantic (White Christmas). Just because the plot takes place during a specific time of year, I believe they shouldn't be subjected to punishment of only beings watch around Christmas. If you can watch normal movies all year, why not the ones which take place during Christmas. 

Now for music. I listen to music because it I enjoyed it, it puts me in a certain mood, and helps pass the time. Christmas music does this all. Whenever I need an uplift, Christmas never fails. So it constantly remains on my Ipod.

So this blog is for all of those Christmas lovers. It will contain reviews of songs and movies, decoration ideas, drinks for parties, college dorm ideas, song and movie countdowns, etc. All things Christmas. If you have a specific song or movie you want me to review, feel free to forward it to me.

Sincerely,

Santa's Little Blogger