Merry Christmas!

I'll be taking a week or so away from the computer

 to spend some sweet time doing some of my favorite things

with my family and friends

Making brunch with Mom on Christmas Eve

Last year's blueberry scones, spinach and bacon quiche 

and bacon wrapped shrimp skewers.

Last minute shopping

movies and hot chocolate

Christmas light viewing

The other people at the walk-through light park thought we were CRAZY

but I'd say we were jolly

or joyful

or spirited.

Watching It's A Wonderful Life 

and crying tears of gratefulness for everything I've been blessed with

(seriously, ever year there are tears)

And some restful time off with these lovely people!

my parents and sister

my extended family

with my favorite three little girls in the world 

who give the best makeovers

And the sweet Valdez family

who treats me like their own

And most of all, time to meditate on and celebrate

the hope that came to earth as a baby 

and the hope I have that He's coming again!

Wishing peace and joy to all of your families this Christmas

blessings,

Chelsea

My Top Ten Christmas Movies

The Christmas season comes with some great traditions, celebrations and activities. Here are a few of my fave ways to celebrate Christmas!

My Top Ten Christmas Movies

1. It's a Wonderful Life 

I absolutely, whole-heartedly LOVE this movie. The black and white, the over emotional acting, the true to life story line. Every time I watch it, my heart breaks for Jimmy Stewart. And my heart swells with joy when the entire town gathers in their home to sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing. It never fails, i'm choked up with happy tears and have a new lease on life at the end of this one. I reserve it specifically for Christmastime so it doesn't lose any magic!


2. The Santa Clause

This was the one my family watched together every year. I'm pretty sure I have it memorized by now. It has some beautiful themes of Child like faith that challenge our walks with Christ if we let them. An elf tells Scott, "Seeing isn't believing; believing is seeing. Kids don't have to see this place to know it's real. They just know." 


3. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Although it's a cartoon, based on a comic strip, there is so much good truth in this film! It points holes in the idea of contentment in material things and points to Christ for true joy. Plus, it's only thirty minutes long, so you don't have to commit to a whole lot of TV time here!


4. Love Actually

Ok, so it's not at all a movie about Christmas. It's about love, marriage, family and loss and is set at Christmas. There are failures and triumphs and an underlying message that Christmas is a time to be honest and express... love! There is some incredible acting from an all star cast. I especially love Colin Firth's story line of love across language and culture!


5. Scrooged

This is my favorite form of A Christmas Story, because it's not too cheesy and it helps place Ebeneezer Scrooge as a modern day miser. Plus, Bill Murray is hilarious, the ghosts take unexpected and ridiculous forms and the travels they take together just hit close to home. Out with consumerism, materialism and media, in with family and generosity and singing!


6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated)

Are you noticing a theme here? Anti-consumerism movies are the best at this time. And this original animated Grinch flick shows that even without the gifts and pretty paper and snazzy toys, the Whos down in Whoville still had joy. Heart warming at any age!


7. Elf

With so many quote-able quotes, Elf is a must. Sometimes the body/food/inappropriate humor gets to me, but mostly this one about family values, second chances and staying true to your beliefs elicits lots of giggles! Plus, how cute is Zooey Deschanel in this one?


8. Home Alone

Classic. Forever the connection to many of the Christmas songs I hear. As a latch key kid, I totally based all of my hypothetical defense mechanisms against bad guys off of Macaulay Culkin's tactics! 


9. I'll Be Home for Christmas

Jonathon Taylor Thomas in a silly, sentimental, sweet movie about being forced to return to his parents' home for the holidays. A good reminder to those of us who sometimes feel too grown-up to need Mom and Dad. This is a good one to have on in the background while crafting or working. 


10. Jingle All the Way 

Another quote worthy Christmas film. With Arnold and Sinbad. Need I say more?

Note- I've never seen The Nativity Story or White Christmas. I plan to this year, and hopefully can add them to the list! You can see a complete list of any Christmas movie your heart may want to see (and many that it would gladly pass up) here.