5 Christmas Things

Photo by polarizing

A list, to wake up the blog.

5 of my favorite pieces of Christmastime.

1. Decorating the Christmas tree
I've always enjoyed this. From picking the tree out, to stringing on the lights, and carefully picking a place for every ornament, this makes me feel like Christmas is just around the corner.

2. Baking
I'm not much of a baker. I generally stick to regular ol' cooking during the rest of the year, but something about cold weather makes me want to break open the cook books and turn my oven on. Bread is my favorite thing to make, but I'm also partial to a good cookie recipe.

3. Wrapping gifts
I love picking out paper, or making my own, and finding creative items to decorate gifts. I know they will just be torn to pieces, but I enjoy the way lovely gifts look all set up and pretty under a tree.


4. Holiday gift guides and end of the year lists
I have a fun time searching through the lists compiled over the many blogs on the internet, looking at everybody's favorite gift items. I suppose it just appeals to my list making/organizing sensibilities. The end of the year "best of" lists are also fun, whether it be about books, movies or whatever.

5. The all around giddy feeling that is in the air.
I love the way Portland lights up during the holidays. There are lights everywhere downtown, many different festive music and creative events. It sometimes feel like little holiday bubbles are floating around making people just a bit happier during the month of December.