'Tis the Season!

I am so excited that it is December. This is by far my favorite time of the year- I love everything about the season- the sights, the sounds, the smells, the food, everything! Of course I look forward most to spending time with family and celebrating the Savior's birth, but there are so many little things leading up to Christmas that just make me happy too. Here are some of my all-time favorite ways to celebrate the season:

Christmas Coloring: I love coloring year-round, but it is extra special around Christmas time. I come from a family of coloring addicts. When we get together at my grandma's, it is not weird to find a large group sitting at the table coloring.

The TREATS: Need I say more? I feel the urge to bake something new everyday. It's getting ridiculous. There are just so many yummy holiday treats. (although I will skip the divinity every time. Anyone even like that stuff? Pretty sure that is the only sugar-related item I have found that I don't like.)
Movies: I love so many Christmas movies. I need to build up my collection because I have already watched all the ones I own, plus some. There are so many great Christmas movies. I typically am not one to sit and watch movies very often, but this time of year, its about all I want to do! Cozy up on the couch with some hot chocolate, a movie, a coloring book, and a huge blanket? Amazing.

Gingerbread Houses: This is an annual tradition for Devin and I so far. Of course ours are oh-so-professional, but it is a fun thing to do anyway. It has been good for us to establish some of our own traditions in the past few years of marriage.
The Music: I can't wait to bust out the Christmas music each year. I LOVE IT. It is on all day, everyday at our house. I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas music and the annual Christmas program (which I have been lucky enough to see the last few years. Not this year, though...darn it.) My favorite Christmas album of all time though is Josh Groban's Noel. We listen to it at least a few times per day and I never get sick of it.

The Hot Chocolate: We have this handy dandy cocoa maker and it is in use daily around here. I can't get enough of the hot chocolate. I love any flavor, but am fine with the plain ol' stuff. So good.
The Forgottten Carols: Have you seen this? I had always heard so much about it but never had the chance to see it until last year when my cousin was gracious enough to give us her tickets. I loved it so much. Che' and I got DVD's when we went to Good Things Utah last year and I have made good use of the DVD, watching it several times already. It is so great. I love the music in it and the message. What a great way to ring in the Christmas season.
There are so many more things I love about this season, perhaps I will post more as the month goes by. I just love the excitement in the air and the general feeling all month long. It's amazing.


Happy December to each of you! What are your favorite ways to celebrate the season?