My Favorite Movies- Christmas Specials, Part Two

Join me now for the (not at all) dramatic conclusion to Christmas Specials, Part One!

(I have too much free time.)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Oh, how I love the Grinch. A misunderstood, antisocial grump who lives in a cave with his dog, and believes he has the power to prevent an entire holiday from occurring. He has cojones to spare, but I guess when your heart is three sizes too small, you have a bit of extra room. I love the songs, the animation, and the reassurance that (despite my secularism) Christmas doesn't have to come from a store (much as I like that, too), but it is what you make of it. And there are some things that are more important than jing tinglers and who carnio fluxes. Also worth mentioning, my cousin Ashley has this crazed, lunatic smile she sometimes does, and I swear, it makes her look exactly like ol' Grinchy Poo when he's about to engage in some hardcore holiday thievery. You know the one. All his teeth are bared, his antennae (aren't they?) twirl, and he gives his most wickedy-grinchedy grin. It's pure Ashley, that grin. (Ashley does not normally resemble the Grinch. Just when she smiles while feeling particularly wicked.)

Frosty the Snowman
Of all the Rankin-Bass specials, this one has the most comedic appeal, thanks in large part to Jackie Vernon and Jimmy Durante. I always loved the part, after the kids have built Frosty and are shouting out possible names, the youngest one cries out "Oatmeal!" It gets me to this day. My memories tied to it are quite intertwined with also watching Twas the Night Before Christmas, and untangling strands upon strands of lights to put in windows and on the tree. Especially the color lights that had those plastic flower-shaped surrounds. Do they still make those? I always liked them best. Frosty is one of the only four specials made and aired in the 1960s that still airs today (others being Rudolph, Charlie Brown and the Grinch.)  Which explains why you may have never heard of Misters Vernon and Durante. I actually have a story about Jimmy Durante, courtesy of my dad and his brother (my Uncle Richard.) They grew up in/around Burbank in the 60s. One day, I'm not sure whether to be funny or out of genuine desire, they called a local radio station and requested some Jimmy Durante. The dj scoffed and told them no way, because "no one wants to hear Jimmy Durante these days." He was wrong, because none other than Jim Nabors called, and told him he did. This all played out over the airwaves (or so I've been told.) This is why I'm 32 years old, but understand references on a geriatric level. And more relevantly, Christmas isn't Christmas unless I've seen Frosty while decorating. It gets me in that mood.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
If you don't find yourself disgusted, at some point, with all things holiday-related, then you're either Martha Stewart, or you aren't doing it right. Charlie Brown speaks to the disillusioned soul within us all at this time of year. Luckily, Charlie had Linus to remind him, there is real meaning to the holiday season, and it's still there, even when everyone around you is concerned with their own self-serving desires and whims. I believe that is why this special endures. Our society is ever-increasingly driven to acquire the latest of everything (myself included), and seems to be hurtling further and further away from anything meaningful. For Charlie and Linus, it was the birth of Jesus and not letting commercialism ruin their holiday. For me, it's togetherness with family (even though they usually drive me crazy, we're usually able to reign it in for a day) and enjoying all the little, mundane parts of the Holidays that combine to make them special.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Of all the specials of all time that ever have aired anywhere, this one is my favorite. More than any other, it reminds me of my dad, making sure we saw it, even if it sometimes meant being a little bit late for a company Christmas party. Much like with Frosty, the holidays just aren't the same without Rudolph. My heart always hurt for the Misfit toys, especially the sad little doll, whose only flaw (according to Romeo Muller and a few websites) was that she didn't feel loved and had low self-esteem. I recall asking my parents what was wrong with her; they never had an answer, so I'd be sure to tell them "I think it's because she doesn't have a nose. But that's ok, because she can talk and cry!" Perhaps I was always secretly hoping to find her under the tree on Christmas morning? Overall, I love a good misfit story, and Rudolph is chock-full of 'em. My sister and I quote this all throughout the year (mainly King Moonracer's "come closer" and "footman! Show them to their chambers," and Sam's "Pull up an ice block.") I've always adored the style this was made in, the music is charmingly done, and should I ever have children, I will carry on the tradition of watching these guys whenever it airs. While it has very little to do with traditional Christmas themes, the idea of being yourself, warts and all, is one of my favorites.

It occurs to me that I have many, many more favorite holiday specials/movies. More than space here would allow. So, I'm considering a part three. Or doing something a bit more specific. Either way, hope you've enjoyed my lists of favorite Christmas specials! They may not be the most original or cutting-edge, but Christmas isn't always about that :) And that's a beautiful thing.

Catch Up

Haven't really posted a lot in the last several weeks, what with it being the holidays and all. I've been sick, been kicking ass in my phlebotomy certification course, and pretty much eating chips like they're about to stop being made.

Yeah, I'm all healthy and awesome and shit.

Haven't hopped back on the TAGT train yet, and I hate to say it's the plan for the new year, because I think new year's resolutions are kind of useless. It's less about feeling pressure to make a big change with the new year, and just the nice sort of lining up of the want to get back into my old healthy habits, and that sort of thing being a little easier to execute in January. No big whoop.

My other hopes for post-holiday madness will be starting my garden from seed- at an appropriate time of year. Last year, I tried it months after I should have, then I was gone helping my sister recover from a wreck. This year, I should be employed and unable to flit off to play Florence Nightingale for ailing relatives. If I'm here to actually look after seedlings and plants, then my hope is I'll be here to harvest the suckers and make preserves and such. I have at least a few plans for posts about that in the new year, so check back :)

Anyway, hopefully everyone's holiday season is not causing too much stress or weight gain. I have a few more Christmas related posts on the way, and possibly some recipes, and maybe some Christmas memories posts. Hope your December is lovely so far :D

My Favorite Movies- Holiday Specials, Part One

I have a secret. It's not a dark secret, not scandalous, and it would probably not in any way affect my future as a state senator. It doesn't involve wetting the bed, the natural color of my hair, or my undying adoration for Tom Petty. I love holiday movies, holiday specials, pretty much holiday anything. I hear your groans, the "we saw this from light years away!" protests. And I admit my transparency. I also admit, I friggin love holiday movies and shows. Here are my favorites, and why I love them so.

Christmas With the Kranks
The first time I saw this was just because it happened to be on tv, and I happen to hate channel surfing. It stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as a couple who decide to take off Christmas, just this once, and the chaos that follows their decision. As much as I love Christmas, I can admit to wanting to just skip out on it and avoid the stress and the calories sometimes. If you don't find yourself tearing up a little when Luther gifts the Scheels then you probably have no soul and should probably be forced to watch Sarah MacLachlan ASPCA commercials until you grow one.

Bad Santa
Certainly not the warmest and fuzziest of all Christmas movies, but definitely one of the funniest. Billy Bob Thornton is Willie, a scuzzy, always sauced professional criminal, whose heist of choice is casing malls while playing Santa. He meets the naive, practically abandoned Thurman Merman, who attempts to befriend Willie, believing he is actually Santa. After learning Thurman's mother left, his father is "climbing mountains" (jailed for embezzlement), and his only guardian is his senile grandmother, Willie moves in. Thurman starts to grow on Willie, and he becomes a sort of father figure. Willie meets bartender Sue (Lauren Graham), gets blackmailed by head of mall security (Bernie Mac), and attempts the heist with his partners in crime, Marcus and Lois (Tony Cox and Lauren Tom), only to find out they have other ideas. Cops come, shots are fired, but in the end, we learn family isn't limited to the one you were born into.

Twas the Night Before Christmas
Based loosely (pretty loosely) on the Clement Clarke Moore poem, this is a Rankin-Bass cartoon about a clockmaker who decides to build a clock to entice Santa to town, after a group of punk-ass adolescent mice write a letter to the local paper, claiming Santa doesn't exist- and sign it "all of us." I loved this one as a child, as it and Frosty remind me of decorating the house and tree. And I also have always loved anthropomorphized mice. And how Albert realizes that sometimes, the adult thing is to have faith in magic.

Home Alone
It seems like everyone should know about this one, and that it only seems right that you see it at least three times every December. Seeing it as a kid made me kind of envious of Kevin, either way, really- he was either going to spend Christmas in Paris, or have his whole huge, lovely home all to himself. Not that he got to choose, but if I may be so bold as to overanalyze this movie, I think his options represent a dichotomy we must all feel, at some time- do we continue with the (possibly tired) traditions, or do we forge our own path to holiday happiness? Plus there's beating the baddies, a mysterious, creepy neighbor, and John Candy. And the house. There is something so early-nineties about it that has stayed with me all this time. I have house envy. It makes me want to move to whatever Chicago suburb this house is located in because house.so.purty. The house used in the film is actually in Winnetka, Illinois, and is currently a tourist attraction about "getting your house in the movies."


Trying to post all of my favorites into one entry apparently caused some hiccup with my computer or Blogger, so I have to split this post into 2. So stay tuned for the epic conclusion of "Holiday Specials, Part One."

Thoughtful Gifts for the Hard to Buy For

I'd already written up a gift guide for hard to buy for moms, then realized, my ideas are actually helpful for everyone. I just happen to have a HTBF mother (my dad is the total opposite), so I have a couple of decades of figuring out what to buy for her under my belt. Not that the road hasn't been paved with last minute dvds and random tchotchkes,  but I think I've come a long way as a gifter. So here in time for Black Friday, are my tips for gift giving, for the hard to buy for in your life.

1. Just ask them what they want. Yes, this is glaringly obvious. No, I don't mean it at all in a smart assy way. I realize that sometimes, we so want to surprise loved ones with spectacular gifts, that we overwhelm ourselves trying to find the perfect one. Then, we wind up scrambling last minute and wind up with something that may not be anywhere near what we'd intended. So, instead of trying to be sly, just ask. If you want to surprise them (and who doesn't, really?) discuss it in a way that is less like trying to suss out info, and more like a general conversation. Something like "I've always wanted the Charmkins windmill, but ebay is ridiculous. How about you?" 
2. Set up a family wishlist. This is especially helpful for families with younger kids/teens at home, or families who do a name/gift exchange. Amazon is a great option for general wishlists (you can even organize items by how badly you want them), and if you hate being out and about during the holiday season, you can shop right from home. Elfster is a secret Santa organizer site that is simple to use and can be linked to your Facebook account. You simply invite family/friends to the exchange, they answer anonymously asked questions and/or fill out a wishlist, names are drawn and gifts exchanged. It's Secret Santa without the hassle.
3. Answer these questions- What do they hate to do, what do they love to do, what have they always wanted to try? My mother's lone request all these years has been for a clean house. There are several reasons why that never happens (she refuses to do it herself, chief among them.) So I say, if you want to know what a person truly wants, answer these three questions. Delving further into things, knowing what they value most- services, experiences, or things- is also key. So if your mother hates cleaning, is always complaining about it, pay for a maid service. If she is unwilling to allow strangers into her home, volunteer to do it yourself (and actually DO it, don't say you will then reneg because you're broke. Or cheap.) If someone is interested in developing a skill, experiencing a once in a lifetime event, or just would like a weekend away (if your budget allows), figure that thing out and make it happen. This one also allows for time spent with loved ones- which is important to many, and free.
4. Let gift cards supplement, not supply. I am a fan of gift cards. As someone who has never been good at on command wish listing (and who is prone to whims), they take the headache out of things. But they can be boring, and I have heard a few people complain that it's no fun to buy them. With that in mind, I say let a gift card add to the overall gift, and not be the entire gift. If your sister hangs out at the library, figure out her favorite authors or genres, buy her a book- and tuck in a B&N or Starbucks card. If your brother loves cooking outdoors, get him a cast iron cookware set and a card for Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's or Lowes. If your parents never make time for themselves, buy them an outfit and add a certificate to their favorite restaurant. You can still give gift cards, but putting a little more thought into a gift is always appreciated.
5. Give of yourself. This one kind of ties into #3, but with a more DIY angle. If you are a talented photographer, graphic designer, knitter, baker, put those skills to use! If you are good with editing and design software and know a couple of new parents, design a birth announcement, print it on heavy card stock and have it framed (I've done a couple using Picasa, and I've seen others on Etsy.) If you are handy with a camera, take a family portrait or offer to photograph your nieces, nephews, cats-in-law, etc. Cook a gourmet meal, offer to babysit, wherever you see a need you could fill, offer to do that, and do it.
6. DIY Gift baskets. No matter what you could offer to do for some people, there will always be those that prefer things over all. This is ok! There's a reason gift sets abound during the holidays. They are easy. Many have brand recognition. And some have hefty price tags. If you have many to buy for on a limited budget, try buying mini sets and breaking them up. Stores like Bath and Body Works, and many cosmetics brands offer these kinds of sets every year. If you have several teen girls to buy for (or even older women! as long as they like health and beauty products, this will please), buy several sets or travel sized products, a cosmetics bag (Wal Mart and Target have many affordable and stylish options), and round it out with little things like small candles, chocolates (or other candies) and nail polish. You could even do a more specific set, such as a pampering routine, mani-pedis, skincare, hair styling. I suppose girls can be easy to buy for :) If you have more guys to gift, movies, video games, gadget accessories (who isn't always looking for a charger cord?!), and even grooming kits are good ideas. My assumption is that you probably know the people you're buying for well enough to know what they are into. So if you have a brother, cousin or nephew who is more into cooking than power tools, get him a cookbook and some kitchen tools. And stuff em in a crockpot or a heavy-duty enameled cast iron pot that will last them forever. The options are pretty much endless here. 
7. Big Ticket Ideas. If your dad's dream has always been to restore an old car, but he never looks for one, get yourself online and look for one. Between Freecycle, Craigslist, and local classifieds, you might just luck up and find something that someone wants to get rid of cheap (or maybe free! My brother was once given a 1950 Ford car. You just never know unless you look!) If you have a big or even limitless budget, pay for a vacation for someone. If you know someone who is always doing for others and never takes "me time," pay for them a room for a weekend. (Don't book it before you give it to them, unless you know their schedule backwards, forwards, and upside down. You wouldn't want to spend hundreds on a trip that can't be taken.) If you live near any hotel-casinos, and know your recipient will have no issue with the gambling, you can also provide a meal for them, perhaps a massage, room service, or gift card to an onsite store. If someone's idea of getting away from it all actually involves leaving everything behind, consider renting a cabin, or even a room in a b&b. If it's going to be in an area you're not that familiar with, be sure to research beforehand, and create a list of suggestions. Restaurants, historical sites, shops, theaters, museums, spas...base it on their interests, and schedule them a trip.

I hope you found this list helpful! It's not original information, but I think it's relevant and good info, and hopefully it gets your creative gifting juices flowing! Comment below your creative gift ideas!

Holiday Tv Specials Schedule

Just posting a head's up and a link- if you look forward to holiday specials every year, make sure to bookmark this site- Holiday Tv Specials Schedule. I've been referencing it every year since about 2006 (it is updated annually.) Be sure to catch your old favorites, and check out new offerings from Hallmark, ABC Family, and the major networks. I'm looking forward to the Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Muppets/Lady Gaga Thanksgiving special and Carrie Underwood in the NBC remake of The Sound of Music. 

Are you ready for the holiday season to be in full swing? Or are you waiting for January 2nd? Comment below!

**I am not affiliated with Chiff.com, I'm just really fond of their website**

Another Christmas Post

Yeah, this is kind of (kind of?!?!) late, and I am not one to feel the urge to show the world every little thing I receive, but it is a blogging tradition, and really, what else do I have to blab about? With that, I bring you my first ever "what Santa brought me" post. In January.

First of all, I GOT A CAMERA!! I could end this post right now and be a very happy camper. It's  a Nikon Coolpix in plum, which is very nice. I still need a memory card, but I've already had fun with it, and can't wait to get my greedy little clutches on a memory card.

Next up, an Ulta gift card for $50, which became an Urban Decay Sustainable shadow palette, two Organix 3 piece travel sets (love the Brazilian Ever Straight set), which were BOGO free, and I still have $10 left. The palette was half price, and let me tell you, there is nothing I love more than using a gift card during a sale.

My niece, Mady, let me know that the gift from her (and my brother), was picked out, purchased, and possibly even wrapped solely by her lonesome. Not bad for a 5 year old. I was told well before time, that it was picked (by my brother) because I "will never grow up." I guessed that it was a stuffed animal by examining the box. It's a stuffed Hello Kitty, and she looks like she's dressed to flamenco dance. She and my pink poodle-y HK will live in my crafts room, as soon as it's cleared and ready. And thank you Moosy and George, I love it! 

From the sister, I got one of those nail stamping kits, which has led to me cussing when my favorite design won't stamp properly. And perusing Amazon for Cheeky plates. And even more polish. She also gave me a peacock themed pad, which is adorable and living in my purse. I can never have too many pens or pads.

Also among my loot, were fuzzy pajamas (soooooooo so so good), underthings, half a set of the taco bowl molds (other half went to Kaemae), the Sweet on Paris BBW spray, and a Christmas scent warmer. Even though we didn't have it on December 25, I think I would vote to plan the next one out this way again. We had a huge breakfast, watched tv, opened presents, and made pizzas. I'm not really big on change, and that especially extends to holidays, but this change wasn't so bad. And I'm already planning for the next one :)

A Merry Little Jaunt

So, here's something about me maybe no one else knows- Christmas lights are my boyfriend. In rational, not-so-nutsy terms, that just means "I really, really like Christmas lights." I have long enjoyed sitting alone at night in the living room, staring at the lit tree. Sometimes with cocoa. Sometimes sobbing. The holidays can be a sad time! I was also a fan of sneaking the ornaments out to play with during the rest of the year, but that's another story for....never.

Getting back, I heart lights of the yuletide variety. Growing up, my family would take trips to a town called Natchitoches (Nack-eh-tish), to view their light display. Here's the deal regarding Natchitoches- it's maybe the oldest settlement in La, Steel Magnolias and an episode of Ghost Adventures were filmed there, and they have meat pies. It's kind of like New Orleans north, except smaller, less crowded, and not smelly. As this relates to now, they have a Christmas festival, the main event being the displays of lighted designs on the river. I've never actually been for the big party with fireworks and funnel cake, but have several times gone on the 45ish minute car ride, singing carols with cousins, eating M&Ms, getting gum stuck on my jeans, to ooh and ah over these huge, lit up ornaments. If you have always enjoyed gawking at lit homes during the holiday season, then Natchitoches is for you! Plus, you know, sometimes there's funnel cake.

The carousel reminds me of my grandma. Miss you, gammer!

 For more about Natchitoches and the Christmas Festival, click here. Also, don't question my sanity due to posting about a holiday that was two weeks ago, I won't be celebrating for yet another two weeks. Kinda like in Almost Famous, but with less sticking it to "the man," and more procrastination.

(Also, please do pardon my amateur hour photography. All I have is a cell phone. Surely this coming Christmas, Santa will take pity on me and bring me a Nikon?)