2017 RECAP/ HAPPY NEW YEAR /ADVENTURING

 
       

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017

I remember last year at our church's annual New Years eve party wondering what 2017 would bring? 

What fun adventures I'd go on.

What new and interesting books I'd read.

What hard and painful things would cross my path.

Etc...

A lot has happened since that night. 

I experienced all those things and,  probably more but,What I've come to understand and appreciate is that God gives us grace for the moments. If I would have know that night that my best friend would move across the country from me, I probably would have  Wept for quite some time. (I did anyways) 

Or those hundereds of other problems that life seems to throw at you.

If we could look into the future don't you think we might go crazy?!

If we knew what life was going to bring us we would probably die from worry and fear.

So I'm thankful that I can't see into the future.

And that I can rest in God and trust in his perfect plan and purpose for my life.

Today will come with its own set of troubles and problems. 

F A V O R I T E   M O M E N T S 

I went to a 

F O R  K I N G & C O U N T R Y

CONCERT!!!!!

Of course I freaked out! I screamed till my voice hurt . It was awesome. 

WOW seeing them perform

 P R I C E L E S S  was epiccccc!!!! 

actually all of their songs were rather 

F A B U L O U S 

W A C O  T E X A S 

 Wow getting to explore  Magnolia Market was pretty great. Especially with friends. 

B O O K S   I' V E   D I S C O V E R E D 

I feel like I've read so many good books this year. Shout out to all my awesome friends for book Recomensations. 

So here is a short list that I've compiled for you 😁😊

Dream room

Angels Walking series 

By Karen Kingsbury

These books were so good! I loved the interesting  perspective that Karen Kingsbury brings to these pa

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A Chance to Die 

By Elizabeth Elliot

The life of Amy Carmichael will astound you. It really gives you an in-depth look into 1800s life in India.

 The Screw tape Letters
By C.S.Lewis

 I love this book. It inspired me and gave me a whole new perspective on life. It just wow

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And the Shofar Blew
By Francine Rivers

If ever there was a talented author it's Francine Rivers. Her books are raw. Real. They speak to you.  And very few people know how to do that.

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So today as I'm writting this I can hardly belive that this is the last day of 2017. It's been a good year. I had challenges and mountains that I had to climb, but its also been a year of laughter, memories, good times, new places I've explored. A new understand and love for God.

N E W   W O R D 

New year’s resolutions have never worked for me — in fact, I don’t know if they’ve ever really worked for anyone. They always sound like a list of rules that I know I will break by the end of January. They feel like a superficial fix to me. They feel bossy and rigid — I want to be inspired not instructed. Which is why I believe choosing a word as a guiding light for the new year works better because it feels so much more EXPANSIVE. A word can be embraced as a mantra, a meditation, a reminder, a promise. A word can be interpreted in different ways. A word can’t be “broken” — it feels gentler somehow.

I've felt that God has been telling me just to rest. r e s t . In that he knows best. That he has a perfect plan. 

So this year I my word is.

R E S T.

N O T E 

I'm going to be out of the county for the first three weeks of January on a mission trip to Uguanda *yes I am very excited*

I'll try and do a few posts but no promises. 

So happy New Year. 

2017 you were great! 

I'm excited to see what 2018 will bring.

May the peace of God be with you all as you keep seeking and serving Him. 

I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WORD YOU WOULD CHOSE FOR 2018.

It's Christmas DAY// Jesus's Birthday + Gatherings //12DOC

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S !!!!!!!! 

t o d a y

f a m i l y 

g a t h e r 

f e a s t i n g 

j o y

These words come to my mind when I think of this day so filled with love and laughter

The opening of the presents. The look of legit happiness on everyone's faces. 

The amazing Christmas story read from Luke chapter two.

Celebrating the most G L O R I O U S  day this world has ever known (besides Easter) 

What an amazing experience to see! What wonder to behold. The awe I'm sure Mary felt holding that babe, knowing that He is the Son of God. 


T H E   D A Y 
let me give you a brief look into my Christmas morning :D
So  promptly at 7 o'clock one of my ecstatic siblings ( i have five of them,) pounds on my door yelling for me to get out of my bed cause.... it's time to open up the gifts!
(And yes i do realize that 7 isn't very early in the morning..... but when you are a night owl like this one and may have stayed up *ahem*  wayyyyyy into the wee hours of the morning the night before binge watching hallmark movies, it really does feel like How can anyone even function at this hour????
But after a few cups of coffee I soon felt rejuvenated enough to start into the stack of gifts....
s h o u t o u t to my legit awesome fam for knowing me so well..
*happy dance* Cause I got B O O K S
(Now please excuse me while I being to explore my new reads)

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Also this is how i feel about snow on Christmas day. Because duh why wouldn't you want to have lovely white things falling our of the sky :D (sorry for your loss all you Southern states) *me weeping for you*

C O N T E M P L A T I O N S 

         

          "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

  He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.  

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.  

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.  

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." 

Isaiah 53:5‭-‬12 KJV

I memorized this chapter in fourth grade and it stuck with me ever since.  What amazes me is that  t h e s e  v e r s e s  

 w e r e    w r i t t e n   h u n d r e d s  o f  

y e a r s  b e f o r e   t h e  b i r t h  o f 

C H R I S T !!! 

Isn't that just astounding! That the prophet Isaiah wrote this down long before Jesus came to this earth to s a v e
a n d  r e d e e m  u s. Pretty cool right!


THE CHRISTMAS STORY

This chapter is being read across America today.  This is the promise of God being fulfilled. The cry of the Jews being heard. This babe is Jesus. THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:8-10

Wow! Aren't those verses legit beautiful and amazing. It never gets old. Honestly I urge you all to read the rest of the chapter. 

EMANUEL

God with us.

Messiah

SAVIOR

REDEEMER 

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

LAMB OF GOD

BREAD OF  L I F E 

These are only a few of Jesus's names.
But how beautiful they are.
How utterly small and insignificant we are compared to HIM.
He who holds the world and time in his hands.

So as this year comes to a close I want to spend the last of it giving
G L O R Y & P R A I S E   to the King of the WORLD!!!!! 

(Also for whom it may concern. If you would like to know some random facts about me I finally got my bio written) so if you want to stalk me, now's your chance 😉

MERRY CHRISTMAS

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR THIS CHRISTMAS?  WHAT WAS YOUR MOST FAVORITE GIFT THAT YOU GOT?

12 Days of Christmas|| Words + Poem + Christmas

Me. Oh my STARS it's only 3 days till Christmas.

Me. Oh no I still have (redacted) gifts to get.

• Me. Grabs car keys and proceeds to the mall. *cough cough* ,sadly I'm one of the 'last-minute-frantically-looking-for-gifts type of person.

Me.  Shout out to Amazon. SERIOUSLY you guys are awesome!!!!

H A P P I N E S S + M E R R Y

(My feelings towards the arivel of Christmas)

w o r d s 

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

and wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearth-stones of a continent,

And made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

"There is no peace on earth," I said;

"For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men."

By Henry Wordsworth Longfellow 

Happiest times are spent with a book in hand.
-Janelle

12 Days of Christmas|| Not another Movie Review

Can we stop for a moment and recognize that Christmas is less thanbone week away!!! *stares in disbelief at how fast time goes by* like HOW!?!? 

 I'm sure you all have seen a ton of Christmas Movie reviews the past few days. I know Just hang in there with me :D 

The three movies that I am about to share with you and some of my favorite. If you can't tell I'm a sucker for old movies *cough cough*  so that's what you're going to get today!! The first movie is favorite of mine and is a timeless classic. 

It's  A Wonderful Life 

||Description||

 The film stars James Stewart as George Baily, a man who has given up his dreams in order to help others and whose imminent suicide on Crirstmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be had he never been born.

My Review

Goodnesa where shall I even begine?!? Every Christmas Eve our family sits down laided with bowls of popcorn and yummy cookies,  and watches It's a Wonderful life. This movie is so lovely. If you've never seen it then please So yourself a favor a watch it! I promise that you won't regret it!

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When calls the Heart Christmas ||Description||

When Calls the Heart: Christmas, is a special edition of the beautiful Christmas film originally released to DVD as When Calls the Heart: Heart of Faith.Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Jack Wagner and Lori Loughlin star in a beautiful story where Christmas is coming to Hope Valley, and everyone's in a festive mood. Rosemary and Lee have returned from their honeymoon to reside in their new row house next to Elizabeth, who's busy helping her students mount a nativity play. A traveling peddler, Sam, is mistaken for Santa by the kids...and then mistaken for a thief by Jack! But Elizabeth is stunned when word arrives that the supply train has derailed. Without costumes for the play, food for the feast and presents for the kids, Christmas will be ruined!It takes a lot of faith, spirit, and the cooperation of friends and family to show Hope Valley what Christmas is all about!

My Review

It's a When calls the Heart Christmas movie!! ♡ * be still my heart* ugh this show is so great!!! The characters are lovely and interesting.
Whose my favorite character??
Well I am so glad that you asked *rubs hands together gleefully* Rosemary of course. Without her laughable and I'll be it, slightly strange personality, the show would not be the same. She brings a delightful twist to the screen.
 If  You are a fan of When calls the Heart TV show that Belive me this special Christmas movie will be the perfect thing to add to your chrismas movie binge. ;)
I loved it so much! There was laughter and fun. A must watch!
_________________

Holliday Inn

||Description||

Screen legends Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire sing and dance their way into your heart in one of the most timeless holiday classics ever, Holiday Inn. Featuring the Academy Award-winning song, "White Christmas," Crosby plays a song-and dance man who leaves showbiz to run an inn that is open only on holidays. Astaire plays his former partner and rival in love. Follow the two talented pals as they find themselves competing for the affections of the same lovely lady (Marjorie Reynolds). 'Tis the season for one of the most sensational musical comedies of all time!

My Review 

Just imagine yourself back in the days where your family sits in the living room, the sound of Frank Sinatras voice sings over the radio. Don't those days sound so great. :D  it's the 50s you know the time period your grandparents remember. I love this particular time in history. So it's no surprise that some of my favorite movies just happen to be old black and white one!

  think of an inn which is only open on holidays - lots of singing, dancing, dining, etc. Fred Astaire], Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds. This is a film the entire family will enjoy!. lots of fun, creativity, scheming, and laughs. What a great movie for all seasons... Highly recommend and not to be missed.

________________

-Janelle

||12 Days of Christmas||Tis the season||

Ok first of all Christmas is only ONE week away, seven days!!! *shakes head and wonders how time goes by so fast*
I would like to share with you a few thoughts that Ive been thinking of the past few weeks.
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As we near the time of Christmas, we see the decorations going up. the people madly shopping for gifts. the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Now is the time to stop and reflect just why we really celebrate this time. As Christians, we are the only ones who know the real meaning of Christmas and why it is a time of celebration and what that celebration means to all who will believe. 
If there were no Jesus, there would be no Christmas.

As you see the many slogans being pandered around you, take time every day to explain the real meaning of what is being said.... "Peace on earth, good will to men"... "Joy to the world"... "Hark, the herald Angels sing"... "'round yon virgin, mother and Child". 
Think about what each of these things means to you as a born again believer, then share them with others - especially with others who don't know Jesus or understand his incredible, eternal, unconditional love for us all. As you prepare your gift list, be sure to make the first gift for everyone on your list the free gift of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As you ponder on the One who is the Reason for the Season, make sure that you know who He is - that He is God (not "A" god or "one of the" gods). Just as He identified Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14 as "I AM", He identified Himself to the Jews in John 8:58 again as "I AM". Why is it important to know who He is? Jesus said, "If you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." (John 8:24b NIV).
Over the next weeks remember WHO Jesus is, and remind everyone you see of the Reason for the Season.😊

-Janelle 

12 Days of Christmas || all about the BOOKS||

||DAY Three||

YAY Books!!!! *distant shrieking* I adore books. And I don't mean the things that you read on your kindle. I mean REAL living and breathing books. The way they smell. Feel. Seeing them piled on your bookshelf. Honestly a fitting description of 

 My book obsession would be called an addiction.  Guysss u should see my bookshelf if you don't believe me:D 

Okay I'll stop rambling and get on with my post. 😉 

Here are a few Christmas books that I've gathered and I personally LOVE. 

A  Christmas Carol 

By Charles Dickens 

|Description|
A Christmas Carol is a novella by English author Charles Dickens. It was first published by Chapman & Hall on 19 December 1843. Carol tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation resulting from a supernatural visit by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come. The novella met with instant success and critical acclaim. The book was written and published in early Victorian era Britain, a period when there was strong nostalgia for old Christmas traditions together with the introduction of new customs, such as Christmas trees and greeting cards. Dickens' sources for the tale appear to be many and varied, but are, principally, the humiliating experiences of his childhood, his sympathy for the poor, and various Christmas stories.

|My Review|
So I guess I should confess that I actully never read the book*cough cough* BUT I have listen to Focus on the Families radio theater version of it. Which by the way was AMAZING!! So I'm sure the book is fantastic!!

___________

Silent Night

By Stanley Weintrsub

 |Discription|

Christmas time in 1914, blood enemies emerged from their trenches in Flanders Field in Belgium, shook hands, and wished each other a merry Christmas. In his newest book, Weintraub (A Stillness Heard Round the World: The End of the Great War) draws on letters, diaries, and a variety of other source material to tell the inspiring story of the spontaneous Christmas Truce of World War I, when enemy troops laid down their arms, exchanged gifts, and reveled in their shared humanity. The desperate longing for peace, which Weintraub captures through the words of the soldiers themselves, underscores the poignancy of the ending of the truce, when outraged commanders ordered newly made friends to kill one another. 

|My Review|

Tall about a tear jerker! It is an awesome book that details the "Christmas Truce" and the before and after. It honestly helps you understand better World War I and how indeed Generals who basically knew nothing about war kept this war going with all the carnage and unnecessary deaths and maiming. this book literally explains WWI in such a succinct way. And, particularly how just a short distance behind the lines, life kind of just went on. A very very sobering and good read. *gets out the tissues*

____________

Christmas With Anne 

By L.M.Montgumery

|Description| 

Share Anne's delight at receiving the dress of her dreams, the joy of a young woman reunited with her long-lost brother on Christmas Eve, and the surprise of a trio of sisters who inadvertently end a family feud by arriving at the wrong uncle's house for Christmas dinner. 

L.M. Montgomery reveals the joys and trials of Christmas and the hope of the New Year in this moving collection, which will be treasured by her fans and by all readers who enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas.

|My review|
So L.M.Montgumery is probably my favorite author ever. Hands down.*YESS*  I've probably read the Anne of Green Gables series 15 times.  I love her books for their delightful characters, humor, and non-preachy wisdom. These stories are drawn from some of my favorite parts of the books. And now we get to see Anne celebrate Christmas through the years!! As ever this is a beautiful and compelling story, skillfully written for us to enjoy 😊
____________

 The Bridge
By Karen Kingsbury

|Description|
 What do you have  left when you lose everything? Kingsbury  works through that tough question in her newest novel. Charlie Barton and his wife, Donna, ran the Bridge, a historic bookstore in Franklin, Tennessee, for 30 years, but a declining industry and a devastating flood left them with an empty storefront and insurmountable bills. Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly connected in college over their passion for reading, using the Bridge as their getaway from the very different lives they lead. Years later, both look back and wonder what could have been. When Charlie gets into a horrible accident, Ryan decides to organize a book drive and gather donations, so Charlie can rebuild the bookstore when he heals. Through the effort, Ryan and Molly reconnect. It’s hard to know what is most important until something forces you to change your perspective. Kingsbury’s characters are confronted with the hard choices readers face daily. The award-winning author brings her trademark empathy for the people she writes for to this tale, and fans will love her dramatic take on real issues. 

|My Review|
 Loved this book*insert heart eyes* It touched my heart and soul so deeply and I will treasure it as one of my all-time favorite books. I love Molly and Ryan and of course Donna and Charlie!! I love how Karen wrote about love, hope, faith, and more importantly the power of God. I would recommend this story and author to anyone and I have every intention of reading more from her. If you want to read a story that will make you cry, open the cover to this one and be prepared to have tears dripping from your face lol. Better get some tissues :-)
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Thanks for reading!! 
I would love to know what some of your favorite Christmas books are :D

-Janelle

||12 days of Christmas|| all them gifts

[DAY TWO]

One of the reasons I love  christmas is that I get to give other people gifts. I get to wrap them in pretty paper ❤ and watch there faces as they open them up Christmas morning.
So for today's post I thought I would give you all a few ideas so you can make your gifts lovely!
Also I thought that it would be cool to share with you some of my favorite little shops/stores that I have discovered 😊

NATURAL/SIMPLE 

I love a clean, classy look. It's quite easy to find nice wrapping paper thats fairly cheep. Add a few small decorations/fir twigs 

and of course washy tape :D and yes I did get the ideas  from Pinterest*sighs*  is it just me or does anyone else have a slight addiction to Pinterest?!?!? Like WHAT!! Honestly anything you want to find, they have it... I  will refrain to mention  how much time I have or have not spent on it. *cough cough* 

I thought that was a really fantast idea!!

I found some Printabe Gift tags on Pinterest and loved them! Click on the link below to print them out for yourself ⬇️
FREE PRINTABLE GIFT TAGS


NEED A CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEA??
Well my dears look no further;)  here are some pretty cool shops that I have discovered and want to share with you!

/my__black_and_white_tee_shop/

Ok so awesomeness. This  tee shirt shop is so cool! I have bought 2 of her shirts and love them😊 they are so easy to pare with whatever style you like.

urbansouthern 
If you like leather and bags this is the shop for you(and me) so Urban Southern sells leather bags in case you didn't catch that, they have soooooo many beautiful leather totes and clutches. 

The Main Street Exchange 
This is a great store if you are looking for modest clothing thats still sylishe and fashionable. They have fantastic dresses *heart eyes*

She Reads Truth
I stumbled across this gem of a shop on instagram last year. They offer wonderful books of the bible studies and guides. They also have a bible which is REALLY awesome:)  all over its quite a lovely place to buy s special and meaningful gift!

WillowAndGraceShope
Hand made macrame bracelets that you are sure to love :) they go lovely with watches and other bracelets!

I hope you enjoyed this post 😊
Tomorrow is all about BOOKS *cue confetti*

-Janelle

12 Days of Christmas || day one || Did someone say Christmas Songs||

  《M E R R Y  C H R I S T M A S 》
Today I am super excited to be joining the  12 Days of Christmas Blog Party !!! 
This is the first year That I am a part of this and I'm pretty stoked to share some things with all of you 😉
 Are y'all glad it's Chrismas time again??  *distant sounds of me jumping up and down and singing Christmas songs*
I think Christmas is my favorite time of year, there's so much to celebrate and give thinks for.
I think  Isaiah 9:6 describes it best.

Jesus is the reason we even have Christmas and I for one  am  so thankful that he came into this world to save us!

 Often we get so caught up with Christmas preparations and the busyness of the season that we forget to stop and really thank God for the gift he gave to us. Guysss I'm totally preaching to myself. Can we just slooowwww it down, appreciate the small things. Your house doesnt have to look like a Pinterest board *cough cough* you don't have to have 5 different kinds of cookies and deserts for Christmas lunch, your gifts perfect and #inst worthy..

 instead why don't we  turn our eyes and hearts towards those whose don't have  family to share this season with. Christmas is a hard and painful time of year for many people all around us. 

I want to challenge each one of you (and me as well) to look past yourself and show the kindness and Love of Christ in this season we set aside to celebrate Him and the light He brought into the world on that night so long ago.

December Thankful List

|snowy days|skating parties| Christmas music| celebrating the birth of JESUS Christ|all the yummy cookies| joy| warm coats & hats|family| hot chocolate| Christmas caroling|snowy days| hallmark movies| 

And did l mention Christmas music???

It's such a joyful time of year! Dispite the cold of New York, people seem to be filled with warmth and good cheer for others ❤

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing it loud for all to hear.
-buddy the elf 
Hmmmm yessss! Like blast those tunes🎶
So yes that is what I plan to do today!!
Get ready for some songs coming your way!

C H R I S T M A S  M U S I C

Noel sung  By the AMAZING Lauren Daigle 

Where to even begin...  THIS SONG!!! Her voice. Um everything!!!  It's literally the most beautiful Christmas song EVER!! And I will admit I listen to it even when it's not Christmas *you gasping in surprise*

GLORIOUS

 by For King & Country 

I ADORE these artists and guyssss they just released  their first FULL CHRISTMAS ALBUM  everrrrrrrr *heart eyes*  All of there songs are fabulous. please go listen to there music.

Out of all the Pentatonix Christmas songs  Hallelujah is probably my favorite, they sing it so  and also 'Mary did You Know' is pretty fantastic as well.😁

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

By Casting Crowns

Alright. Pure love!! It is the most beautiful music with a twist of melancholy, but not enough to make the listener sad. Only enough to give the chills. with new harmonies, strings, and a few songs they wrote themselves. There are violins or cellos in almost every number. This is magic. Heaven. Pure Love

WINTER WONDERLAND

Wonderful Christmas song by the ever-so-talented Michael Buble!! His songs always make me feel warm and fuzzy!! Especially during the winter holiday season!!

LAUREN DAIGLE
Light of the world 

My favorite song of the new Lauren Daigle Christmas album is "Light of the World" - her only original song of the ten. The lyrics and music are inspired, and Lauren's voice is so worshipful! I hope she will give us an entire album of original Christmas songs in the future

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

{Check in tomorrow for the next Christmas post}