Christmas in New York

So far this season I've already watched Elf and I am currently watching A Christmas Story, the two movies I just can't miss during the holidays. 

My love for A Christmas Story began before I even knew it. I can't even remember the first time I ever saw this movie, but I know it's gotta be at the very least 25 times. I'd even venture to say that I've seen it probably anywhere between 50-100 times. Thanks due to my family who have always loved this classic, and of course, TBS for playing it 24 hours long every Christmas. I don't know anyone who doesn't love this film and if you don't, let's just stop being friends now (just kidding... sort of).

There are way too many glorious and hilarious scenes to choose from when thinking of a favorite, but my top three, right now, and for a while have been:

1. "I CAN'T PUT MY ARMS DOOOOOOOOWN!!"

2. "Fraaaaaaaagggeeeeelaaaay. Hm, must be Italian!" 

"Um, I think that says FRAGILE"

3. "He looks like a deranged Easter bunny."

Whether you're a fan of Will Ferrel or not, you gotta love Elf, and Zooey Deschanel is just the cutest thing alive, so it's a no-brainer. I love Elf. I remember when it came out people were saying it was the new A Christmas Story. Now, I wouldn't go that far, but it's pretty up there in my book.

These are just a couple of things I do as a tradition during the holidays. Going to STATS with my mom is also a tradition that I look forward to every year. 

A new tradition that started only in the past 5 years or so has been decorating the big tree for my mom. Every year my mom fills her house with anywhere between 5-7 trees (I know, I know. You don't even have to say it... I just know). One year I counted 11 trees and one of them was in the downstairs bathroom shower (by now you must be thinking I'm a liar). 

Each tree also has a theme, like the tree in the living room has a cowboy theme, the one in the back room is what I like to call a Mardi Gras theme, but the big tree is the prettiest, the most magical and special. It stands right next to the staircase in the entryway of the house and it usually takes me about 2-3 hours to decorate. I love doing it. Now I'm sure you're thinking that I only think it's the best because I'm the one who decorates it, but no... I just do what she tells me to do, so it's hers and it's gorgeous. I think the reason my mom started to let me decorate it is because she has so much other stuff to do that having one less tree to decorate really helps. If you think multiple trees is excessive, she also decorates the staircase, doors and windows with garland and there's usually a few wreaths here and there. 

But this year is going to be a little different. Well... a lot different.

This year my family is spending the week of Christmas in New York City. We'll be there from the 22nd-30th and I'm extremely excited, for three major reasons:

1. I have always dreamed of a White Christmas and I am hoping and praying that this year will be my first.

2. If I could live anywhere in the States and never have to worry about expenses, it would be NYC. I love the east coast and especially New York. It's just where I belong.

3. My family needs a break and we need to get away. A change of scenery is gonna do us some good.

A few things I'm looking forward to:

I can't wait to see Central Park in Winter...

to go ice skating...

to walk around the city in the cold with Christmas all around...

and to see the tree at Rockefeller Center

And most of all, I'm so looking forward to spending this Christmas with my whole family, and especially spending the first Christmas ever with David as my husband.

It's going to be magical and believe me, I am very aware of what a lucky girl I am.