BLOGMAS 2015 | Day Four: Please Santa hear my wish....

Yes, even as an adult you want to believe in Santa and that he will hear your wishes on what you really want for Christmas and it will magically appear on Christmas morning on a wall, wrapped under a tree, sitting outside in the driveway, etc.

Gifts I wish Santa would bring me:

1. Pretty bookcases: I have been wanting new bookcases for my apartment since I moved to Germany, and I have yet to get them. I would love to hear my heartfelt wish and deliver me some sturdy, aesthetically appeasing to the eyes bookcases to house my many books. I have this wall in my apartment that is perfect and is just waiting to be adorned with these bookcases.

2. The winning lottery ticket: You heard me correctly. I want to winning ticket so I can travel Europe when I want and not have to worry about if there is enough money to do so. I could also, decorate my place the way I wanted and again not have to worry about the money flowing out of my hands.

3.My family visiting me next year: I live in Germany now, far,far from my family and I would love it for them to come visit me this upcoming year. If Santa could make that happen that would be AWESOME!

4. All things that relax and keep me organized: This can be many things; books, adult coloring books, planner/organizational tools, a maid, etc. So Santa make the judgement call on what you think I need to complete this task.

BLOGMAS 2015 | Day Three: Favorite Winter Beverages

Favorite Winter Beverages:

1. Hot Chocolate: I like it made with milk instead of water, it makes it more creamy and smooth and sometimes I even like to have a little Bailey's or caramel liquor to just spice it up a little.

2. Gluwein: Gluwein is red or white wine heated up with some spices to keep you warm and toasty while walking around the many Christmas markets scattered all over Germany. I particularly prefer white Gluwein.

3. Warm Apple Cider: A wonderful smelling and inviting drink to warm your insides up while spending time with family.

4. Warm Milk: I know this sounds weird but during the winter months I get bad insomnia and walk milk relaxes me.

BLOGMAS 2015 | Day Two: Favorite Christmas Movies

Favorite Christmas Movies:

Everyone has their favorite Christmas movies and it always varies between family and friends. Listed below are my favorite Christmas movies. Tell me in the comments below what your favorite Christmas movies are and why?

1. The Polar Express- I love this movie and always watch it in December. This is the movie that makes me want a 3D television seriously bad. I always feel I am on a roller coaster when watching The Polar Express, does anyone else feel that way?

2. Gremlins - I love love love the Gremlins. Do not feed Gizmo after midnight, please! As cheesy as it may be, I believe the new Krampus movie is going to have the same feel to it. Wait and see!



3. A Dog Named Christmas - Okay here comes a true confession from me, I am a Hallmark Channel kind of girl and several of my favorite Christmas movies are Hallmark movies. This movie is the first of three. A Dog named Christmas is about a dog that brings a family closer and heals old emotional scars. Yep pulling at my heartstrings this one is.



4. A Charlie Brown Christmas - Seriously if you are not a Peanuts fan and watching this lovable show during the holidays we need to have a serious sit down therapy session.



5. A Season for Miracles - Hallmark channel movie #2. The name says it all oh yeah and there is a very cute romance happening too, because I love me some clean family romantic movies.



6. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - you know the drill by now, a romantic comedy to round out my Hallmark Channel Christmas movies obsession.



7. A Christmas Story - I gotta have a classic on my list. This is a fun movie to watch with the family. What is even funnier is that my older brother every year (his Christmas tradition) watches this movie like clockwork in December, sometimes more than once. So when I watch it, it always makes me think of my brother.



8. Home Alone - Last but not least Home Alone is that reminder to all parents to count your kids when you get in your car or before boarding a plane to make sure you have not left any home alone for the holidays.



So now you know what my favorite Christmas movies are. Tell me below what your favorites are!

Happy Countdown to Christmas!

BLOGMAS 2015 | Day One: Christmas Traditions

I am happy to say I am participating in Blogmas 2015! I will post every other day till December 25, 2015.  I will also be posting a bookish blogmas post over on my book review blog, Between Library Shelves.

Christmas Traditions:

Today's topic is Christmas Traditions. I recently got married and my husband and I are having to create new traditions between the two of us. So here are a few that we have started, being this is year is our second Christmas together. One thing to point out is that several of these traditions is because of where we live at the moment and will probably change in years to come. 

1. Christmas Markets: These originated in Germany long long years ago and are still a main attraction throughout Europe. I try to frequent as many Christmas markets as I can in the month of December. Last year I went to 5 around the area that I live.  So far, this year I have been to one, with a wonderful friend and her family. This was her first time experiencing this wonderful European tradition. 

 I thought this market was the prettiest of them all. 

2. Gluwein: This is a tradition of Germany, it is one of the most popular drinks that keep you warm as you walk through the many Christmas markets. Gluwein is a red or white wine that is mixed with spices, warmed and becomes a great drink to keep your hands warm while wrapped around the mug and your insides warm as you drink it all down. I personally like white gluwein , my husband prefers red. Not only can you drink this drink at Christmas markets but you can buy it anywhere for cheap, and let me say that January and February are really cold and miserable here so gluwein is good to have around to keep your spirit up. 

3. Gnomes: Last year I bought George my first gnome and recently, I bought Godfrey. Gnomes, especially Christmas gnomes originated in  the Scandinavian region (Norway, Sweden, Finland) and garden gnomes originated in Germany.  I prefer the Christmas gnomes. The story goes that you whisper to your gnome what you want for Christmas in hopes you receive it on Christmas day. So basically it is Europe's version of Elf on the Shelf. I have coined the phrase "Gnome on the Roam."

L-R: George and Godfrey

4. Skyping with Family on Christmas Day: Basically, we are both far far away from our families right now and we miss them so much on Christmas that we like to sit down and chat with family via Skype to see what they got from Christmas and if they enjoyed what we sent them. 

One event I hope becomes a tradition is this year's The Any Book Book Club Holiday Party. This is the first year it will take place but I hope it is a great success and becomes a regular event in the coming years. 

HAPPY COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS!