My Christmas Playlist 2013

IT'S CHRISTMASTIME.
I really believe it is "The most wonderful time of the year."
With almost 2 weeks left until the big day, it's time to get in the Christmas spirit. And as we all know, Buddy The Elf says,

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

I believe this. And I love Christmas music, anyway. So I've made a list of my favourite holiday tunes- this includes the classics, the cheesy, and the beautiful. Chances are, I'll think of more later so I'll have to come back later and edit this. :) And please comment with some of your favourite Christmas songs! I'm open for expanding my collection. ;)



Harper's Christmas Playlist 2013:

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year- Andy Williams
Santa Baby- Eartha Kitt
Jingle Bell Rock- Bobby Helms
The Christmas Song- Nat King Cole
Little Saint Nick- The Beach Boys
Wonderful Christmastime- Paul McCartney and The Wings
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas- Bing Crosby or Johnny Mathis
Baby, It’s Cold Outside- Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel, or Bing Crosby and Doris Day
Winter Wonderland- Ray Charles
Happy Holidays- Andy Williams
Run Rudolph, Run- Chuck Berry
Please Come Home For Christmas- The Eagles
Sleigh Ride- Ella Fitzgerland, The Ronettes, or Boston Pops Orchestra
Holly Jolly Christmas- Burl Ives
I’ll Be Home For Christmas- Michael Buble
Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)- Darlene Love
What Christmas Means To Me- Stevie Wonder
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer- Gene Autry
Carol Of The Bells- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings- The Barenaked Ladies ft. Sarah McLachlan
All I Want For Christmas Is You (Super Festive)- Mariah Carey
Carole Of The Bells/Deck The Halls- Robert Shaw Chorale
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas- Judy Garland or Frank Sinatra
O Holy Night- Josh Groban
All I Want For Christmas Is You- Vince Vance & The Valiants
Blue Christmas- Elvis Presley
White Christmas- The Drifters
Here Comes Santa Clause- Gene Autry
Winter Wonderland- Darlene Love
Happy Christmas (War Is Over)- John Lennon
Let It Snow- Dean Martin or Michael Buble
Feliz Navidad- Jose Feliciano
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus- The Jackson 5
All That I Want- The Weepies
All Alone On Christmas- Darlene Love
Christmas Canon- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch- Boris Karloff
Anything by Manheim Steamroller

9 Thanksgiving Traditions To Try

I heart holiday traditions. I heart them.

But the older I get, the more traditions seem to change. Usually I am not OK with this...but I'm learning to become more flexible. After all, old traditions are often replaced by new ones that are also pretty fun.

This year's Thanksgiving will be different. Neither of my sisters will be coming home until Christmas, so our table will be a little (2 sisters, 2 brother-in-laws, and 2 nephews/nieces) smaller. Not only that, but our table will be at my aunt and uncle's house instead of our own. Sigh.
I am trying to remain optimistic about this. After all, it's only one year. And even though it may not be what I would have chosen, I have to remember that my Thanksgiving is very blessed compared to many out there without family or food.
So I'm trying to make sure to have a very happy Thanksgiving. I thought since it'll be a different kind of holiday anyway, I thought I'd try doing something new this year to make it a little extra fun. I haven't decided on what yet, but as I was coming up with ideas, I thought I'd share some with you!



9 Thanksgiving Tradition Ideas

1. Go See A Movie.

My family has never done this, but I've heard of quite a few who do! I always feel bad for those working on Thanksgiving, but at least they're getting some extra cash. Add to their paychecks and get the family together to check out a new movie.

2. Stay In And Watch A Christmas Movie.

After you finish your Thanksgiving feast, jump right into the Christmas season! Pick out a holiday film and get snuggled up on the couch. 

3. Start A Secret Santa Gift Exchange.

This was a yearly tradition among my siblings and I until we found an online Secret Santa name generator that we can use before Thanksgiving to get an earlier start on our gift shopping. Gather your family or friends and start the tradition yourself! Write the participants names on pieces of paper, fold them up, and have everyone draw a name. Set a gift price limit and have everyone make a wishlist within the limit. 

4. Have A Family Football Game.

Whether you're a family of athletes or not (sometimes it's more fun when you're not ;)), this is a fun way to bond and maybe burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories. You can try kids vs. adults, men vs. women, or family against family. Making up some of your own rules might be fun too!

5. Play A Board Game.

This is a tradition in my family every time we're all together! Some of our favourites include Apples To Apples, Balderdash, Scene-It, and more recently, Telephone Pictionary. 

6. Invite Someone New Over.

Chances are, you know someone who doesn't want to be alone during the holidays. Whether it's the widower down the street, the college student that can't make it home for the holidays, or even a family that's strapped for cash- invite them to eat and have fun with your family. Give them something extra to be thankful for!

7. Save The Leftovers.

I've always been more a Thanksgiving dinner kind of girl- and whether you're like me or in favor of Thanksgiving lunch- you're almost certainly going to have lots of leftovers. Why not make new recipes out of them? Try a "Moist Maker" sandwich like Ross enjoys on Friends, or come up with your own recipes. Food Network's website has plenty for inspiration!

8. Do A Family Photoshoot.

If you've got lots of family around on Turkey Day, why not take some pictures? Chances are, everyone's already dressed nicely, and the Fall leaves make a great backdrop. Grab the camera and smile.

9. Volunteer.

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular times to work in the community. There are several ways to get involved: work in a local soup kitchen, buy groceries or make food for a needy family, or try "random acts of kindness." Examples of these include taping dollar bills to coke machines for a stranger to get a drink or leaving a big tip and nice note for your waiter (There are several blogs with great RAOK ideas!). Make the day about more than pigging out - especially since there are several out there who barely get a meal. 

If your family has their own special Thanksgiving tradition, please share it in a comment! I'd love to hear it! :)

-H 

A Peek at Harper

Welcome to my blog! 
As a starting point, I'd like to give you a look at who I am and what I do.

My name is Harper Gillreath. I'm a nineteen-year-old Alabama resident. I've never been a very conventional gal, growing up homeschooled and trying to live like Jesus. But I like having an unconventional life sometimes. It keeps things interesting. ;)

For the most part I'm a pretty scatterbrained person. I usually have a lot going on in my head and heart. 
I'm a "thrifty shopper" (I'm fine with the term "cheapo") that has a hard time buying anything that's not on sale.
I'm kind of a cheeseball. I delight in corny jokes and puns. I'm a romantic. And I think Buddy The Elf and I would get along pretty well. 
I tend to procrastinate...but hopefully this blog will be an exception. ;)

I could keep clacking away at my computer keys, but I'll stop myself here. Hopefully you'll subscribe to me and get to know me better over time. Check back soon! :)