A Glimpse of Starlight

finding the light beyond the clouds

{Miscellaneous Mondays} Christmas Favorites

Less than two weeks, friends. Are you excited? Here are some Christmas treasures that get me in the festive mood.

{books}

The Greatest Gift ~ Ann Voskamp

Simply beautiful. My favorite Christmas book ever.

Christmas Treasury ~ Jan Brett

The most gorgeous illustrations ever with heart-warming tales. A childhood favorite I still look forward to rereading.

Cosmic Christmas ~ Max Lucado

Powerful, eye-opening look at what happened in the spiritual realm at Christmas.

A Simple Christmas ~ Mike Huckabee

Hilarious and heart-warming. Witty and wise.

Christmas in My Heart series ~ Ed. by Joe Wheeler

A twenty-plus series of collections of Christmas-themed short stories that are carefully picked for their literary quality and wonderful truths.

{songs}

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” ~ Casting Crowns, Peace on Earth

“Come and See” ~ Carolyn Arends, An Irrational Season

“I Will Find a Way” ~ Jason Gray, Christmas Stories: Repeat the Sounding Joy

“Breath of Heaven” ~ Amy Grant, Home for Christmas

Two notable instrumental-only albums:

{food}

jelly jolly thumprints

white chocolate & peppermint fudge

gingerbread men

cranberry sauce—this is the only food in this list that I like store-bought over homemade

{funnies}

{movies}

Miracle on 34th Street

It’s a Wonderful Life

(Yes, I only have two favorites, and yes, they’re both black and white. If you have recommendations for truly great Christmas movies, I’d love to hear them.)

Those of you who’ve been around for even a little bit may be surprised that there’s no “quotes” section, but be not dismayed! That’s coming next week, because it deserves it’s own full post. Until then, I’d love to hear what your favorite Christmas books, movies, songs, recipes, and other fun stuff are! Do tell!

aberdeenliv

December 14, 2015

Miscellaneous

14 responses to “{Miscellaneous Mondays} Christmas Favorites”

rincavornon

December 16, 2015 at 5:04 pm

I would suggest you include him in your music part… *hint hint Abby cough*

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saraletourneau

December 15, 2015 at 8:41 am

I love Josh Groban’s Christmas album “Noel.” It’s a nice mix of the bombastic orchestral sound he’s known for with softer, more intimate arrangements. Plus, his voice. (*sighs*)

And when I think of the holidays, I always think of pumpkin bread, spices like cinnamon and ginger, apple cider, and my aunt’s appetizer meat pies. Oh, and my uncle’s Christmas cookies. He bakes a mix of different kinds each year, but you can always count on chocolate chip, gingersnap, and (my favorite) chocolate cookies with semi-sweet chocolate chunks. (Oy vey, my mouth is watering now….)

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1. aberdeentps
  
  December 15, 2015 at 4:47 pm
  
  Oh yes. I’ve just delved into that on YouTube and have been enjoying it. I love his touch on the traditional carols. And his voice. Of course.
  
  Mmm, yes, all those foods are perfect. And now my mouth is watering. Oh dear. 0.o I need to go to your uncle’s house sometime. ;D
  
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rincavornon

December 15, 2015 at 7:43 am

Might I nominate more Christmas music? =D

Let it be Christmas (Alan Jackson, Let it be Christmas)
This Winter’s Night (Lady Antebellum, This Winter’s Night)
Silent Night/Lord of my Life (Lady Antebellum, This Winter’s Night)

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The Word Collector

December 15, 2015 at 6:43 am

What a fun post! The music is absolutely gorgeous. ❤

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1. aberdeentps
  
  December 15, 2015 at 4:47 pm
  
  Thank you! Yes, I love Christmas music. ❤
  
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rachelizabeth

December 14, 2015 at 9:20 pm

We have Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp. I think it’s basically the kids version of The Greatest Gift with absolutely beautiful illustrations! I love how she tells the Story.
Have you read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever? If not, find it. It’s a little crazy, but incredibly real and and well-done and even sweet (in a completely non-cheesy-sappy way).

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1. aberdeentps
  
  December 15, 2015 at 4:49 pm
  
  Ohhh, yes, I’ve seen that but I’ve never read it. I too love how she tells the Story. The Greatest Gift has really helped me remember the reason for the season—and not just Jesus’ birth itself but all that led up to it, all the prophecies and promises. I think knowing the history of His birth makes the birth more meaningful.
  I have not but yayyy, I’m so glad for the reommendation! Thank you! =D
  
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lakunstlerin

December 14, 2015 at 8:45 pm

Books – A CHRISTMAS CAROL. ❤ Must reread again sometime.
Movies – I will admit that probably no one in my family has seen both of those films…we aren't very enlightened regarding Christmas movies. xD
Songs – All the beautiful old hymns. We have a tradition of singing old German carols on Christmas Eve in candelight next to the tree before going to bed, which I always look forward to.
Food – Uhm. Lots of cookies (varies every year, but double chocolate and gingerbread always), probably going to make the apple pie I never made during Thanksgiving, gingerbread, cinnamon rolls…all homemade, of course, and in my opinion always the best of their respective species. 😀 Can't wait to start baking once break starts (not because I'm a great cook, simply because it's something not school that's also kind of fun and has directions to it XD)!

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1. aberdeentps
  
  December 15, 2015 at 4:51 pm
  
  We’re actually reading that as a family this month, and I’m loving it. Dickens is amazing.
  Heh, neither are we. Those are basically the only two we watch (and we watched Miracle on 34th Street for the first time this Christmas xP).
  Oh yes. Homemade baked goods rule all. I totally agree. I enjoy breaking but with school there’s absolutely no time. Hehe, yes! I like it because I can do something with my hands, it doesn’t require much mental exertion, and I can turn on music. Quite relaxing (unless I ruin the recipe xP).
  
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Victoria NightSky

December 14, 2015 at 8:34 pm

I can’t say how much I love this post. =D I love love love love the Casting Crowns song so much; it’s been on repeat for the past couple of days. And I haven’t told you this yet, but two weeks ago my mom and I went to a Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant Christmas concert, and it was amazing. Her songs are such beauty. ❤ And I love Miracle on 34th Street; it made me cry.

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1. aberdeentps
  
  December 15, 2015 at 4:45 pm
  
  *grins* I’m so glad. I know, isn’t it fabulous? I cried the first time I heard it. Oh myyyyy. That sounds wonderful. I’m so glad you could do that. Yes, she has so many good ones.
  
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sarahtps

December 14, 2015 at 7:31 pm

JSYK, the video for “I Heard the Bells” isn’t showing up?
That fudge looks delicious.

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1. aberdeentps
  
  December 14, 2015 at 7:35 pm
  
  Weird, it ended up being a link you had to click on instead of just playing in the post. 0.o *fixes it* Thanks for pointing that out. =D
  Yass. I really need to make some.
  
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