“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

The start of school is stressful for me. Four children in four different schools and teaching in a fifth one is a lot to keep track of. Once we sprint past Halloween and the stores begin decking their halls for Christmas, my holiday spirit takes over and I’m ready to hunker down with books, puzzles, holiday music, and all of my favorite things to wait out the winter.

So much to love this time of year. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Holiday scents and candles – When the days grow shorter and colder, nothing warms my house faster than a scented candle.

2. Starbucks – If the candle doesn’t work to warm me up, nothing screams holidays like a pumpkin spice latte or peppermint mocha. And who knew I would love this reusable cup so much?!

3. Christmas Music – As you can see, I tend toward female vocalists. Celine is this year’s new holiday CD. And, yes. I’ve already started listening to it…before Thanksgiving.

4. Holiday knitting projects – Or even just the opportunity to knit and crochet while relaxing with the relatives.

And FINALLY my new favorite thing…I love this so much, I can’t even…

Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé singing Baby It’s Cold Outside acted out by children in a posh hotel. So many of my favorite things in one video…