Bringing some Christmas Cheer to the Desert

Woah....I'm back less than a month of my last post?? Merry Christmas to all of you. I kinda go

back and forth as to whether Fall or Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It usually ends up being whichever one is actually happening.....and it doesn't hurt that they are back to back. Yall, I love Christmas....everything about it. Now please know that I know the reason for Christmas and celebrate that above all, but I love every aspect about it....even the over commercialized parts...woops...you judging me??

I love the season and how people think about others and are generally happy. I love the music, the food, the ugly sweaters, the smells, and the family and friends you get to hang out with. I love Christmas!! The thing about the desert is they don't really do Christmas. Sure, Western stores may have decorations, which I appreciate, but it's pretty much business as usual here. I find myself wanting to be places like this...

Yall.....Europe knows how to do it!!! My heart wants to explode just looking at these pictures. And don't worry, plans are already in the making for a Christmas markets of Europe tour. I might weep the whole time. So rather get jealous (or more jealous) of places like this, I knew I had to bring the Christmas cheer to the desert....and so here are my tips for making anywhere feel warm and cozy...and lined with twinkle lights.

1. Music......yall should have seen this one coming. I love music so of course I've collected some good Christmas albums along the way. Matt, Dave, and Ben are my favorites year round, so obviously I'm gonna play their Christmas music. They don't know this yet, but one day we're gonna be real life friends...you just wait.

2. Decorations! This is also a favorite. I love a good Christmas tree, and while I am a die hard real Christmas tree lover....the one I saw here was $300!! So I picked up the best looking artificial I could find.....even though I had to go back and exchange it because all the pieces weren't included. So it doesn't smell Christmasy, but it's pretty cute.

3. Food! I bought cookie cutters the other day for the sugar cookies I plan to make in the next couple days...and I think there's even plans for cheese biscuits on Christmas Eve (an ingenious Griffin family tradition). And I may have found a beat up advent calendar on Dec 10th....but I still made use of it. When all else fails....by an over-priced cupcake with a Christmas tree on top.

4. Find something where you are that reminds you of the change of season....anything. It actually does get pretty chilly here....like in the 60s. Let me tell you...around here those kinda temp make people (this girl) go out and buy emergency fleece coats because they are so cold....are you judging me again?!?! Anyways, when the cold temperatures hit, the men here where different colors (other than the usual white) and may even throw a vest on. It seems like such an insignificant change....but a little color and some winter clothes make me so happy.

Anyways, if you ever find yourself in a place that doesn't burst with Christmas, hopefully these tips will make it feel a little more like home. Obviously Christmas is more than trees and food, but those things help me remember that this season is different. This season is when Hope came....and a weary world rejoices. Have the Happiest Christmas. And get ready Merica....I'm coming at ya next year!!