December to me means fuzzy boots (sing along with me...apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, the whole club was lookin at her...), peppermint everything especially mochas, twinkling lights (and makeup), and SNOW. Where is the snow?! It was 52° in Denville this morning. Nothing like getting out of bed on a December morning covered in sweat. I don't even need snow, I'm not that high maintenance...maybe just some seasonal temperatures? Lower temperatures will definitely be more comfortable for all of the running around we have to do this month...
- This weekend Ross, Erin and I are heading to the local Weihnachtsmarkt...or German Christmas Market for any non-German buffs (Ross, I'm looking at you!). Ours takes place at the Lake Mohawk Boardwalk and is full of local vendors, delicious German food and mulled wine. Christmas Markets like this are popular all over the country and are a great way to spend an afternoon and get in some steps (don't forget your Fitbit!). Props to Erin for starting this awesome tradition.
- We also get our first delivery from Terra's Kitchen on Saturday. This is an early Christmas gift for Ross. They are a meal delivery service, similar to Blue Apron, that delivers fresh ingredients to your door along with step by step recipes. A lot of my recipes are in my head (or on this blog). Terra's Kitchen will help Ross get comfy in the kitchen on nights when I'm working late or on night or on nights when we are too pooped from shopping to prep dinner. Look forward to a more detailed post after our first dinner!
- Next weekend Ross and I are headed to Chicago - a late 1 year wedding anniversary gift (paper...plane tickets...awesome)! There's really no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by freezing our asses off in the Windy City. I love New York during Christmas time and can't wait to explore a new city. I got a great deal through Priceline's Name Your Price Tool, check out my tips and tricks here. Any suggestions or must see stops while we're there?!
- Towards Christmas, I'm contemplating an Ugly Sweater Open House. A chance to see our friends before the holidays, let everyone stop in at their leisure. Any thoughts?! Have you ever hosted or attended an Ugly Sweater Party? I want to hear about it in the comments!
- Somewhere in all of this excitement, we have to design and mail our Christmas cards! I'm tracking deals at Tiny Prints and Shutterfly. I love their postcard designs which allow you to save on postage and paper. They often run sales and specials throughout the holiday season - last year I scored 40% off and free shipping! If you are a member, Costco Photo Center is also a great option.
- As for Christmas...we just drive ourselves (literally...in the car) crazy. Christmas Eve is spent doing dinner and gifts with Ross' immediate family. Christmas morning is spent with my parents. Christmas day is spent driving house to house for lunches and dinners with our extended family. Thank god we have Monday, December 26th to recover this year!
- Finally...New Years! The 25th is date night for Ross and I any other month of the year. We started dating on August 25, 2011 and have gone out for dinner on the 25th of every month ever since (i know, cue the vomiting, we're just so cute). Christmas is the only exception. Instead, we make local reservations, usually BYOB, over a bottle of Champagne on New Year's Eve. Dining out BYOB gives us a special occasion to pop a bottle of a reserved bottle - maybe a bottle of champagne stashed from our wedding or a wine carried back from our honeymoon in Mexico. Some of our local favorites include Cafe Metro, La Cucina, El Mejicano and Ah Pizz.
Looking forward to another new month of new places and old traditions!
What are your December traditions? What do you love about the holiday season?
