The

Christmas Guide If you havent already noticed (or if it hasnt already been shoved in your face by the media), Christmas is quickly approaching. The entire concept of Christmas is a mix of sticking to your traditions and trying new things but the problem is, everyone gets a little over-exited. When you plan the holidays out, its all very extravagant: the tree, the lights (not to mention the bills) and all the little things that come with it. In the end, you end up only doing half of the things you originally wanted to. Not this year, though! Heres a list of the top things to do for Christmas because its only here once a year. Top 5 Christmas Movies 1. Miracle on 34th Street (1994) Put a cute Mara Wilson with a jolly Richard 2. 3.

4. 5.

Attenborough, some Christmas magic and even you will re-believe in all the Christmas stories you were told when you were a child. Elf (2003) Watch Buddy (Will Ferrel), who comes from the North Pole go on a journey to Manhatten, only to Yind out New Yorkers dont like candy and syrup in their spaghetti. Christmas with the Kranks (2004) Imagine ignoring Christmas and everything that comes with it; Frosty, the lights, the tree and saving it to go on an exotic cruise. But can you really ignore Christmas? Watch as the Kranks hide, avoid and pour water on ice to avoid every single aspect of the holiday. The Polar Express (2004) - Lets forget the fact that the audience for this movie is 4-10 and just enjoy as the Yictional characters try to catch tickets in the frosty wind. Love Actually (2003) A huge cast full of celebrities, London at Christmas time, absolutely ridiculous and funny parts what more could you want?

Top 3 Christmas Books 1. A Christmas Carol Forget a summary, I will only mention two words: Bah! Humbug!. 2. How the Grinch stole Christmas Everyone has conYlicted feeling about this book (and the movie) because should you be scared of this green monster or should you secretly love it? Hes just a lonely, ugly thing whose heart is two sizes too small. 3. The Night before Christmas I swear, this is not a childrens book! Well, its a little bit of a childrens book but since we shouldnt be selYish on Christmas, reading this to a younger sibling/cousin wont hurt. Top 10 Christmas Songs 1. Last Christmas by Wham 2. Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin Steves 3. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree by Mel & Kim 4. White Christmas by Bing Crosby 5. All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey 6. Silent Night by Elvis Presley

7. In Dulci Jubilo by Mike OldYield 8. Mistletoe and Wine by Cliff Richard 9. Christmas Time by Bryan Adams 10. Wouldnt it be Beautiful by Patti LaBelle Top 5 Baked Goods 1. Christmas/Sugar Cookies Number 1 is and has always been the traditional Sugar cookies. In case you dont have your great-grandmothers recipe for it, heres a recipe from the one, the only, Martha Stewart: http:// www.marthastewart.com/275013/traditional-christmas-cookie-recipes/ @center/276951/christmas-cookies 2. Mint Thins Cookies It doesnt exactly Christmas-y but its easy to make and you can never eat too much chocolate at Christmas! Recipe: http:// www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/mint-thins-107762.aspx 3. Chocolate Chestnut Cupcakes It takes a while to perfect but once youve gotten the hang of it, these delicious cupcakes will lift up your spirits. Recipe: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/896667/chocolate-chestnut-cupcakes 4. Swedish Apple Pie You dont have to be Swedish to love apple pie, especially when its warm on a cold Winter night! Recipe: http://www.northpole.com/ Kitchen/Cookbook/Swedish-Apple-Pie-477 5. A Gingerbread-House Has anyone actually ever made on of these? If you do want to be brave and try your best at it, be my guest though I doubt it will ever look like it does on the picture. Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/ Gingerbread-Houses/Detail.aspx?src=mer691