It's magic time.

At the Opry Christmas Tree Lighting!

 Let the magic begin. Now that the turkey coma has lifted and another traditional, family and food filled thanksgiving has passed, we are officially into the Christmas season. My birthday is in one week, the decorations have been hung, the lighting ceremonies are happening all over, the amazingly corny lifetime movies are in marathon mode. It is simply the best time of year.

With sister at Aunt Linda's house for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is always my favorite kick off. To see family, pig out, laugh, dance, sing (yes, we sing) and say goodbye knowing it is only going to be a few short weeks before we get to do it all over again is just the most best.

There is no depressive aftermath, and while the ten pounds I gained surely leaves me feeling heavy, it is not leaving me with a heavy heart. Rather, I am so looking forward to the next four weeks - parades, friends, cozy nights in with our tree lit (and the tree candle also lit to make me forget the tree is fake :( ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas (which means claymations of course) and just reflecting on all the good that has happened this year and how blessed we are.

So here is to the most magical time of year and enjoying every moment of it. Despite the stress and potential dysfunctions that typically coincide with the holiday season, it is really important to always remember that beyond the gifts, the hustle and bustle, the parties and food and yes - beyond even the movie marathons - what Christmas is really about is recognizing how important family is and treasuring those moments to be together. Throughout the year I am reminded that nothing is guaranteed in life and what I love about this season is that it allows me to slow down and make it count. To give an extra hug. To put on a smile even when life is sucking. Because how could you not? IT'S CHRISTMAS PEOPLE. No Grinches allowed :)

Aunt Linda and Lynnie preparing the awesome food!

Stay tuned for more updates as the season unwinds! Coming up this week we already have a projected snow flurry in the morning, the NYC Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting and the CMA Christmas Special (I attended the taping of!) airing on TV, AND a Christmas Tree Trimming party with the crew on Friday! (And did I mention my birthday is in ONE WEEK?). Get out the ugly Christmas sweaters and mistletoe!

Because it is on my friends.

This is me committing.

IT'S FAT PANTS TURKEY TIME!

There is a bathroom stall at work that I always use. I rarely ever deviate from this stall. For whatever reason, I find that particular toilet seat to be home - so be it. And in fact, my bond to this stall is so strong that even when the light bulb is out in that stall (as it has been for the past two weeks), I still go there and simply pee in the dark - which is kind of peaceful.

So it is absolutely frustrating to me that updating this blog has not become more of a habit - a peeing in the dark kind of commitment. But I am going to try as the holiday season approaches - my absolutely favorite time of year - to update more frequently and make this more of a habit since not having time is not an excuse. If I can justify a blind wipe, I think I can find the time for this. (too much? probably).

Things have been moving along really smoothly and as I enter this holiday season, I just feel so tremendously blessed and excited for what is to come to close out the year, and in 2012 (hopefully not the end of the world. Fingers crossed. Discovery channel, stop the documentaries). So much has changed this year for the better. I have learned a lot about myself and relationships. And the most amazing thing came into my life. It is wonderful and has truly changed the way I feel about myself. I start every day just feeling so happy inside. Yes friends, I got a new MATTRESS. And it is INCREDIBLE. I sleep like a baby. Oh and let's not forget... I happen to also have an incredible boyfriend too :) My family is healthy and happy, I have great friends and I am about to be 23 - which no, does not sound as young and charming as 22, but I am still the youngest one of most of my friends, so suck it.

Featured here: Jenny and Lynn.

I cannot wait for turkey day. I just love it. Everyone knows me as the ambassador of Christmas, and as much as I love the Christmas season, in regards to the day itself, I think I love Thanksgiving the best because it really just kicks everything off in a food coma parade kind of fashion. There is no depressing end - it is the shot gun to the holidays. And the fallout is family and hugs and recognizing all of the blessing we have. And as my sister would say, we start it off right - with fat pants and spoon microphone duets.

Don't you just wanna hug her?

Speaking of whom, I must give a shout to my amazingly beautiful sister who turns 25 tomorrow and makes it look SO GOOD. Everyone fears 25 but if I can be as successful and inspiring, compassionate and smart as she is at her age, or ever for that matter, then I will consider myself lucky. There are no words or blog posts to express how much this one means to me. She is just my most best friend on the planet (which isn't going to implode in 2012... so suck it). Luckily we will be able to duet together soon to express our love and undying devotion for one another. (As many know, our family is like real-life Glee minus the talent and choreography).

So that is the update folks. Life is good, mattress is great, boyfriend is as cute as ever, sister is amazing and I am so glad she was born. And, peeing in the dark is under-rated.