Christmas Dresses

I always remember having Christmas dresses when I was little. Perhaps this is an altered memory; because, I can really only recall a couple of dresses. However, I know that we always "dressed to the nines" for our annual Christmas program at school. Granted, my grandmother made most, if not all, of our dresses for us...even these beauties I have shared before:

I swear my memory wants to say that Nikki's bow was on the back of her dress, above her bum. It came off or something, so my mom put it on her head. Haha. Mom, correct me if my memory fails me. Sorry, Nikki; I just had to show it again. If it makes you feel any better, I will post my 4th grade photo on here sometime....awkward! Or, my freshman year photo.....oh boy...

Anyway, we had special occasion dresses when I was little. At Easter, we even had hats with our dresses. I loved it. So, naturally, since I am making my girls basically relive my childhood in the 21st century (ha!), I had to get Christmas dresses for them. Lucy has had them, so why would I treat Olive any different?

2010

Heath asked about this tradition, and especially about the expense involved. "How many times will they actually wear these?" I understand that. But, they will wear them three times. That's not too bad at their age. They barely wear outfits three times before they grow out of them! They need the dresses to see Santa, for Christmas card photos, and to wear to church on Christmas Eve - totally worth it! Nonetheless, I could tell Heath was a little skeptical....until...

the girls got their photo in the local newspaper.

When we went to see Santa, they weren't very many children dressed up. But, we wanted to have good photos, so the dresses came out. Since they were all dolled up, the newspaper photographer took their photo with Santa Claus. It was a proud moment for these parents; I tell you what...



Heath finally "drank the Christmas dress kool-aid."

It's a great idea. Hopefully my girls will carry on the tradition with their own children. Oh, and yes, if we decide to have a third, and it is a boy, he'll be in the photo too with a little sweater vest, khakis, and loafers.

Merry Christmas to all! And, happy dressing. :)

Too Late?

So, is it too late to talk about Christmas? And, share our photos?

Well, if it is, sorry. I am awful about gathering pictures from our camera. But, I finally got a whole bunch - including Christmas! Here they are...

We started our kick-off to Christmas by going to see...who else, but Santa Claus?

Lucy had her new Christmas dress on.

She did alright. No tears! :) She was more interested in the candy canes than anything else. I just wish 'binkie' hadn't been in the picture. :{

It was a fun family night.

In early December, Lucy got her letter from Santa Claus. She was pretty excited to get mail, but otherwise oblivious about the content. However, when she gets older I think she will enjoy seeing these letters, marking her year's milestones and 'what to work on.'

We filled most of our evenings reading Christmas stories in front of the Christmas tree. Lucy loved reading 'Charlie Brown's Christmas' and 'Twas' the Night Before Christmas.' She even has two Hallmark books that her Mimi and Grandpa recorded for her.

I'll admit, by the end I was begging to read something other than Charlie Brown. I love it; but, boy, does it get old. Thirty nights of reading it is a lot! Good grief! ;)

We, again, spent Christmas Eve as a family. We made sure to take another family photo in front of the Christmas tree.

Once we got home, Lucy loved opening her stocking. She got a lot of goodies and some more, small books!

 

We left the camera out all night and Santa took a picture of the presents he left under the tree! Doesn't this photos just seem warm? :)

The next morning, Lucy was in a sleepy daze. She tried out her new recliner while we opened other gifts.

It was a wonderful holiday season. I am sad that it is again so far away. However, each year with Lucy is so exciting and new! I know we have many great years to come...

Now, onto Valentines! :)

25 Days of Christmas on TV: Part 2

Here is the rest of the Christmas TV Schedule! :) Enjoy these last two weeks. It truly is the best time of the year! Merry Christmas and God Bless!

My favorites are in red. :)

Thursday, December 15th
5 pm – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)
7 pm – Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC)
7 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Santa Buddies (DISNEY)
9 pm – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)

Friday, December 16th
4 pm – The Polar Express (DISXD)
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Special (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
5 pm – Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh! (NIK)
5:30 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol
7 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
7 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
7 pm – Christmas in Washington (TNT)
8 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
8 pm – Elf (USA)
9 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
9 pm – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
9 pm – Christmas in Connecticut (TCM)
10:30 pm – Christmas in Washington (TNT)
11 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
11 pm – Finding John Christmas (HALMRK)

Saturday, December 17th
7 am – Pinocchio’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – When Angels Come to Town (HALMRK)
8 am – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
9 am – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – Gift of the Magi (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Cranberry Christmas (ABCFAM)
10 am – Jack Frost (Cartoon) (ABCFAM)
10 am – The Polar Express (DISXD)
10 am – Elf (USA)
11 am – Year Without a Santa Claus (ABC FAM)
11 am – The Good Witch’s Gift (HALMRK)
12 pm – Miser Brothers’ Christmas (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Annie Claus Is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
2 pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (ABCFAM)
2:30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
5 pm – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm – Frosty the Snowman (CBS)
7 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Frosty Returns (CBS)
8 pm – The Story of Santa Claus (CBS)
8 pm – CMA County Christmas (ABC)
9 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
9 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
10:30 pm – Saturday Night Live (Christmas Episode) (NBC)
11 pm – A Christmas Visitor (HALMRK)
12:30 am – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABCFAM)

Sunday, December 18th
6:30 am – Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws (ABCFAM)
7 am – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
8:30 am – The Search for Santa Paws (ABCFAM)
9 am – The Family Stone (FX)
9 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
10:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10:30 am – Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish (ABCFAM)
10:30 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISXD)
11 am – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
11:30 am – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
12:30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Christmas Come Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
3 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
3 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Elf (USA)
3:05 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
4 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISXD)
5 pm – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
6 pm – America’s Funniest Home Videos Christmas Spectacular (ABC)
7 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Cartoon) (CARTOON)
7 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
9 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Scooby-Doo Christmas (CARTOON)
8 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABC)

Monday, December 19th
5 pm – Phineas and Ferb’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
7 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABC)
9 pm – Marley & Me (FX)
9 pm - Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)

Tuesday, December 20th
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Special (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – MGM Parade (Christmas Themed) (TCM)
7 pm – Glee (Christmas 2010) (FOX)
7 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
7 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
8 pm – Deck the Halls (TNT)
8 pm – Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas (NBC)
8 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
8 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Star-Studded Christmas Extravaganza (CMT)
9 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
9 pm – Santa, Jr. (HALMRK)
9 pm – A Night at the Movies: Merry Christmas! (TCM)
9:45 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau (CMT)
9:50 pm –Disney’s a Christmas Carol (STARZ)
10 pm – Holiday Affair (TCM)

Wednesday, December 21st
4 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
4 pm – Twas the Night (DISXD)
4 pm – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
6 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABCFAM)
6 pm – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
6:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABCFAM)
7 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (CARTOON)
7 pm – Unlikely Angel (CMT)
7 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
8 pm – Elf (USA)
9 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
9 pm – A Christmas Wish (HALMRK)
11 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)

Thursday, December 22nd
4 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Lucky Christmas (HALMRK)
6 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABC)
7 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
8 pm – I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (ABC)
8 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
9 pm – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)

Friday, December 23rd
6 am – Snowglobe (ABCFAM)
6 am – Snow Day (FX)
7 am – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
8 am – Love Actually (ABCFAM)
10 am – A Christmas Carol (1938) (TCM)
11 am – Santa Baby (ABCFAM)
12:55 pm – Bad Santa (TV-14) (COMEDY)
1 pm – Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe (ABCFAM)
3 pm – Holiday in Handcuffs (ABCFAM)
3 pm – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
3 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
4 pm – The Ultimate Christmas Present (DISXD)
5 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
5 pm – Scrooge (1970) (TCM)
7 pm – Shrek the Halls (ABC)
7 pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
7 pm – The Search for Santa Paws (DISNEY)
7 pm – The Night Before the Night Before Christmas (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Phineas and Ferb Christmas (ABC)
8 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
8 pm – A Christmas Carol (1999) (TNT)
8:30 pm – Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special (ABC)
9 pm – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
9:32 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
10 pm – Call Me Claus (TBS)
10 pm – Deck the Halls (TNT)
12:04 am – Bad Santa (Unedited, TV-MA) (COMEDY)

Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve!
7 am – Cranberry Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – Billy and Mandy Save Christmas (CARTOON)
7 am – Three Wise Women (HALMRK)
8 am – This Christmas (TBS)
8 am – Ed, Edd, n Eddy’s Jingle, Jingle, Jingle (CARTOON)
8 am – This Christmas (TBS)
8:30 am – Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: A Lost Claus (CARTOON)
9 am – Pinocchio’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
9 am – Deck the Halls (FX)
9 am – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)
10 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
10 am – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
10:30 pm – Rudolph and Frosty: Christmas in July (ABCFAM)
11 am – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
11 am – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
11 am – Deck the Halls (TNT)
12 pm – The Search for Santa Paws (DISNEY)
12:30 pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (ABCFAM)
12:30 pm – Billy and Mandy Save Christmas (CARTOON)
12:30 pm – Call Me Claus (TBS)
1 pm – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
1:30 pm – Johnny Bravo Christmas (CARTOON)
1:30 pm – Holiday Affair (TCM)
2 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)
2:30 pm – Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (ABCFAM)
2:54 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
3 pm – Jack Frost (Cartoon) (ABCFAM)
3 pm – November Christmas (ABCFAM)
3:30 pm – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
4 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABCFAM)
4:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
5:20 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISNEY)
6 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
7 pm – It’s a Wonderful Life (NBC)
7 pm – Year Without a Santa Claus (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! (DISNEY)
7 pm – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)
7 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Begins) (TBS)
7 pm – Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (TCM)
8 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
9 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
9 pm – November Christmas (HALMRK)
10:30 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
10:30 pm – Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (NBC)
10:35 pm – Christmas in Chelsea Square (CBS)
11 pm – The Ultimate Gift (HALMRK)
11 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
12:30 am – Twas’ the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
1 am – Deck the Halls (FX)
1 am – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
1 am – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
1:30 am – Twas the Night (DISNEY)

All Christmas Day – A Christmas Story (TBS)

Past Tree Experience

Thanks for the reminder to tell you a funny story about going to the Christmas tree farm.  Oh, you didn't remind me? Well, here it is anyway...

Back when I was in college, we would come home on the weekends for Christmas decorating and traditions. I would of course bring Heath along, as he slowly became part of the tradition as well. My dad still had an old work truck, with just one seat and two doors. The three of us would travel all over in that thing - my dad driving, Heath in the passenger's seat, and yours truly sat in the middle.

We used to break the tradition up into two parts. One weekend we would go pick out the tree and the next weekend, we would go get the tree. This particular year, when we went to go pick out the tree, it was wet. The ground was soggy and mushy. Tromping around, weaving in and out of possible Christmas trees was hard enough; but, the owner also had about seven dogs running around. They ranged from beagle sized to yellow lab size. I just crossed my fingers that they didn't jump on me.  Luckily though, we found a tree, marked it and told the owner we'd be back for it the following weekend. We made it out paw print free...

Once in the truck, my dad mentioned that he was trying to avoid stepping in dog crap, that was undoubtedly out there. Oh, yeah. I hadn't even thought about that. I was thinking of dirty paws. But, now that he had mentioned it, I did smell a hint of poo with the soggy, wet earth smell.

Noted.

The next Saturday, we pull up to the tree farm. My dad says, "Now, let's all be careful not to step in any dog poop. I don't want it tracked into the truck."

Heath and I agreed and nodded. We would be careful. Luckily the ground was a little harder and more frozen than last time. I specifically remember watching the ground as I avoided anything 'mud-like'. I was tip-toeing and skipping from one grassy patch to another. About fifteen minutes later, we were on our way. We were all very careful not to step in any dog poop.

Not even out of town yet, Heath says, "I smell dog poop."

My dad replies, "Hmm, nope. I don't smell it."

I agree, "I don't either."

Not even a minute goes by and Heath insists, "I smell dog crap! Someone stepped in it!"

I will never forget the next image I saw. It will forever be ingrained in my mind. I looked down at my dad's foot on the gas. He hadn't just stepped in a pile of dog crap. He stepped in that yellow lab's dog crap - the mother load. A huge pile was stuck to the bottom of his shoe and had squished up and curled over the side. Heath leaned over me, pointing toward my dad's foot. Immediately we all began to laugh.

How had Heath, the farthest away from it, smell it? And, my dad and I hadn't.

My dad pulled over on the side of the highway. He jumped out of the truck, mumbling what we can only assume were phrases including cuss words. Heath and I watched as he drug his leg along the grass of the ditch. He then leaned on a tree, trying to scrape his foot up and down the bark. Lastly, he used the tree to balance himself as he poked at his Adidas Superstar with a stick.

In the truck, there was nothing but tears and laughter. It was like watching a movie.

Once he felt that he had cleaned enough off, he got back into the truck. A few more miles down the road, we finally calmed down from laughing enough to let the truck fall silent.

"I still smell it!" Heath exclaimed.

This time, I checked my shoes. Smaller pile, but I was guilty too. My own shoe was embedded with poo. This time we didn't even bother stopping. Heath rolled down his window and threw my shoe in the back. My poopy shoe rode home with the Christmas tree.

Now, I have to be honest. I am literally laughing so hard that I'm crying while typing this. The story goes straight to my giggles. It is the single, most hilarious story that I can recall in my lifetime, thus far. The irony...the foreshadowing...the awesomeness...

It is a story that we talk about almost every year that we go to get our tree. This year was no different. We recalled the dog poop trip and laughed all over again. THAT is what memories are made of! :)

I only hope someday Lucy can have her own dog poop story. :)

Christmas Tree

We have had our Christmas tree up since the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It took everything I had to not go get it earlier though. "Go get it?" you ask?

Yes. We kill trees. Christmas trees, to be exact - of the pine persuasion.

I don't feel bad either. Have you ever read that book, "A Wish to be a Christmas Tree"? It is what they were planted for. It is what they want. It's their time to shine! The tree that doesn't get to be a Christmas tree is the sad one...see he's crying...

Anyway, on with it. Heath and I have always had a real Christmas tree. Heath, my dad, and I would go to the patch every year and pick it out. Then, we would bring it home. Heath and dad would watch football while I decorated. It was a lovely tradition. Last year, it included Lucy. And, as time changes all things, this year my dad was in Texas. Heath, Lucy and I decided to continue our "real tree" tradition. Going to pick it out and bringing it home is half the fun! It is a tradition we hope Lucy gets excited about year to year.

Oh, remind me to tell you about some of the funny stories from Christmas tree traditions past.

This year, we didn't have my dad's truck. We decided, like the Griswolds, we could strap that baby to the roof of our SUV. Why not? They have twine. (Is anyone thinking about the Mayhem commercial right now?)

Once at the farm and freezing our buns off, we decided on a 7 foot beauty. If you ask me, it looks taller though. Heath and I asked each other several times, "Will this work?" We were referring to the car of course. The tree farm...guy, for lack of a better title, suggested trying to put it IN the SUV. Okay...laying the seats down...hmm....okay...let's try it!  And, this is what happened to Lucy.

The needles would touch her arm occasionally. She was sure to let us know all about it. It was a little invasive, space wise. However, I was more concerned with the overwhelming pine smell that filled the car. It was crazy! Sneezing ensued.

I had to laugh. We always manage to get ourselves into these types of situations. It just wouldn't be our family tradition is something like this didn't happen.

And, remembering that in my freezing, numb state, I forgot to get a family picture, we took one. The tree was horizontal this time; but, it worked.

Lucy loved the day. She even liked helping Heath clean up needles, during "installation."

Approximately six hours later, we had the finished product.



I've never seen a Christmas tree more proud!

I hope your tree is up and that you had a wonderful time decorating! Our family did. Continue with your Happy Holidays! :)

Gift Opening

There are a few gifts under our tree already. I started shopping on Black Friday and somehow managed to wrap about 30 presents and put them under the tree.  It has been tough though. We have been trying to keep Lucy away from the presents. She doesn't necessarily want to open them; but, she wants to play with the bows or rip the tags off. So far, so good...
Last night, we were watching Rudolph and the Misfit Toys. A commercial came on of a boy opening a Christmas present. Inside was a toy dinosaur. The boy cheered and starting playing.

I heard a gasp.

I looked at Lucy, just in time to see her eyebrows raise, her mouth open, and a look of epiphany come across her face. She turns toward the tree and takes off in a sprint across the room. She picks up a gift from under the tree and looks at me with an anticipating smile. I had to laugh.

Then, unfortunately, I had to tell her no. I tried to explain that they weren't for her and she had to wait for Santa to come. She didn't seem to mind the explanation too much. She was easily distracted when the show came back on.

I think she is starting to understand gifts. :)

Santa Cookie

In October, Lucy and I stopped by The Cookie Company to get some fresh, right out of the oven cookies. :) I decided to pick one out for her that was frosted like a pumpkin. She loved it. Her reaction to it was priceless and when I tried to take a bite, she told me, "No! Mine."

Normally, I wouldn't approve of such behavior. But, this time, it was cute. :)

I know; I know. The cuteness excuse is the one thing that bad parents hang onto as an exchange for bad behavior. You'll just have to trust me that I won't let it get out of hand. Okay? Trust me. Lucy will not be a selfish, devil child. :)

Anyway, on with my story. There I was, in late November, buying a venti iced chi tea with vanilla at Starbucks (highly recommend the drink by the way; it's delicious). I saw a frosted Santa cookie. Lucy would love it! I knew I was going to buy it. I even debated putting it in her stocking.  Nope. I was too excited. So, on her next mommy-Lucy night, we would bust out the cookie.

Oh the simple joys of a Santa cookie...

25 Days of Christmas...on TV

Let me first say that I am pretty excited about ABC Family's New Original Movie, 12 Dates of Christmas. Let me tell you a bit about it and I'm sure you will be too. :) It's made by Disney. It's about Christmas. It stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack from Saved by the Bell). It stars Amy Smart (queen of 90's teen movies). And, it has the same storyline idea of Groundhog's day. Do you not completely love it already? I do! :)  You can read more about it here: http://abcfamily.go.com/specials/25-days-christmas/blogs-details/12-dates-christmas/886324.

Next, are you not completely excited about the ABC Family 25 days of Christmas? The schedule that they offer seems to be getting lamer though. Here is the link to this year's schedule; it's on the right-side, about half-way down the page.

http://abcfamily.go.com/specials/25-days-christmas/

Also, at the link above, you can watch ABC Family Original Christmas Movies online - like Holiday in Handcuffs, Christmas Caper, Snow, Snow 2, and Christmas Cupid. I love Holiday in Handcuffs by the way; I highly recommend it. It starts Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez. I just love all of these 90's actors reappearing in their 30s. I simply love it.

Anyway, on to the schedule...the ones in red are my favorites or the ones I plan to watch.

Thursday, December 1st 
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)
5 pm – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
5:30 pm – Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (ABCFAM)
6 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABC)
7 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK) 
7:30 pm – Santa Buddies (DISNEY)
8 pm – CMA Country Christmas (ABC)
8 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
9 pm – Finding John Christmas (HALMRK)

Friday, December 2nd 
4 pm – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
6 pm – Hoops and YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (ABCFAM)

7 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)

7 pm – Good Luck Charlie, it’s Christmas! (Movie) (DISNEY) 

7 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)

9 pm – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK) 

9:30 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM) 

10 pm – Surviving Christmas (TBS)
11 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)

Saturday, December 3rd 
9 am – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
11 am – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
12:55 pm – Surviving Christmas (TBS)
1 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
5 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)

7 pm – It’s a Wonderful Life (NBC) 

7 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
9 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
11 pm – Tim Burton’s the Nightmare Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
11 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)

Sunday, December 4th 
7 am – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
9 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – A Season for Miracles (HALMRK)
12:15 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)
1:05 pm – Disney’s a Christmas Carol (STARZ)
2:30 pm – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
4:45 pm – November Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)

7:30 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! (Movie) (DISNEY)

9 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)

Monday, December 5th 
5 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)

5 pm – The Santa Clause (HALMRK)
6 pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC)
7 pm – A Sing-off Christmas (NBC)
7:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
7:30 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
7:30 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (DISNEY) 
8:45 pm – A Christmas Carol (1938) (TCM)
9 pm – The Three Gifts (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)

Tuesday, December 6th

4 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (DISXD)

5 pm – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM) 

5 pm – A Carol Christmas (HALMRK)

5:30 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)

7 pm – Last Man Standing (Series, Christmas Themed) (ABC) 

7 pm – The Night Before the Night Before Christmas (HALMRK)

7: 30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM) 

7:30 – The Nightmare Before Christmas (DISNEY)

8 pm – A Christmas Story (TCM) 

9 pm – Mistletoe Over Manhattan (HALMRK)

10 pm – A Night at the Movies (Christmas Themed) (TCM)

Wednesday, December 7th

4 pm – The Polar Express (DISXD)

5 pm – A Very Pink Christmas (ABCFAM)

5:30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)

6:30 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Cartoon) (CARTOON)

7 pm – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)

7 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)

8 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)

9 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)

Thursday, December 8th 
4 pm – Nightmare Before Christmas (DISXD)

5 pm – Jack Frost (Animated) (ABCFAM)

5 pm – The Christmas Choir (HALMRK)

6 pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (ABCFAM)

6:30 pm – Cranberry Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Wipeout (Series, Christmas themed) (ABC)

7 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)

7 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)

7:30 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! (DISNEY)

8 pm – America’s Funniest Home Videos Christmas Spectacular (ABC)

8 pm – Year Without a Santa Claus (ABCFAM)

9 pm – Miser Brothers’ Christmas (ABCFAM)

9 pm – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)

Friday, December 9th 
5 pm – Year Without a Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
5 pm – A Christmas Wedding Tail (HALMRK)
5:50 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISNEY)

6 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)

7 pm – Frosty the Snowman (CBS)

7 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)

7 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
7:30 pm – Frosty Returns (CBS)
8 pm – Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (CBS)

8:30 pm – The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story (CBS)

8:55 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)

9 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)

9 pm – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
10 pm – This Christmas (TBS)

11 pm – Miser Brothers’ Christmas (ABCFAM)

11 pm – A Christmas Wedding Tale (HALMRK)

Saturday, December 10th 
6:30 am – Snow (ABCFAM)
7 am – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
8 am – Bush Christmas (1947) (TCM)
8:30 am – Snow 2: Brain Freeze (ABCFAM)
9 am – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – Olive, the Other Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)

12 pm – Scooby -Doo Christmas (CARTOON)

12 pm – Elf (USA)

1 pm – Unaccompanied Minors (ABCFAM)
1 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Jack Frost (ABCFAM)
3 pm – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)

5 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)

5 pm – Serendipity (E!)

5 pm – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)

7 pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (CBS)

7 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)

7 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
7 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
8 pm – The Flight Before Christmas (CBS)

9 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)

9 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)

10 pm – Elf (USA)

11 pm – Jack Frost (ABCFAM)
11 pm – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)

Sunday, December 11th 
7 am – Once Upon a Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
9 am – Twice Upon a Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – The Santa Incident (HALMRK)
9 am – Christmas in Connecticut (TCM)

10 am – The Polar Express (DISNEY)

11 am – Snowglobe (ABCFAM)

11 am – The Case for Christmas (HALMRK)
1 pm – Santa Baby (ABCFAM)

1 pm – Serendipity (E!)

1 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)

3 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)

3 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)
3:35 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)

5 pm – Holiday in Handcuffs (ABCFAM)

5 pm – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
6:05 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
7 pm – The Simpsons (Series, Christmas Themed) (FOX)

7 pm – 12 Dates of Christmas (ABCFAM)

7 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)

9 pm – 12 Dates of Christmas (ABCFAM)

9 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
9 pm – Call Me Claus (TNT)

Monday, December 12th

5 pm – Flintstone Christmas (ABCFAM)

6 pm – 12 Dates of Christmas (ABCFAM)

7 pm – I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (ABC)
7 pm – Santa, Jr. (HALMRK)

7 pm – A Christmas Carol (1951) (TCM)

7:30 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas (DISNEY)

8 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)

9 pm – A Christmas Wedding Tail (HALMRK)

10:05 pm – Elf (USA)

Tuesday, December 13th

5 pm – Merry Madagascar (ABCFAM)

5 pm – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)
5:30 pm – Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special (ABCFAM)
6:30 pm – The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (ABCFAM)

7 pm – Glee (Series, Christmas Themed) (FOX)

7 pm – Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)

7 pm – Alvin and the Chipmunks (FX)
7 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
9 pm – Alvin and the Chipmunks (FX)
9 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)

9:30 pm – Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)

Wednesday, December 14th 
4:15 pm – Disney’s A Christmas Carol (STARZ)

5 pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (ABCFAM)

5 pm – The Santa Suit (HALMRK)
7 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)

7:30 pm – Beauty & the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (DISNEY)

8:50 pm – A Phineas and Ferb Family Christmas (DISNEY)

9 pm – Lucky Christmas (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Star-Studded Christmas Extravaganza (CMT)

Enjoy and I hope you enjoy the Holiday Season. Part 2 will be coming on the 13th!

Here Comes Santa Claus

This is going to a positive and exciting Christmas-themed rant. So, if you are one of those people who refuse to acknowledge Christmas until after Thanksgiving, you may want to exit your browser.

For those of you who are still here, thank you for sharing in my Christmas madness! :)  Is it just me or is Christmas somewhat intoxicating? It really is. The way I feel at Christmas time easily surpasses any other time of year. Even going to work I am jolly.  Haha.....okay, maybe not AT work; but, you get the point. Everyone becomes a little less selfish. You wish, and hope, and pray a little harder. You believe in miracles a little more. Faith in mankind is at its all time high. Time slows. Reflection of your life no longer involves your house, your income, or your weight. You are just thankful...

Which brings me to another point that we probably shouldn't bypass like that old, high school acquaintance that you pretend not to see - Thanksgiving. Being thankful is a good thing. We try to teach our children about it; so, why not practice what we preach?

I am so thankful for the life I've been given. I am truly blessed. Thank you to all of my friends, family, and four-legged friends and family for taking part in it! :)

Now...what started this Christmas rant? Why, Santa Claus ofcourse! He is coming to our town tonight!  We are taking Lucy. She is going to freak! And when I say "freak," I don't mean the way I would react to an encounter with the gorgeous Matthew Lawrence. I mean the type of "freak" reaction I would have to a real-life Michael Meyers (that's the Halloween killer to those of you who aren't up on your pop-culture - tsk, tsk).

I expect a reaction similar to this:

Yep. That is a little Cori, clutching onto what we can only assume is some type of candy bribe to stand by this creepy stranger. Imagine the confusion in that tiny, blonde, mushroom hair covered head of mine...

"Don't talk to strangers? Unless they have a beard covering their entire face, they wear red, and give you candy? Sit on his lap? Whaaa?"

Just a shout out to my parents - those jeans are awesome. Thank you.

I lied. I think Lucy's "freak out" will be much, much worse than this. I expect the picture to be with her eyes closed, face red, limbs flailing, and doing the stiff leg. What is the stiff leg you ask? Oh, you know - when a child doesn't want to sit down, they stiffen their legs, and are no longer able to bend at the waist. It's very board like...and frustrating as hell.

I won't be upset tonight for a few reasons. 1) I've had time to mentally prepare for said "freak out". I deal better when it isn't in the middle of DSW and she flops on the floor. 2) I totally freaked out too. I don't want to be a hypocrite. 3) The pictures we will take will be hilarious when she is older. 4) If the picture is good enough, it could be Christmas card material. 5) I didn't properly prepare her for Santa.

I told myself that I would show her pictures and tell her how awesome he is. I planned to even give her candy whenever I introduced the picture of Santa - some real positive conditioning. I failed. Santa snuck up on me, to tell you the truth! Before I knew it, he was making his way to town.

So, tonight officially marks the beginning of the "festivities" and I couldn't be more pee-pants excited! Bring on Santa, bring on the fit, bring on the pre-Christmas (otherwise known as Thanksgiving)...haha..., and bring on Christmas!

Happy Thursday everyone! Be thinking about us at around 5:30 pm tonight, when we see Santa! Yippee!

I Love Fall

I sure do love this time of year. It's my absolute favorite season...well, that is considering that Christmas season isn't actually one of the four "seasons" you learn about in school. If it was, then it'd be hands-down number one.

I decided that I've had a pretty rough fall thus far. How about you? Well, just in case you have, I have decided to be optimistic about the rest of this wonderful season. It's going to finish out just great! You want to know why? Because, here are a few reasons to just love fall, no matter what is going on in your life...

1) The leaves are gorgeous! I'm sure my husband would agree for about point two seconds, until he looked at our yard. Those green, yellow, orange, and red leaves are gorgeous...and then they fall...into large piles that you can jump into! See that positive spin? :)  It just so happens that Lucy loves them too. She loves running through them, jumping, and throwing them in the air. It will certainly make for some great photos, especially since it's actually been nice enough to go outside.

2) Football. I love it. I was raised that way. I have mentioned before that I don't even need to be watching it. There is just something comforting about hearing those "bump, bump, bump, bump, bahhhh"'s of Sunday Night Football. I love the sound of College Game Day. I hate to admit it; but, even Kirk Herbstreit and Lou Holtz are like annoying, lispy music to my ears. Haha...did I push it a bit far that time?

My favorite kind of football? High school of course. The popcorn, the band, the cheering, the freezing, and the irritating opposing fans just wrap up into one fun experience. This year, we were able to watch my cousin play. You remember him, right? I mentioned him as a wrestler last year. He is the only boy cousin on my Dad's side -

I'm very close to him and his sister. :)  So, we tried to make it to any and every game possible (except for the few we missed when Lucy was sick. Insert sad face here.). Lucy even went to a couple and sat still! :) She had her custom shirt too.

The back says, "Rex's #1 Fan".

3) Halloween! Who doesn't love Halloween? I like to decorate the house completely. Right now our banisters are covered in creepy cloth, spider webs, and purple lights. They set the perfect tone for a scary movie. With Lucy getting older, it has only become more fun. I love to dress her up and I can't wait to take her trick-or-treating!

4) Cookies and Candy! This time of year is when everyone starts stocking up with baked goods and candy. Diet? Ehhh...I'll wait until New Year's. It's so hard to lose weight over the holidays. Sound about right?  Well, we take advantage of all the candy on sale. We also take advantage of the baking items being on sale. We indulged ourselves in some Halloween chocolate chip cookies the other night. The best part? Turning on the oven and heating up the house is a good thing!

5) Family gatherings and the fair! Our county fair is something I look forward to every time September rolls around. This year wasn't any different. Lucy had a blast. She would have had even more fun, had she felt better (little did I know...).

And, there are those carbs I was talking about!

6) Sweaters and long sleeves! As a self-conscience, fluffy-gutted gal, who occasionally indulges in a funnel cake or two, I am partial to the cooler weather. Cover up those love handles? Don't mind if I do. I have noticed that post-Lucy my closet has a lot more sweaters and jackets in it. I have one of the cutest long-sleeved jacket thingies too, from Maurices. I just need to find the right shirt to go under it.

Anyone have any suggestions? The pink and green are so hard to match!

7) Along with my favoring toward sweaters, I like pea coats. Not only do I get to enjoy wearing them, I get to enjoy Lucy wearing them too.

8) Thanksgiving! I will admit; I have referred to Thanksgiving as the kick-off to Christmas. And, well, let's be honest, it kind of is. :) I love the food and the company; however, we all know that the conversation totally consists of, "What time are we getting together for Christmas?" "What do you want for Christmas?" "Are you taking vacation from work for Christmas?"

Don't get me wrong. I love it. The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, is totally up my alley. I love shopping and love getting good deals. Not many women would argue with me.  By the way: I have to send a shout-out to my Granny for her delicious, homemade rolls! I nab at least two every time she makes them and I would eat more if there were some left.

9) Boots! I feel like I'm getting a little carried away with the clothes items on this list. But, who doesn't love just throwing on their Uggs and heading out the door? It's so comfy and warm!  Lucy got her very own boots this fall too.

10) Opening up the house! I love opening the windows to the house. It is just so refreshing. By now it's getting a little cold; however, we still see a few nice days here and there. I enjoy napping in the afternoon with the wind blowing the curtains and the sounds of leaves dragging across the driveway.

Happy fall everyone! Why do you love this time of year? :)

Our Christmas 2010

I had a recent request by one of my readers to share some of my Christmas traditions, now that it has passed. Specifically, the reader wanted to know about Lucy's Christmas and Santa's visit. I realize that we have all moved past Christmas and it is now just a pleasant memory, as we move toward 'warmer' thoughts. :) However, I like reflection and memories...and I am not one to disappoint a reader. So, here is a little bit about our Christmas.

First, we usually kick off our Christmas celebration with Black Friday. We don't get too crazy; but, there are some pretty great deals! The Saturday following we go to pick out our Christmas tree. We have been going to the same patch for 10 years (me and my dad, before Heath came along :)). This year was so exciting, being able to take Lucy. We even took a picture as a family in front of Lucy's first Christmas tree!


You may think that a real tree could cause some issues with Lucy; however, it didn't! It was so poky that it would hurt her hands; so, she left it alone! :) Sad.....I know. It only took a couple of pokes though for her to figure it out.

The first weekend in December, we go pick up our tree and decorate. If the weather is nice, Heath will even put up our Christmas lights. We go with simple, white lights for our tree and house.

Throughout the month I wrap presents as they come in from our online orders or shopping ventures. I work on getting our cards out as soon as time permits. And, about a week from Christmas, Lucy got her letter from Santa! I am very excited for the day that Lucy can write him first. :)

On Christmas Eve, we spent the evening as a little family. It was wonderful! We got dressed and ready to go out to eat and then to church.

A Christmas tradition that my family had was to open our stockings (from mom and dad) after church on Christmas Eve. I guess it was something to hold us kids over until morning. Stocking gifts were never big; but, they were still fun. I remember getting new toothbrushes, nail polish, jewelry, candy, gel pens, etc. I cannot wait to do that for Lucy too.

This year she got a plastic snow globe, yogurt bites, a Christmas book, some hair bows, new mittens, colorful socks, an 'L' ornament, leg warmers, and more.

Heath took some pictures of our tree afterward. We sat with Christmas music on, just enjoying the moment. Christmas Eve is always a time when I try to just soak in the moment and be thankful for my many, many blessings.

These were just the gifts for other family members; Santa hadn't visited yet!

We didn't set any cookies or milk out for Santa this year. Lucy doesn't understand yet; so, we will wait until next year. However, that doesn't mean Santa didn't eat some of my homemade peanut butter and chocolate cookies that night. ;)

Heath took a snapshot of this ornament too - Lucy's first Christmas ornament.

The next morning, Lucy woke us up bright and early. I cannot wait for the days that she runs into our room. However, her standing in her crib yelling did just fine. :)

Santa had come! He left lots of gifts too (all the green ones).

Lucy and I cuddled to open them.

She loved to open them and actually liked the gift MORE than the wrapping paper! As soon as she would see the toy, she'd start playing with it. Santa was smart though and took all the toys out of the wrappers, undid all the twisty ties, etc., and put the toy back in the box. So, Lucy could start playing with it immediately.

Lucy collected so many toys that we are considering making our basement a playroom, sooner than we originally thought! I cannot even name all the things she got - a rocking horse, tennis shoes, pea coat, a see-n-say, a sled, books, stuffed animals, a horse on wheels, an emergency vehicle, cars, stacking cups, clothes, and the list goes on...

We had seven family Christmases in all! That is what we get for having divorced parents, I guess. So, she made out very well.

I know that was just a quick overview of what all we do; perhaps next year I won't be as busy in December and will be able to share more along the way. I think so! :) Christmases are going to just get better and better, the older Lucy gets.

Hope you had a great Christmas too. And, here is to 325+ days until it comes again!

Christmas Schedule: II

I bet you thought I forgot....nope, it's just a few hours late! And, just in time for prime time! Again, all shows are in Central Standard Time (CST).

I just love this time of year! I enjoying watching Christmas movies with my popcorn tin, snuggled up with a blanket, and having no lights on, but the Christmas tree. Ahhh....'tis the life.....for a wonderful season!

Red - I recommend it
Green - I haven't seen it

Friday, December 10th
7 pm - The Santa Clause (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
7 pm - Minute to Win it (Holiday Episode) (Series) (NBC)
7 pm - Fred Claus (TBS)
7 pm - A Christmas Carol (1938) (TCM)
8:30 - Scrooge (1970) (TCM)
9 pm - The Santa Clause 2 (ABC FAM)
9 pm - Mr. St. Nick (HALMRK)
9:30 pm - Fred Claus (TBS)
11 pm - Silver Bells (HALMRK)

Saturday, December 11th
8 am - Snow (ABC FAM)
9 am - The Polar Express (DISXD)
9 am - The Christmas Card (HALMRK)
10 am - Snow 2: Brain Freeze (ABC FAM)
11 am - Silver Bells (HALMRK)
12 pm - Unaccompanied Minors (ABC FAM)
1 pm - Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
2 pm - Jack Frost (ABC FAM)
3 pm - The Three Gifts (HALMRK)
4 pm - The Santa Clause (ABC FAM)
5 pm - The Ultimate Gift (HALMRK)
6 pm - The Santa Clause 2 (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Frosty the Snowman (CBS)
7 pm - It's a Wonderful Life (NBC)
7 pm - White Christmas (1954) (AMC)
7 pm - An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm - Fred Claus (TBS)
7:30 pm - Frosty Returns (CBS)
8 pm - The Flight Before Christmas (CBS)
8 pm - The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABC FAM)
9 pm - An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)
9:45 pm - White Christmas (1954) (AMC)
10 pm - Jack Frost (ABC FAM)
10:15 pm - Larry the Cable Guy's Star-Studded Christmas Extravaganza (CMT)
11 pm - An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)

Sunday, December 12th
7 am - Once Upon a Christmas (ABC FAM)
9 am - Twice Upon a Christmas (ABC FAM)
9 am - Karroll's Christmas (HALMRK)
11 am - The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABC FAM)
11 am - Call Me Claus (HALMRK)
1 pm - Santa Baby (ABC FAM)
1 pm - The Santa Suit (HALMRK)
3 pm - Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe (ABC FAM)
3 pm - Christmas in Canaan (HALMRK)
3:30 pm - Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
5 pm - Holiday in Handcuffs (ABC FAM)
5 pm - Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
7 pm - Christmas Cupid (ABC FAM)
7 pm - White Christmas (1954) (AMC)
7 pm - An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm - Fred Claus (TBS)
9 pm - Christmas Cupid (ABC FAM)
9 pm - Karroll's Christmas (HALMRK)
9:30 pm - Fred Claus (TBS)
9:45 pm - White Christmas (1954) (AMC)
11 pm - Call Me Claus (HALMRK)

Monday, December 13th
5 pm - Flintstone Christmas (ABC FAM)
5 pm - Silver Bells (HALMRK)
6 pm - Christmas Cupid (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
8 pm - Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You (ABC)
8 pm - Christmas in Handcuffs (ABC FAM)
8:30 pm - Mike & Molly: First Christmas (Series) (CBS)
8:40 pm - Santa Jr. (HALMRK)
9:30 pm - Prancer (AMC)

Tuesday, December 14th
5 pm- The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
6 pm - The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (ABC FAM)
7 pm - I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (ABC)
7 pm - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Scrooged (AMC)
7 pm - Three Wise Women (HALMRK)
9 pm - Three Wise Women (HALMRK)
9:30 pm - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (ABC FAM)

Wednesday, December 15th
5 pm - Eloise at Christmastime (HALMRK)
6 pm - Elf (USA)
7 pm - A Smoky Mountain Christmas (CMT)
7 pm - Deck the Halls (FX)
7 pm - The Santa Incident (HALMRK)
9 pm - Deck the Halls (FX)
9 pm - Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle (HALMRK)
9:50 pm - The Night Before Christmas (ABC FAM)

Thursday, December 16th
5 pm - Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle (HALMRK)
6:30 pm - Fred Claus (TBS)
7 pm - Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC)
7 pm - White Christmas (AMC)
7 pm - Gift of the Magi (HALMRK)
7:20 pm - Pluto's Christmas Tree (AMC FAM)
9 pm - White Christmas (AMC)
9 pm - Gift of the Magi (HALMRK)

Friday, December 17th
4 pm - The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (DISXD)
5 pm - Christmas in Canaan (HALMRK)
7 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)
7 pm - An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)
7:30 pm - Frosty the Snowman (CBS)
8 pm - Frosty Returns (CBS)
8 pm - Elf (USA)
9 pm - All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
9:15 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)
9:30 pm - Mickey's Christmas Special (ABC FAM)

Saturday, December 18th
7 am - Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (ABC FAM)
7 am - Call Me Claus (HALMRK)
7:30 am - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABC FAM)
8 am - Pinocchio's Christmas (ABC FAM)
9 am - Jack Frost (ABC FAM)
9 am - The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (DISXD)
9:15 am - Christmas in Connecticut (1945) (AMC)
10 am - Frosty's Winter Wonderland (ABC FAM)
10:30 am - Cranberry Christmas (ABC FAM)
11 am - Rudolph & Frosty: Christmas in July (ABC FAM)
11 am - The Nightmare Before Christmas (DISXD)
11:55 am - This Christmas (TBS)
1 pm - Rudolph's Shiny New Christmas (ABC FAM)
1 pm - 'Twas the Night (DISXD)
1 pm - An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)
2 pm - Year Without a Santa Claus (ABC FAM)
3 pm - Miser Brothers' Christmas (ABC FAM)
3 pm - Call me Claus (HALRMK)
4 pm - A Christmas Story (TNT)
4 pm - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (ABC FAM)
5 pm - Elf (USA)
5:30 pm - Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
6:30 pm - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (CARTOON)
7 pm - I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (ABC)
7 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)
7 pm - Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
9 pm - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (ABC FAM)
9:15 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)
11 pm - Deck the Halls (FX)

Sunday, December 19th
6:30 am - Richie Rich's Christmas Wish (ABC FAM)
8:30 am - A Dennis the Menace Christmas (ABC FAM)
9 am - The Night They Saved Christmas (HALMRK)
10:30 am - Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABC FAM)
10:30 am - Fred Claus (TBS)
11 am - The Santa Incident (HALMRK)
11 am - Scrooge (TCM)
11:45 am - Santa Claus (1985) (AMC)
1 pm - Home Alone 4 (ABC FAM)
1 pm - Christmas with the Kranks (FX)
3 pm - The Year Without a Santa Claus (ABC FAM)
3 pm - Deck the Halls (FX)
3 pm - Our First Christmas (HALRMK)
4:30 pm - Prancer (AMC)
5 pm - Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
6 pm - The Santa Clause 2 (ABC)
6:50 pm - Operation Secret Santa (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)
7 pm - Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
8 pm - The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABC)
9 pm - Our First Christmas (HALMRK)
9:15 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)

Monday, December 20th
5:30 pm - Winnie Pooh and Christmas Too (ABC FAM)
6 pm - Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation (ABC FAM)
6 pm - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (CARTOON)
6:30 pm - Disney Prep & Landing (ABC FAM)
6:30 pm - The Ultimate Gift (HALMRK)
7 pm - Santa Buddies (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)
9 pm - Santa Buddies (ABC FAM)
9 pm - The Family Stone (FX)
9 pm - Karroll's Christmas (HALMRK)
9:15 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)

Tuesday, December 21st
5 pm - A Season for Miracles (HALMRK)
5:30 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1994) (ABC FAM)
6 pm - Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation (DISXD)
7 pm - Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (DISNEY)
7 pm - Christmas with the Kranks (FX)
7 pm - The Christmas Choir (HALMRK)
8 pm - The Polar Express (ABC FAM)
8 pm - A Christmas Carol (1999) (TNT)
8 pm - Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas (NBC)
9 pm - Deck the Halls (FX)
9 pm - A Grandpa for Christmas (HALMRK)

Wednesday, December 22nd
5 pm - Santa Buddies (ABC FAM)
5 pm - Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
7 pm - A Home for the Holidays (CBS)
7 pm - The Santa Clause (ABC FAM)
7 pm - The Polar Express (DISNEY)
8:30 pm - CMA Country Christmas (ABC)
9 pm - The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABC FAM)
9 pm - The Town Christmas Forgot (HALRMK)

Thursday, December 23rd
12:50 pm - Night Before Christmas (ABC FAM)
1 pm - Snow Day (FX)
3 pm - Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
3:20 pm - Pluto's Christmas Tree (ABC FAM)
3:30 pm - The Polar Express (ABC FAM)
4 pm - The Ultimate Christmas Present (DISXD)
5 pm - Call Me Claus (HALMRK)
5:30 pm - The Santa Clause (ABC FAM)
7 pm - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (ABC)
7 pm - Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (DISNEY)
7 pm - Three Wise Women (HALMRK)
7:30 pm - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (ABC)
7:30 pm - Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABC FAM)
9 pm - Prancer (AMC)
9 pm - Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
9 pm - The Night Before the Night Before Christmas (HALMRK)

Friday, December 24th - Christmas Eve! :)
8 am - Cranberry Christmas (ABC FAM)
9 am - Miracle on 24th Street (1947) (AMC)
9 am - Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
10 am - Flintstone Christmas (ABC FAM)
10 am - Olive, the Other Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am - Pinocchio's Christmas (ABC FAM)
11 am - Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
11:15 am - A White Christmas (1954) (AMC)
12 pm - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABC FAM)
12:30 pm - Rudolph and Frosty: Christmas in July (ABC FAM)
1 pm - Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
2 pm - Martha and the Christmas Tree (HALMRK)
2:30 pm - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (ABC FAM)
3 pm - Billy and Mandy Save Christmas (Series) (CARTOON)
3 pm - Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
4 pm - Mickey's Christmas Special (ABC FAM)
4:30 pm - Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (ABC FAM)
5 pm - Jack Frost (ABC FAM)
5 pm - Scrooge (TCM)
6 pm - Frosty's Winter Wonderland (ABC FAM)
6:30 pm - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (ABC FAM)
7 pm - Disney Prep & Landing (ABC)
7 pm - It's a Wonderful Life (NBC)
7 pm - Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (AMC)
7 pm - Tom and Jerry: Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
7 pm - Santa Buddies (DISNEY)
7 pm - Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
7 pm - A Christmas Story (MARATHON BEGINS) (TBS)
7:30 pm - Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation (ABC)
7:30 pm - The Ultimate Christmas Gift (DISXD)
8 pm - The Santa Clause 2 (ABC)
8 pm - Year Without a Santa Claus (ABC FAM)
9 pm - A Christmas Story (TBS)
9 pm - Rudolph's Shiny New Year (ABC FAM)
9 pm - Eloise at Christmastime (HALRMK)
9:30 pm - This Christmas (TNT)
11 pm - A Christmas Story (TBS)

Saturday, December 25th - Christmas Day! :D
All Day (until 7 pm) - A Christmas Story Marathon (TBS)

I have seen 'Fred Claus' and it wasn't that bad; but, it's slow moving - be warned. :) There is a very touching 'Silent Night' montage though. :D

I highly recommend any Rankin and Bass shows, It's a Wonderful Life, The Santa Clause Trilogy, A Christmas Story, Elf, Holiday in Handcuffs, both the cartoon and movie Grinch and Prep & Landing. There are a lot more; but, those are the ones off the top of my head. Enjoy!