Throwback Thursday: Christmas Playlist

Let's explore some of my favorites from the 1960's, '70's and '80's

Honorable Mention! Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry; 1958

1960's

The Christmas Song - Nat “King” Cole; 1960

If your Christmas film has this song on the playlist, it's probably worth watching!

Gee Wiz, It’s Christmas - Carla Thomas; 1963

I always wanted to do a Christmas talent show just so I could lip sync this song! I wanted a gaudy sequin holiday dress with a dramatic red lip and I was gon let the gworls have it! I mean...lowkey this could still happen somebody set it up!

Winter Wonderland - Aretha Franklin; 1964

Sleigh Bells Ring... Are you listenin?? Are y'all listening because those first few lines had me hooked!

What Christmas Means to Me - Stevie Wonder; 1967

Classic. This is a song that should instantly put you into the holiday spirit.

Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto - James Brown; 1968

I mean, technically, James Brown was the first to "put on for his city" 🤷‍♀️ Aye, Santa don't worry about me - I'm straight, but my soul brothers and sisters in the ghetto may need a bit of help. I ain't mad at it!

1970's

Silent Night - The Temptations; 1970

Do I even have to say anything about this song?

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Jackson 5; 1970

Idk if it’s the adlibs or what, but they did their Big One on this track lol

Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano - 1970

& I'm going to sing the chorus loud and proud every time too!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Jackson 5; 1970

Michael sung this song so hard 😂 If you need the people to know that Santa is coming, please play this track at the highest volume possible!

Jingle Bells - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Smokey Robinson did not have to slide on this song like he did. Now this song for sure would make the children upset, because it's not the traiditional version, but adults at a laid back Christmas shindig would enjoy it.

1980's

Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” (’80)

This song always gave 'department store vibes' - and I'm not mad about it.

Christmas in Hollis - Run-DMC; 1987

So this isn't a regularly played Christmas song in my house, however, I'm definitely giving it credit for being a classic.

The Edwin Hawkins Christmas Album; 1985

Yes. The whole album.

Last Christmas - Wham; 1984

Again, 'deparment story vibes' - and I'm pleased about it.

Do You Hear What I Hear- Whitney Houston; 1987

If Whitney Houston isn't making an appearance on any of your Christmas playlist - You're in last place. Correct it, immediately.

Now you know I couldn't leave y'all hangin on the playlist. Click the link below to grab this playlist on Apple music.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/blogmas24/pl.u-55D6X11U6b81jN

Until Next Time...

...Creatively Dream!

Celebrate National Cookie Day with Fun Activities!

Start the festive season by celebrating National Cookie Day! Whether you're passionate about baking or just enjoy a delicious cookie, this day is ideal for indulging. I don't know much about baking (Sorry, Grandmama!), but here’s your guide to enjoying National Cookie Day with fun activities and gift ideas involving cookies.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/christmas-cookies-and-decorations-in-close-up-view-5618031/

Cookie Activities

Cookie Decorating Party: Host a virtual or in-person cookie decorating gathering. It's a family tradition of ours to decorate sugar cookies for Christmas each year. Now that I have my nieces to help me place icing on cookies, it's something I look forward to now than ever. On an adult level, I can see the vibes for a girl's night in to watch Hallmark movies, sip on an adult beverages and decorate cookies. This is definitely a fun way to engage with friends and family while showcasing everyone’s creativity.

Cookie Exchange: Organize a cookie swap among friends and discover new favorites while sharing your own creations. Again, not a baker, but I can folow decorations really well. This is not exactly my type of fun because I'd have anxiety over whether or not my cookies compare to others. However, I have a in-house cookie monster that will definitely let me know if my cookies are worth something before exchanging them with others. (S/O to my husband).

Photo by Laura James from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/homemade-festive-cookies-in-box-on-table-6102150/

Creative Gift Ideas

Cookie Jars and Mixes: Share how to create homemade cookie mix jars as thoughtful gifts. Layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar, attach a recipe card, and add festive ribbons. I've seen this idea multiple times for several different occasions. Although its not my cup of tea, (again sorry, Grandmama), I do think it's a great idea for the bakers in the world.

Personalized Cookie Tins: Decorate tins and fill them with assorted cookies for a heartfelt, DIY gift. I've been racking my brain to see what I can gift to our neighbors this year for the holiday season, and I think this personalized cookie tin may be our best bet. However, I'm unsure how personalized I can get seeing that I really don't know my neighbors as I should. My husband and I just celebrated one year being in our home so we're stil fairly new to the neighborhood!

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clear-glass-jar-with-white-liquid-inside-5618041/

However you celebrate todoy, I hope the cookies are well made and satisfactory to your taste buds and belly! 😋

Until next time...

...Creatively Dream!

Reindeer Napkin Holders

Idea Originator: Emma Villaneda - IG Handle: @thecraftedstudioco

Craft Skill Level: Easy

Store(s): Dollar Tree

Materials:

• (2) Buffalo Plaid Reindeer Tabletop Christmas Decorations, 8 in.

• (1) Crafter's Square Art Brushes, 5-ct. Packs

• (1) Rich Art Acryology Premium Acrylic Paint, 6 fl oz. Black

• Hot Glue Gun

• Small Ribbon/Bow (Optional)

Instructions:

This was a pretty simple DIY project - so simple - that I don't see the point of drawing out this blog post by giving you a basic step by step tutorial of how to make it. 🤷‍♀️

Simply, head to your nearest Dollar Tree, grab the materials on the list, paint the reindeer, and glue those bad boys together!

The most challenging part of this project was painting the hooves while steering clear of the base. However, you will learn, that I'm extremely clumsy so the base was definitely grazed! I'll update you guys later on whether or not a solution was found to get the excess paint off the base.

After letting the paint dry, hot glue the two deer together, and add napkins. "Viola!...Magic." I didn't have any spare ribbon to add to the deer's neckline at the moment. However, I'm very sure once I unpack the gazillion Christmas tubs in my garage, I'll be sure to find a bow or two to top off the final look of this crafting project.

This holder will be a great addition to the holiday food table this year. I'll be sure to update you soon with a final setup look!

Until next time...

...Creatively Dream!