It seems like just yesterday, I was turning on the news each morning and watching as the stock market was facing another “bad” day. If you don’t remember the fourth quarter of last year – then let’s keep it that way!
December has been coined with the phrase “the Santa Claus Rally” which refers to Santa Claus Rally refers to the tendency for the sock market to rally in the weeks of December into the New Year. There are several theories for this including increased holiday shopping, optimism fueled by the holiday spirit among others.
Last year Santa delivered coals but this year it seems good ‘Ole Saint Nick is prepared to fully redeem himself and deliver all the goodies, so in lieu of a market synopsis (B.O.R.I.N.G.) let’s enjoy the fruits of 2019 and prepare for this holiday season!
My Top 3 Christmas Movies – what are yours?
- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” – whose heart doesn’t grow 3 sizes when watching Cindy Loo?
- “Christmas with the Kranks” – what is not to love about watching Tim Allen in action trying to rush and put Christmas together…. reminds you of Tim Taylor on Home Improvement!
- “Home Alone” – will always be a classic from my childhood! If you haven’t seen it with the Nashville sympathy, you are missing out!
Top 3 Christmas Albums – what are yours?
- Home For Christmas by Amy Grant – I have such wonderful memories of my dad playing this yes cassette tape while we decorated my childhood home for Christmas and somehow my parents tolerated us stringing popcorn for the tree.
- Christmas Deluxe by Pentatonix – this is a newer addition to my list but this acapella group is outstanding and their rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ is one of the best I have heard!
- Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey – her vocals are unbeatable as she includes some classic carols and some new ones!
Top 3 Christmas Activities – what are yours?
- Cutting down my own tree – well let’s be honest, Scott cuts it down but I give him verbal encouragement. My parents took us every year to pick out a tree (our dogs included) so its something I look forward to doing every year. I love having a fresh tree in my house!
- Christmas Lights – a must every year, the pups get to ride along (dressed as Mr. & Mrs. Claus of course) and we drink hot chocolate
- Baking Sugar Cookies – my mom is a fabulous cook and baker so baking cookies reminds me of the fun crafts and activities she always had planned for us as children
As we approach the holidays, it’s a great time of to reflect on the past year and to sit in a place of gratitude as well as plan with a great expectation of what may lie ahead in 2020. As the years past and life changes, it can bring the expected but also the unexpected so I hope you can find the time to have a little quiet, a little relaxation, and a time to reflect on a memory you shared with someone special.
And I would love to hear about your favorite things during the holiday season!
Wishing you joy,
Maleah
