Tag Archives: holidays

10 Christmas Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Your Holiday Sweet Tooth

‘Tis the season to pig out, fa la la la la la la la la! Those are the lyrics, right?… I know that the best part of the holidays is supposed to be the joy of giving or whatever, but if you ask me — which I know you didn’t, but I’m going to tell you anyway — the best part is parking your rump at the dessert table and helping yourself to another slice of pie. If you like to indulge as much as I do, and you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, here are 10 Christmas dessert recipes that are sure to spread the holiday cheer.

10 Christmas Dessert Recipes Perfect for the Holiday Season

1. Red Velvet Cake Balls

 

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Red Velvet Cake Balls! Such a fun and festive holiday treat. 🎅🏻🎄

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Want something that’s easy to prepare but insanely delicious? Try these red velvet cake balls from Bakerella. You only need a handful of ingredients: red velvet cake mix, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate to melt and dip them in. Make huge batches, put them in festive tins, and hand them out to all your friends. Or, you know, eat them all yourself.

2. Hot Cocoa Cheesecake

If you love nothing more than a steaming cup of hot cocoa, this hot cocoa cheesecake from My Baking Addiction is right up your alley. You’ll savor every bite, from the Oreo cookie crust to the mini marshmallows added on top.

3. Reindeer Chow

 

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❤️💚 Reindeer Chow is the ultimate holiday snack mix – Chex cereal, Cheerios, peanuts, pretzels, and red & green M&Ms, all coated in white chocolate. This is an easy recipe that makes a TON, so it’s perfect for taking to all of your holiday events – it’s always a HUGE hit! 🎅⠀ .⠀ #browneyedbaker #f52grams #buzzfeast #yahoofood #eeeeeats #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #bhgfood #marthafood #thekitchn #bareaders #huffposttaste #todayfood #foodblogfeed #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeedtasty #recipe #instayum #eatingfortheinsta #bonappetit #onthetable #foodblogeats #mywilliamssonoma #tastingtable #foodgawker #realsimple #sotasty #f52oven #recipevideo #snacks #christmasiscoming

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Browneyed Baker’s Reindeer Chow is the answer to all of life’s problems. This is yet another simple recipe that is outrageously taste bud-tingling. Mix together Chex, Cheerios, peanuts, pretzels, and M&Ms, and coat it all in white chocolate, and you’ve got a holiday dessert fit for royalty. Christmas dessert recipes don’t have to be complicated to be indulgent.

4. Christmas Chestnut Yule Log Cake

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to really go above and beyond with your Christmas dessert recipes, try the Christmas Chestnut Yule log by Hummingbird High. It’s the perfect table centerpiece, and just wait until you sink your teeth into it. I’d also like to add that it photographs well for Instagram. Priorities!

5. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

 

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These look a bit like ugly Christmas sweaters, no? That was the intent with these✨Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars✨ But also: does Santa deserve cookies, or could he get by with bars? Could we smoosh sugar cookie dough into a pan, and slice it into cookie shapes? I’m not mad at Santa or anything, I’m just a *little* exhausted doing his job, you know what I mean? 🎅🏽 Recipe link in profile; also, if you make no other recipe from my site this year, make these sugar cookie bars with cream cheese frosting in an 8×8” pan, k? K. #feedfeed #imsomartha #foodandwine #mywilliamssonoma #fwx #f52grams #abmfoodie #buzzfeast #kitchn #thekitchn #bareaders #beautifulcuisines #gloobyfood #tastingtable #heresmyfood #buzzfeedtasty #christmascookies #christmasbaking #sugarcookies #mms

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These sugar cookie bars from Dessert for Two will give you life. The cream cheese frosting will make you weep. They’re also the perfect addition to your cookie decorating party.

6. Grinch Brownies

The peppermint extract and mint Oreo cookies really give these Grinch brownies from Cookies and Cups a nice kick. Fair warning: this will disappear from the dessert table fast.

7. Gingerbread Cookies

 

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GINGER CUTIES!!!!! 🎄 My favorite gingerbread cookie recipe is up on the blog. Clean edges, tons of spice flavor, easy to decorate with a simple glaze icing. Link in bio @sallysbakeblog PS: I have something as big as a house coming on Monday. Any guesses?! 😉😁😜 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gingerbreadmen #gingerbread #gingerbreadcookies #homemadegingerbread #cutoutcookies #cookiedecorating #christmasclassic #cookies #cookiegram #thekitchn #tistheseason #holidaybaking #christmascookies #christmasbaking #homemade #fromscratch #bakedwithlove #thebakefeed #linkinbio #sallysbakingaddiction #sallyscookiepalooza ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-gingerbread-cookies/

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You can never go wrong with traditional gingerbread cookies. Sally’s Baking Addiction has the ultimate recipe. Molasses and spices give them their iconic flavor, and the end result is irresistibly adorable.

8. Peppermint Chocolate Donuts

 

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I love gluten, but if it doesn’t agree with you so much, you’ll love these gluten-free, grain-free peppermint chocolate donuts from Broma Bakery. They’re topped with dark chocolate ganache and crushed peppermint candies, and the holidays have never tasted this good.

9. Christmas Velvet Layer Cake

 

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Layers of red velvet and green velvet cake spread with a dreamy peppermint whipped cream frosting. Get the recipe PLUS special tips for not overestimating your cake-layering abilities and making a cake that is too tall and topples over. If you caught my stories yesterday, YOU KNOW 😉😅. Tap the link in my bio!⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ https://www.somethingswanky.com/christmas-velvet-layer-cake-with-peppermint-whipped-cream-frosting/ #cakestagram #instafood #santaclaus #foodie #christmascheer #christmaslights #love #christmasdessert #cakedesign #cooking #bakery #xmascake #foodstagram #gingerbread #buttercream #fruitcake #christmaslove #cakeart #tasty #foodphotography #santa #foodblogger #presents #christmaspreparations #winter #adventcalendar #holidaybaking #tallcakes

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Layers of red velvet and green velvet cake are spread with a dreamy peppermint whipped cream frosting. How many layers is too many? Trick question! There’s no such thing as too many. You can find the recipe over at Something Swanky.

10. Almond Shortbread

It’s fruity. It’s sweet. So soft and smooth. This almond shortbread with raspberry white chocolate frosting from Dessert First is the perfect holiday baking project.

7 Guilt-Free Healthy Holiday Recipes

With the new year on the horizon, many of us are establishing resolutions for healthier routines. Especially if your diet isn’t flexible, the holiday season ushers in a new set of challenges and temptations. It can be as difficult to find healthy winter recipes as it is to get to the gym three times a week. These healthy twists on holiday recipes include new and sometimes unorthodox ingredients to keep you on track without sacrificing quality and taste.

Baked Eggplant Ricotta

Serves: 2-3

Time: 1 hour

eggplantr

What you’ll need:

1 large eggplant

3/4 cup cornflake crumbs or panko

1/2 cup egg white

2 large tomatoes

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese

How it’s done:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Slice eggplant into thin circles and set aside.

Pour egg whites and corn flakes into two separate bowls.

Dip eggplant in egg whites and coat with crumb mixture.

Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet.

Brush oil on both sides.

Roast until eggplant is golden, flipping every 20 minutes.

Toss the tomatoes with the remaining olive oil and vinegar in a bowl.

Spoon ricotta onto each slice. Top with tomato.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Serves: 5-10

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

peppermint bark holiday recipes

What you’ll need:

10 ounces dark chocolate

1/2 cup peppermint candy

How it’s done:

Line small baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt dark chocolate using stovetop or microwave, until creamy.

Pour mixture on parchment paper and spread chocolate until 1/2 inches thick.

Put peppermints of your choice into ziplock bag and crush.

Sprinkle on top of melted chocolate.

Let chocolate harden in the refrigerator for 2 hours, then break into small pieces and enjoy.

Swiss Chard Spaghetti

Serves: 3-5

Time: 15-20 minutes

swisschard

What you’ll need:

1 head fresh garlic

2 pounds green Swiss chard

1 pound whole wheat spaghetti

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, cut

1 cup fat-free feta cheese

1/2 teaspoon olive oil

 

How it’s done:

Cook garlic on the stovetop with a small amount of olive oil about 5 minutes.

Stir in chard stems and leaves, and cook until tender.

Cook spaghetti in boiling water until soft.

Toss spaghetti with chard, olives, and garlic.

Serve sprinkled with feta cheese.

Baked Latkes

Serves: 2-4

Time: 1 hour

latke

What you’ll need:

1/2 cup egg white

3 medium potatoes

1 medium onion

1/2 cup oat flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon coconut oil

 

How it’s done:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray baking sheets with light oil.

Grate potatoes using grater or food processor and rid of excess liquid using paper towel or dishcloth.

Grate onions and add to potato mixture with oats, flour, oil, and egg whites.

Mold 1/5 cup into rounds.

Place in baking sheet and flatten. Repeat with rest of bowl.

Place in the oven to bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and flip. Bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Serve warm with applesauce for extra flavor. 

Healthier Challah

Serves: 7-10

Time: About 3 hours

challah bread holiday recipes

What you’ll need:

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup raw honey

3 cups white spelt flour

4 organic eggs

1/4 cup grapeseed oil


How it’s done:

Add a cup of hot water to electric mixer and add honey and yeast.

Pour flour into a small bowl.

In a second bowl, mix two eggs and oil together.

When yeast has risen, stir in egg mixture.

Turn mixer on low and add mix in all ingredients.

Once dough has formed a ball shape, turn speed up and allow mixture to knead for a few minutes.

Remove dough from the bowl, lightly spray bowl with cooking spray and return the dough ball to the bowl.

Cover bowl and set aside in a warm spot for two hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and split dough into two sections, then split each section into threes.

Roll each third into a tube-like shape. Lay side-by-side, pinch tops together and begin braiding.

Pinch bottom ends together. Transfer the two loaves to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to sit for 30 minutes.

Mix two eggs with two tablespoons water for egg wash.

Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash and bake loaves for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and brush again.

Bake for another 10 minutes and serve warm.

Warm Spinach Salad

Serves: 5-10

Time: 20 minutes

warmspinach

What you’ll need:

10 cups spinach

2 cups white mushrooms

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoon cider vinegar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

 

How it’s done:

Combine spinach, mushrooms, and almonds in a large serving bowl and set aside.

Heat oil in small frying pan and add garlic with light black pepper.

Cook until garlic is browned and add vinegar.

Pour red wine vinegar over salad and toss.

Peppermint Parfait

Serves: 8

Time: 15 mins

peppermint parfait holiday recipes

What you’ll need:

1 quart fat-free vanilla yogurt

1/4 cup dark chocolate candies

Light reddi-wip

2 drops peppermint extract

1/4 cup finely crushed peppermints

How it’s done:

Scoop yogurt into medium mixing bowl and combine peppermint, extract, and dark chocolate.

Top with whipped cream, peppermints, and fruit of your choice.

You can add a few drops of red food coloring for aesthetic if preferred.

The Dos and Don’ts of Meeting Your Boyfriend’s Family

If we had to rank meeting your significant other’s family in a list of nerve-wracking relationship moments, we would definitely put it at the top of the list, right along with the first time you  make a joke that just isn’t funny. Don’t let it make you nervous, but this moment is vital and sets the tone for the rest of your encounters with the family. A lot rides on this event, but you can nail it with a bit of help from the experts!

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Don’t Drink Too Much

While it’s perfectly fine to indulge in a glass of wine if offered, it’s not okay to get drunk at his family’s house. Although you may feel more comfortable, you’ll more than likely make a fool out of yourself and say something you didn’t mean to let slip. Keep in mind, post-drunken-comment anxiety will plague your life for many days after the encounter and will be remembered by the family for years to come. A little giggly tipsy is fine, but sloppy drunk is never okay. Just think about Sarah Jessica Parker in The Family Stone. Drinking definitely didn’t enhance her conversational ability. Plus, if you partake in drinking too much, they might think you’re a lush.

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Don’t Let Them See You Sweat

Remember the film Meet the Parents? Gaylord’s fiance’s family noticed the nervousness and preyed on his weakness, making the situation even worse. Plus, his nervousness led to a series of accidents. Do you really want to be known as the woman who loses the family pet or floods the yard with sewage, or would you rather be known as the confident lady who made a lasting positive impression?

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Prospective in-laws have a sixth sense like a dog; they can smell fear. You need to walk in, smile, and swallow every bit of nervousness, so they won’t notice. Act like Dorothy on Golden Girls. She’s a confident woman who, despite her husband’s mother treating her poorly, acted with grace, dignity, and confidence.

Do Laugh

If you should happen to do something clumsy, make a joke and move on. Don’t let it get you down. Nothing is perfect, and you can’t expect something this significant to run 100-percent smoothly. It wouldn’t be a significant event if something didn’t go unexpectedly. And don’t just laugh at yourself, make jokes and show them you have personality, and you’re a down-to-earth person. You don’t want them all talking about the uptight “B” who their son brought home for the holidays.

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Do Have Manners

Always mind your manners by saying please and thank you. You don’t have to eat what you absolutely don’t like, but do accept generosity when it’s something you’d be willing to try. The family ideally wants to be hospitable and wants you to enjoy yourself.. Never take too much, though. You don’t want to be remembered as the heifer of the holidays.

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Don’t Assume the Worst

Most people dread meeting the family and having to spend holidays with their mate’s parents but don’t assume the worst and worry. Every family is different. You might be lucky enough to be welcomed by a sweet, open-minded family who’s looking forward to meeting who their child has chosen. If you lose at Russian In-law Roulette and you have a cold, emotionless shrew of a mother like the one Penny had to meet on the Big Bang Theory, you just have to swallow your pride and deal with the unpleasantry and hope it doesn’t last long.

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Do Observe and Research

It helps to observe and take cues from other family members–as well as your SO–and act accordingly. While it’s important to be yourself, you want to fit into the dynamic. Respect their wishes on nearly all matters. Go with the flow with as much as possible because it will make your time–we don’t want to go as far as to say enjoyable, but we will say–easier.

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Don’t Hesitate to Ask if You’re Unsure

Ask how they would like to be addressed. Don’t walk in calling them Joe and Amy or automatically assume they want to be called Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Wait for cues, and if none occur and you’re unsure of something, just ask. Asking shows you have respect and will lead to a better overall experience. It doesn’t hurt to ask your special someone questions about their family before meeting them, so you know what to expect and what’s expected of you..

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The Best Places in the US to See Holiday Lights

The nostalgic holiday season is in full swing, welcoming chunky scarves, peppermint mochas, gift-giving anxieties, and an endless loop of agonizingly cheerful Christmas songs on every radio station. Whether your tree has been up since November, or you’re already looking forward to spring weather, a silver lining of the season for anyone should be the dazzling light displays in cities throughout the country. You don’t have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy these charming exhibits, a labor of love extended to visitors who sometimes travel hundreds of miles to revel in their glow. Nearly every major U.S. city has its own cultural take on holiday decorations, from New Orleans’ Cajun-inspired decor to Alaska’s North Pole celebration. If you’re looking for a little something extra to put you in the spirit this year, consider checking out these famously well-received light shows.

ZooLights

Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, D.C.


There’s no better place to celebrate the holiday season than in our nation’s bustling capital. This free event, located in the heart of the National Zoo, features more than 500,000 colorful and environmentally friendly LED lights. The long-running demonstration takes place through the new year and includes live music, warm winter food, and holiday shopping opportunities. Check out the zoo’s European artisan market in mid-December, offering handmade clothing, jewelry, home accessories, and art.

Blossoms of Light

Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Colorado

Happy #Hanukkah. 📸: @the_starving_vegan

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This affordable annual event is a longtime tradition in Denver, attracting families from all over the country. Featuring an interactive light display built with sound-reactive, animated LED lights that are sure to warm the psyche, organizers of the Blossom of Lights festival have something for all ages, including holiday foods, drinks, and souvenirs. Roughly an hour from Denver are an array of world-famous ski-resorts, making northern Colorado your premier holiday destination this, and every, year.

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Considered the largest Christmas store in Michigan since 1945, this warehouse-style Christmas mecca is your one-stop-shop for everything holiday related. Featuring ornaments for all professionals, animal-lovers, and quirky relatives, it’s easy to lose an entire day in Bronner’s. After you’re done shopping, you’re treated to a drive-thru display of thousands of lights and decorations. The larger city of Frankenmuth is a classic Bavarian vacation destination, starring traditional lodging and German architecture. Don’t leave before grabbing a slice of the city’s aperitive chocolate fudge.

Glittering Lights

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada

On display for more than 20 years, Las Vegas’ Glittering Lights is Nevada’s largest drive-thru light show, offering millions of brilliant lights packed into a two-and-a-half-mile course. Ranked one of the country’s best holiday spectacle by a number of travel and news organizations, Glittering Lights is just another reason to cheat the winter chill in Las Vegas this season.

Enchanted: Forest of Lights

Los Angeles, California

This mile-long walking tour includes interactive light displays you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in southern California, or beyond. Located in the heart of the beloved Descanso Gardens, an internationally-renowned collection of rare and seasonal horticulture, this festival is a holiday staple for both tourists and locals.

Celebration in the Oaks

New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans’ City Park is celebrating its 31st year hosting the Celebration in the Oaks, a cultural anomaly among Christmas light shows. Each of the park’s lush oaks are blanketed in hundreds of thousands of impressive light displays, covering more than 25 acres of the park, including its botanical garden and amusement park. Many of the displays feature a Cajun twist, with bayou-inspired Night Before Christmas renditions and crocodile arrangements.

How to Get Through Cuffing Season When You’re Single

As the holidays loom slowly over our heads, there are tell-tale signs of winter wherever you look. The leaves have browned and fallen, the daylight is scarce, the bitter wind chills our every move, and there are couples all around us. Wait. Let’s just rewind to that last one for a minute. As it happens, there’s a very good reason that all your friends are coupling up right now; this, my friends, is the beginning of “cuffing season.”

If you’ve yet to hear the term, you’re sure to have noticed its symptoms. Thanks to Urban Dictionary, there is now a somewhat official definition for this pop culture phenomenon circulating: “During the fall and winter months people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves, along with the rest of the world, desiring to be ‘cuffed,’ or tied down by a serious relationship. The cold weather and prolonged indoor activity cause singles to become lonely and desperate to be cuffed.”

That’s all very well and good, but what if you’re not ready to jump into a pseudo-serious relationship simply because you feel a little chilly? Can a singleton really get through cuffing season without finding herself shackled to the nearest person with hot blood running through their veins? Here are some little tricks to help you survive the season.

Appreciate Your Girlfriends

how to get through cuffing season

The reason that many women cuff themselves to someone during the cold months is that they have a desperate need for companionship. Spoiler: You don’t need a romantic partner to be your social support; you likely have it. If you’re lucky enough to have a close-knit group of ladies around you, cuff yourself to them rather than some random romantic partner.

While finding new love may alienate your closest pals, choosing to love them shows you’re in it for the long haul. Take this opportunity to strengthen your social relationships. Plan girly nights in complete with Netflix, popcorn, and vino, and please, leave all thoughts of romance at the door.

Look After Your Mental Health

You really need to take care of your mental health this season, and it may just stop you from cuffing before you’re ready. Four out of five people suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in the US are women, according to Mental Health America. What that means is that us ladies are more likely to come down with a case of the winter blues than our male counterparts. When you’re feeling low, you’re more likely to search for that miracle cure and, in this case, a relationship. Tying yourself down in a relationship is not the answer — not by a long way.

Instead, you need to take care of yourself rather than expecting someone else to do so. Looking after your own state of mental health means recognizing when you need a little help. It’s okay to reach out to your loved ones and admit that all is not well. After all, there’s a wealth of support, advice, and care out there. All you have to do is ask.

Prep Your Family Dinner Chat

Nothing says Christmas quite like sitting down with your loved ones and being given the third-degree about your poor life choices. For a single lady, this experience is particularly tiresome; there seems to be no end to the “when will you settle down?” line of questioning. If you’re going to handle this whole thing without breaking down into a soggy mess of tears, snot, and panic attacks, you need a game plan.

Change the conversation. If you have a bunch of exciting things to tell your folks about your career and social life, they will soon forget that you’re not in a relationship. Whether it’s a promotion at work or your latest foray into the world of writing, ensure you have something more interesting to talk about than mere romance.

Practice a Little Self-Love

how to get through cuffing season

If you’re lacking love in your life, you don’t always have to look to other people to provide it. It may be something of a cliche, but if you can’t love yourself, how on earth can you expect other people to love you? Sure, the winter months mean spending a whole lot of time cooped in your home, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be a negative thing.

Rather than opening up your life and affections to a partner, spend this time alone and truly get to know who you are. This is something that few ladies actually do, but it could change the way you perceive yourself and the world around you. Meditate. Run yourself a warm bath and light some candles. Explore your hobbies; from reading and writing to knitting and baking, there are many things you’ve promised to try and haven’t yet. Remember, there’s no greater luxury on this planet than time, so use yours wisely. Spend it on yourself, for once.

New Christmas Classics for the Holiday Season

Christmas music is as much a holiday tradition as the cookies, the tree, the presents and even the big guy himself, Santa Claus. And every year your local radio stations crank up the Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin and Brenda Lee, playing the same tunes, beloved though they may be, ad nauseam. While these songs are cherished for a reason, they need to make room for a new, swingin’ set of seasonal favorites. Look, you’ve done the jingle bell rock, you’ve seen mommy kissing Santa Claus and you’re well aware that “baby, it’s cold outside” (and, while we’re on the topic, you’re probably none too thrilled about the implication either). So with that in mind, here’s a Christmas playlist of shoulda-been, coulda-been and surely soon-to-be yuletide classics.

 

1. Coldest Night of the Year

by Vashti Bunyan

Well, it’s supposed to be cold in December, and even if it isn’t, this folk-pop number from British chanteus, Vashti Bunyan, is a lovely alternative to the many “please stay so we can make-out” standards of the season.

 

2. I Wish You a Merry Christmas

by Big Dee & Little Eva

No Christmas party is complete without this upbeat swinger from the lady who taught us all how to do the Locomotion. Pour some eggnog and cut a rug.

 

3. Presents for Christmas

by Solomon Burke

You can practically hear the wrapping paper being ripped to shreds as this classic from the 1968 Atlantic Records Soul Christmas LP plays. It’s guaranteed to make those socks you’re bound to get a little more interesting.

 

4. Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)

by The Ramones

Let’s not kid ourselves: the holidays are stressful. Sure, there’s good cheer, peace on Earth and all that, but disagreements are inevitable. Should you encounter an acrimonious moment or two this Christmas, worry not, as the boys from Queens have just the solution.

 

5. Merry Christmas Everybody

by Slade

A monster of a hit in England and an official “Christmas number one” on the British airwaves (a unique radio tradition in the UK), Slade’s holiday anthem has slowly, but steadily found its way to the States. And with good reason: it’s a warm, nostalgic and totally rockin’ ode to December 25.

 

6. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday

by Wizzard

A sentiment that in theory we can all probably get behind, “I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday,” evokes that joyous feeling you get when everything is in full swing, everyone is having a grand time and you really don’t want the season to end. Of course, a day later you might feel quite different. (Note: this song can be quite effective during the dog days of summer as well.)

 

7. Rock and Roll Santa

by The 5.6.7.8’s

Everyone’s favorite all-female Japanese retro-rockablly trio tackle this yuletide rave-up by first generation rockabilly singer, Little Joey Farber. It delivers an instant party.

 

8. Back Door Santa

by Clarence Carter

You can’t have the “nice” without the “naughty.” This fun, raunchy ode to Santa as a lovable cad also provides the sample for Run-DMC’s classic, “Christmas in Hollis.”

 

9. Jesus Christ

by Big Star

Christmas is, of course, a religious holiday whether we celebrate it with that in mind or not. Though not a religious man himself, Big Star frontman, Alex Chilton, knew what made a good tune. The jangling guitar pop of “Jesus Christ” has emerged as a holiday staple for a new generation of revelers.

 

10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

by Aimee Mann

While Mann is better known for her melancholy numbers about life’s more tragic characters, her recent foray into Christmas has presented a new side to her artistry. Her rendition of this holiday standard evokes both the beauty and the subtle mournfulness of the season.

 

11. Silent Night

by The Temptations

Motown is perhaps the definitive American record label, once called “the Sound of Young America,” so it’s no surprise then that the label’s Christmas albums would be a source for new holiday standards. The Temptations take on perhaps the most solemn of Christmas carols, from their 1970 album The Temptations Christmas Card, is handled with a deep soulful warmth thanks in large part to the bass vocals of Melvin Franklin.

Simple Ways to Support Our Troops This Christmas

More than 1.6 million Americans are actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces with 21.8 million more veterans at home. These brave men and women deserve our gratitude every day of the year, but especially around the holidays. Here, we’ve rounded up our favorite organizations that support the troops while they’re on active duty and after they’ve come home.

 

Cell Phones for Soldiers

For active-duty military members, talking with loved ones back home provides untold comfort and keeps important family connections alive. Cell Phones for Soldiers helps them do this. Since 2004, the organization has been collecting used cell phones and using the proceeds to send prepaid international calling cards to troops overseas. To get involved, simply mail in your old cell phone with a printable packing label or drop it off at one of the many collection sites around the country. By recycling your old phone, you’re helping the environment, too.

 

 

Operation Gratitude’s Scarves for Troops Program

Get crafty for a good cause. Operation Gratitude sends more than 100,000 care packages to troops overseas every year and each one contains a handmade item. On the Operation Gratitude blog, founder Carolyn Blashek writes that scarves “send the very warm and loving message that people at home care enough to take the time and effort to make something as beautiful as a scarf.” Scarves of all patterns are warmly welcomed.

 

 

Puppies Behind Bars

Man’s best friend can also be a returning soldier’s lifesaver. A physical injury, traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder can make adjusting back to civilian life difficult or impossible for many veterans. Service dogs, with their bottomless love and devotion, can make a profound difference in the lives of veterans suffering from these conditions. With a donation to Puppies Behind Bars, you’re helping two populations in need: prison inmates and wounded war veterans. The organization trains prison inmates to raise service dogs who are then placed with veterans. In turn, prison inmates learn valuable professional skills and veterans get devoted companions.

 

 

Adopt A US Soldier

Give an active-duty soldier support and a taste of home when they’re far away. Active in more than 170 countries and territories around the world, Adopt A US Soldier connects soldiers with civilians who want to show their gratitude. The mother of a soldier stationed in Iraq founded the organization after she learned of the huge emotional impact that words of encouragement and care packages can provide. It’s an opportunity to develop a one-on-one relationship with a currently serving soldier. Supporters send one letter a week and an optional care package once a month. Commitments can be short-term or long-term.

 

 

United Through Reading

Active-duty soldiers sacrifice so much to serve our country, including giving up precious time with their children. United Through Reading helps keep the parent-child bond thriving by recording and distributing videos of soldiers reading bedtime stories for their children back home. In 2014, the organization served more than 100,000 beneficiaries. You can get involved through a donation on the website or by volunteering your time in a variety of ways.

 

https://player.vimeo.com/video/96754291

Simple Holiday Giving to Help Children

This season helps us to appreciate all we have but it also reminds us of others who have so little. While each of us would love to give our time and effort to help those struggling, sometimes our busy schedules make it nearly impossible to set aside any to spare, even if it’s just to drop off a toy or donation. If this sounds like you, donating online is a great way to help children in need, even with a hectic schedule.

Here, we’ve put together a list of organizations taking online donations to benefit children this season.

 

Toys for Tots

toys for totsYou’ve probably seen them outside Toys ‘R’ Us or department stores, the US Marines in full uniform giving their time to accept toys from generous people that will later be distributed to children. Knowing that not everyone has the time to buy and give a toy, Toys for Tots has a simple way to give online. You can also donate in memorial of someone or by mail by visiting their site.

 

United Nations Children’s Fund

unicef While donating online to UNICEF doesn’t give children toys, it does give them things like food, drinking water, and protection programs. 90% of all donations to the UNICEF United States Fund go directly to helping children. You can give any amount you like on their site, where you can also read their stories and learn more about their mission.

 

Salvation Army

salvation armyOutside of grocery stores around the country right now you’ll find the iconic red kettles of the Salvation Army manned by volunteers accepting any amount of donations that will help to provide dinners, food, and toys to families this season. You can donate to the same fund online which will help the Salvation Army in your area.

 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

st jude children's research hospitalIf you haven’t completed all your gift shopping, here’s one way to check off your list while also helping children. The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has an online gift shop, with all sorts of items from clothing to ornaments to mugs, where 100% of the proceeds go back to St. Jude’s for their research in childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

 

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

mawThe Make-A-Wish Foundation helps to fulfill the dreams of children with life-threatening conditions. On their site, you can read some of these children’s  wishes; imagine being able to help make these wishes come true. You can, by donating online, where you can also choose where your donation will be applied – locally, nationally, or outside the US.