The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

The holidays are in full swing and I could not be happier to embrace them! Here are some of my favorite views around the city combined with a little of what I've been up to. A most excellent Thanksgiving was spent at Adam's parents house in Quincy; we feasted in courses, most notably on peanut soup (his Mom's special recipe, so good) and a 34 pound bird (among the usual fixings of green beans, parsnips, potatoes, squash, cranberry sauce) and consumed my pumpkin whoopie pies for dessert.Here in Boston we've been enjoying extremely mild temperatures as December rolls in. I love taking in the picturesque, bright light filled city spaces as they grace us with their presence. I am never one to complain about the weather be it unseasonably warm or ridiculously cold. Snow makes me happier inside than I can explain (where are you snow?!) but then again, so do low heat bills! The Christmas tree in Faneuil Hall is always a welcome sight, as is the vivid blue trellis in Christopher Columbus Park. I'm sure it looks familiar, I take a picture of this trellis every season! This year we attended the official lighting ceremony where Mrs. Menino's introduction was met with neighborhood children caroling plus complimentary Peppermint Mochas and cookies from Starbucks. In other news - our tree is up (better pictures coming soon!) a good majority of my shopping is done, and I even started wrapping presents last night. I have never been so on top of my Christmas shopping, but I'm definitely happy to check people off the list so early.Adam and I got some great deals on Black Friday and I've been on a roll ever since. On Black Friday evening we also ventured out to see The Muppets, starting Jason Segel and Amy Adams. If that's not the feel good movie of the year, I don't know what is. (So. much. fun.) So is walking through Downtown and the Theater District at night. My Mom came into town this weekend for our annual city shopping spree. Along with my sister and Adam, we partook in the 5th Annual North End Buon Natalie Stroll on Friday night (Santa at the Fairmont Battery is always a hoot.) Then us girls got our fill of Harvard Square and Downtown Crossing shops on Saturday. A most excellent lunch was had a Russel House Tavern, I can't wait to share my review!We had drinks at Café Florentine (this North End restaurant and bar has the best ambiance around the holidays!) Eggnog in my coffee and pastries and cannolis from Modern. Always Modern.How have you been embracing the holidays so far?!