Reykjavik is covered in a blanket of snow, my Christmas lights are hung and my winter hibernation is in full swing. Winter is officially here and that means it is time for…..
All the smells. Cookies fresh out of the oven, candles, Christmas dinner, and the best smell, a fresh Christmas tree.
Blankets. I love a good fluffy blanket to curl up with. Nothing better than a cozy night in curled up in my favorite blanket watching movies.
Christmas cookies! I have a Christmas cookie exchange coming up this weekend and I can’t wait to sample a bunch of tasty treats.
Decorations! Last year H and I made a bunch of our own Christmas decorations and it made me so happy putting them out this year. Something so satisfying about making your own decorations, or watching someone else make them, either way I love them.
Elf. This is one of my favorite Christmas movies and it isn’t the Christmas season until Elf has been watched a dozen times. Santa’s coming!
Food! From Christmas buffets in Iceland to Christmas dinner with my family in Oregon ’tis the season to eat some delicious food.
Give awesome gifts. I love finding the perfect gift for someone and watching there reaction when they open it. The challenge is not letting my excitement get the best of me and telling them what I bought them before they open it! This happens often.
Holiday markets. I love shopping at the holiday market in Eugene and can’t wait to take H there as well.
Indoor activities. The winter weather makes me want to stay bundled up inside enjoying my favorite indoor activities like reading, baking, and binge watching my favorite shows. I may throw in a game night or two to keep up my social life, maybe.
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Christmas music is already being played on repeat in our house after I discovered a holiday music channel on our tv. H is not as thrilled, that may have to do with the fact that I insist on singing along (totally out of tune, singing is not my talent).
Keep studying my Icelandic. I have been feeling really discouraged lately with my language skills and have not been practicing basically at all. Signing up for a class at a new school after the new year is on my must do list. Hopefully by the time Spring has arrived my Icelandic vocabulary will advanced pass that of a two year old.
Lights. Christmas lights just make me happy! My parents house is so beautiful with all its Christmas lights on, I can’t wait to take H home, he is in for a real treat!
Mother daughter time. I am a totally mommas girl and a whole year without my mom has been rough. I already know I am going to cry when I see my mom! Nothing better than getting a hug from your mom.
New Years! Last year I had an amazing time ringing in the New Year in Iceland, while there won’t be the crazy Reykjavik fireworks at midnight I will get to be with all my family and friends, a good time guaranteed.
Open fires. My parents have the best fireplace and I am planning on spending many hours in front of it curled up with Azora and a good book.
Puppy kisses! I am counting down the minutes until I get to see Azora!
We’re still working on mastering the kiss thing.
Quality time with my family. Going home for Christmas is the highlight of this winter and I can’t wait to be home spending time with everyone.
Reykjavik Light Festival. Last year H and I attend the light festival and I loved it. Such a fun way to brighten up these dark winter days.
Snow days. We just got our first real snow of winter and everything looks so beautiful. I love snow, until Christmas is over, then I am ready for summer.
Traditions. My family is big on traditions and I love all the Christmas traditions we have. Last year I enjoyed learning about H’s Christmas traditions and this year I am looking forward to sharing my family traditions with him.
Ugly sweater parties! I love a good ugly sweater party and am looking forward to the two on our calendar this holiday season!
I go all out for ugly sweater parties!
Venture into the countryside for a weekend getaway. H and I are planning a weekend trip to a countryside cabin this winter. Soaking in a hot tub watching the Northern Lights dance above, sounds like a magical time to me.
Wine! What is the holidays without a bottle glass or two of wine? A wine tasting trip with my family is on the schedule while we are in Oregon over the holidays and I can’t wait. Nothing like family bonding over some delicious wine!
Xcited for my trip home! 8 more days until H and I head back to the states and I can hardly contain my excited (if you hadn’t already picked up on that with the several mentions of my trip home in this post). Three weeks back home with my family, it is going to be the highlight of this winter!
Yell for the Icelandic handball team. This winter I am determined to make it to a handball game and see what this sport is all about!
Zzzzz. After all the fun I know I am going to have back home I will need to catch up on some sleep! My winter hibernation continues.
Okay my ABC’s of winter is more an ABC’s of Christmas, its just the best time of the year. Thanks again to Amanda for the idea, head over and check her ABC’s of winter out and all the fun things she will be up to in London!
Question of the Day?
What are your favorite indoor winter activities? What are you looking forward to this winter?
