Wanted: Your favorite holiday song and why…in 100 words!

One of my favorite memories growing up centered around music. Once my family had piled into the car for our Southern Escape, the tunes would begin. Well, more like singing, actually. As we barreled down the highway, my mom would lead us in one of those classic holiday sing-a-longs reminiscent of Rat Pack films. Our catalog seemed to grow by the year, but we always had our standards — “Silent Night,” anyone?

So! Since we had such a blast with last year’s 100-Word series, I thought it would be fun to bring it back again this year! But instead of holiday memories, let’s talk holiday songs, shall we? Over the next few weeks, I’d love to feature the stories behind your favorite holiday tune. Why you love it. What it means to you. If there’s a particular memory attached to it.

The catch: As always, I want to hear these stories in 100 words! Doesn’t that sound like fun, friends? I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol [dot] com), and look for the fun to begin next week!! xoxo


[Photo by Elsie from a beautiful mess]

My 100-Word Holiday Story: On a mother’s legacy

Every Christmas when I was little, Mummy baked her famous chocolate cake. A moist chocolate sponge with a generous lick of chocolate butter cream icing. Guests loved it so much that she gave them cakes as gifts. Eventually, she was doing up to 20 cakes every Christmas, and for weeks, the kitchen was full of sponges cooling on wire racks and the heady smell of baking. My lovely Mum is unable to bake nowadays, so I’ll make and share a chocolate cake with her this holiday and hope it’ll spark a memory of the Christmases she gave us with love.
 
–By Karen
 
P.S. Here’s a similar recipe, if you’d like to try it.

My 100-Word Holiday Story: On reliving the magic of the season

Everyone says that three is the perfect age. It’s true. Innocent little sponges waiting to be filled with new experiences. After so many years of going through the holidays without family, I lost sight of the magic. Singing songs, learning about Rudolph and Frosty, baking cookies — it all comes alive — but there is nothing more heartwarming than waking up each morning to see if Santa came yet. The disappointment only building to the suspense of his actual arrival. Nothing comes close to seeing the spirit of the holidays than seeing it through the eyes of a child.
 
–By Samantha from Reinvented By Me


My 100-Word Holiday Story: On a father’s love

My Dad was always the last person to finish his Christmas shopping. Because of this, he always gave us the most well-intentioned, yet totally random, gifts. Making Christmas lists for Dad was pointless, as it seems he would use them only as inspiration. The formula went like this: One “techie” gift (Dad was a total computer geek) and some smaller gifts. I would often get a favorite tube of toothpaste wrapped in a pretty box under the tree. I miss my Dad around the holidays. What I wouldn’t give to see one more tube of toothpaste under the tree…

–By Ashley from Quarter Life (Crisis) Cuisine

P.S. What’s your holiday memory? I’d love to hear it! Send your 100-word story to mellow1422 [at] aol [dot] com! I look forward to hearing from you! 🙂

Wanted: 100-word holiday stories

Well, friends, we’ve just about covered everyone on your list with this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, including great gift picks for moms, dads and co-workers, and we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled posting in the New Year. But in the meantime, I’d love to celebrate the other side of the holidays. You know, the true joy of the season. Over the next few weeks, I want to feature your stories, friends! Your best holiday memory. What family means to you during this season. Your favorite family tradition. Your favorite holiday food. Your favorite holiday vacation. I want to hear it all. And, just like our Valentine’s Day and Back-To-School series, I want to hear these stories in 100 words!
Doesn’t that sound like fun, friends? I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol [dot] com), and look for the fun to begin next week!! xoxo

[Top photo via Say Yes To Hoboken; bottom photo by Shannon Blue]