The pines were roaring on the height. The winds were moaning in the night.

Hello from 4 days until Santa comes!!! It's almost Christmas, you guys! And tonight it snowed a little! I'm very excited, as you can tell. Also, I saw The Hobbit today with my dad. He wasn't aware that it was the first in a series of 3 movies, so needless to say, he was a little confused at the end.  Also, the movie was really long, but that's okay because Martin Freeman was the most perfectest, adorablest little hobbit I've ever seen!!!! I just wanted to hug him the entire time.  Awwwwwwwwww! Also, it made me want to go to New Zealand. Gosh, Middle Earth is really pretty! And every time I saw Gandalf, I wanted to shout, "Rachael knows him!" Just so you know. ;) Yeah...that's all I'm going to say about The Hobbit, because most of you haven't seen it yet. And also, this.
Anyway, the end of the world is tomorrow, so that's fun. :) I actually overheard two Wal-Mart employees debating the issue of the apocalypse and biblical prophecy...sort of. So that was interesting. I also saw a guy at Wal-Mart who looked a little bit like Liam.
Okay, on to Christmastime blogging! :)
Today's topic: Christmas songs. I think I'll share just a few of my favorite classic Christmas songs, as well as some uncommon ones. I know it's been kind of nonstop Christmas song mania if you've been listening to the right radio stations, and sometimes it can get a little repetitive, but here are just a few of the ones that never get old (at least not to me):
In the Childhood Memories category, I have two favorites.
Christmastime is Here from A Charlie Brown Christmas. I love the Charlie Brown holiday specials. They're such an iconic part of my childhood. I still love to watch them when they come on. It's tradition.

Another favorite: Alvin and the Chipmunks' Christmas Song. I used to have a Chipmunks cassette tape and this song would play no telling how many times on long car trips, along with the Mother Goose tape. I have this foggy memory of my dad singing something about a goat...

Next category: Timeless Classics
Silent Night is one I've always loved. It's a beautiful song, plus I have some, er, interesting memories of my friend Chelsey and me singing it very loudly and very off-key on the way to see Christmas lights. Good times. Here's a really pretty version:

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is probably my all-time favorite, though. I love the...I don't know...the drama and nostalgia of it. And you guys should let me know what you think, because Jill and I were having this debate: Do you think the lyrics suggest running away from your problems?

Other honorable mentions in this category include We Wish You a Merry Christmas and O Christmas Tree. They both just scream "Christmas is upon us! Yay!"
Next category: Favorite Pop Christmas Song!
All I Want for Christmas is You. Hands down. No contest. Best ever.

And now it's hipster time: I'm going to recommend some Christmas songs you may not be too familiar with. At least, I've never heard them on the radio or anything. 
The Christmas Song--Owl City
It's Owl City. What more do I have to say?...Adorable...

Merry Christmas Everybody--He's My Brother She's My Sister
This is one of those songs I got for free on Noisetrade or something, and it's snazzy! Needless to say, this is not the official video. lol.

I feel like there was one--or maybe two--more, but I forget now. So here are two more on-the-radio classic Christmas cover type songs of awesomeness.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day--Casting Crowns
Yes! One of the vocal team at my church did this song Sunday, and it was epic. Very timely, if you think about it.

And one more: Sleigh Ride--fun. Just because it's fun. I heard this on the radio tonight and was very, very happy. I like them a lot.

And that's the end of my Christmas playlist! Next time I see you all, we'll either be preparing for an idyllic Christmas holiday or battling zombies. Either way, it'll be an adventure!
Love, 
A.B.