Happy Halloween

So I always feel like Halloween really kicks of the Holiday Season, and I am and always have been a HUGE fan of the holidays. Things that have got me all pumped about this years holidays include:

The adorable Rainbow Brite costume that I now own for future Halloweens to come. It was a hit at my friend Derek's birthday/costume party last Saturday.

Im making my first turkey ever this year for Thanksgiving! I am super excited and have already begun researching recipes. I'll be cooking for 2 or maybe 3 people this year, so luckily I get to start out with a small turkey. Not too small though! Leftovers are muy importante! Hopefully Pancho will contribute some of his delicious Chili Rellenos to the feast. (hint hint)

I will hold out (just barely) until the day after Thanksgiving to break out the Christmas decorations, but I am already envisioning them around the apartment! Pancho and I have a fake tree which is sort of sacrilegious in Oregon, but the fake tree is part of his family tradition (as is the case for most people who grew up in Kansas, Im sure) and he pointed out that after a while, the tree sort-of becomes a member of the family. That argument won me over immediately. Also I love being able to assemble and arrange my tree so that it is just so, because I am anal and crazy and OCD like that. Plus! We can put it up the day after Thanksgiving and keep it up until New Years!

Christmas cards. I love sending out Christmas cards to everyone I can. Its just a fun, girly little thing that I like to do, and I've come to find that almost everyone under the sun appreciates the thought.

I love it when the City decorates all the trees downtown with lights, and all the stores and restaurants put up their decorations. Meier and Frank just re-opened after a huge remodel and a name change to Macy's, but they BETTER do the 12 days of Christmas in their window displays like they have for the past million years, or else I will boycott! Seriously, even though it is always the same displays and they never change them, they are one of my favorite things about Christmas in Portland. Other favorites include the red nose that lights up on the deer on the "Made in Oregon" sign, the red and green lights that appear on the Morrison Bridge and the giant Christmas Tree in Pioneer Square.

Wearing scarves and gloves and bundling up! I am a big fan of sweaters and hot beverages (like tea!) and warm things in general. Also I like cuddling up under blankets.

Pancho and I are going to Kansas for 9 days to spend Christmas with his family! Im excited about the trip, the possibility of having my first white Christmas, his moms delicious cooking and warm, inviting smile, meeting some more of his family and relaxing Kansas style. Also Im excited about using my adorable new pink luggage.

During Christmas time, the company I work for receives lots of gift baskets full of delicious chocolates and cheeses and things. Mmmmm...

Company Holiday Parties. Pancho and I are fortunate to work for companies that have pretty awesome ones. Pancho's has an open bar. (Super Troopers flashback: "OPEN BAR, DUDE!")

Holidays = food and booze. Whats not to love?

xo