candy, candy canes, candy corn & syrup.

if you're looking for something fun to do to get into the christmas spirit pop in elf, turn on the oven, and whip out the arts and crafts. getting your family cuddled together under warm comforters watching this classic will ferrell comedy is the perfect way to start spreading holiday fun. there are millions of holiday print outs for kids to color online - a quick and easy way to decorate your house with your child's unique touch! for the messier (but definitely more exciting) way to decorate with your children, family members, or friends try making gingerbread cookies or decorating a gingerbread house! gathering sugar spiced gum drops and candy gum balls to create an icing filled world for gingerbread families is so much fun - and for moms, the distinct smell of gingerbread will fill your homes for hours, making you feel warmer inside too!

i know this christmas is different. the economy is in a recession, money is tight, it's understandable that moms and dads are looking to cut back, but just remember all the do-it -yourself stuff you can do with your kids with materials hanging around your house. simple paper bags can be transformed into gingerbread men, paper plates and magic markers can become snowmen, and the good old fashioned popcorn strings and paper chains can be strung throughout the house in minutes! hanging christmas lights is the easiest way to get the spirit flowing. while it may be a little early to decorate a tree (if you buy a real one) it's a perfect time to buy some holly and leave it hanging around. cinnamon sticks are also a popular and cheap way to get your house smelling and feeling like christmas. don't get yourselves down over all the negative aspects of the economy right now. remember - santa is watching!

with parents working two jobs and extra hours, kids can also help get the houses ready for christmas. have christmas music playing when you know your parents are going to be home form work - it'll help brighten their mood, give them a little burst of energy to maybe start decorating that night! the weekends are also perfect timing to get started. get your shopping done early, wrap your presents in bright colors using shiny bows and gorgeous ribbon, light a fire and just smile - "smiling's my favorite!"

the five.

i love this time of year. all the christmas lights, the big rockefeller center tree, gingerbread men, ice-skating in central park, home cooking... it's heaven. the greatest thing about this time of year is that it brings everyone together. when i graduated high school i had 4 of the best girlfriends anyone could ask for, but unfortunately after graduation we sort of fell out of touch. we did everything together, people envied us, we were the five. i love those girls with all my heart - it was like we were meant to be friends: 2 blondes, 2 brunettes, and a red head. steph with her spongebob lunchbox and love of kanye west, heather with her obsession with the color pink and "barbie girl," munsch with her love of surf and all things hippie, mcgil with her crazy red hair and obsession with adam lazzara, and me, courtney, with my my alter ego belinda and love of all things green. looking back - all the pictures, the inside jokes, the memories - we were infinite. everyone should know friends like these girls, and hold onto them no matter what. i'm lucky enough to have a second chance to get to know the girls who helped make me who i am.