New Year's Eve

Pentatonix

Well, this year may not be going out with a bang, but at least it is going out. Here's hoping 2021 brings something better.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe From Woody's Lunch Box

Sometimes you just need the familiar comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich, even when you're at Disney World. And the grilled cheese from Woody's Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios is rather spectacular. If you're craving one of these sandwiches at home, you're in luck. Here’s the recipe straight from Disney.

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich

Serves 4

Cream Cheese Spread

1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Double Gloucester or cheddar
2 Tbsp heavy cream
1/4 tsp coarse salt

Combine cream cheese, Double Gloucester or cheddar, heavy cream, and salt in food processor. Blend until smooth. Set aside.

Garlic Spread

1 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp coarse salt

Combine mayonnaise, garlic, and salt in small bowl and stir until blended. Set aside.

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich

8 slices of artisan bread

8 cheddar cheese slices

8 provolone slices

Lay out artisan bread slices on parchment paper or large cutting board. Place 2 slices of cheddar on 4 of the bread slices. Place 2 slices of provolone on remaining bread slices. Equally spoon cream cheese spread on slices with provolone. Gently smooth cream cheese spread over each slice. Press cheddar side and provolone side together.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Brush both sides of the sandwiches with garlic spread. Grill sandwiches for 2 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. 

Muppets - Flowers on the Wall

Jim Henson Company

Somehow, this little bit of Muppety fun seems really appropriate for 2020. Poor Beaker!

This Loki Trailer Is Glorious

Marvel

Loki, a Marvel series coming to DisneyPlus in May 2021, finally has its first trailer. It looks like our favorite quasi-villain is up to his usual tricks. I can't wait! 

Quote of the Week

Netflix

I know about losing things. But the magic isn’t just in what you lost. It's in what you still have. 

– Ms. Johnston, Jingle Jangle

Photo of the Week

Santa Mickey delivers presents in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris. 

Merry Christmas

Disney

Merry Christmas!

Rolie Polie Olie Christmas

Treehouse

Rolie Polie Olie was one of my favorite Playhouse Disney shows. It was so sweet and gentle and delightfully retro. I still like to watch the Christmas episodes, especially the one about Snowie, every year.

It's That Time Of Year

Disney

I love this song from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. It's so cute!

So, what are your favorite traditions at "That Time of Year"? Mine is putting up the tree and remembering the story behind every ornament. 

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration

Disney

This Friday, the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration" will bring a little holiday magic to your Christmas morning. Titus Burgess and Julianne Hough will host a show filled with music and laughter, family stories and a few special sneak peeks. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect.

Musical Performances:

• Tituss Burgess & Julianne Hough – “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
• Becky G – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Feliz Navidad”
• Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Joy to the World”
• Jon Batiste – “It’s All Right” from “SOUL” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
• Keedron Bryant with the Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Someday at Christmas”
• Maddie & Tae – “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
• Tituss Burgess – “This Christmas”
• Tori Kelly with the Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Let It Snow”
• Trevor Jackson – “The Christmas Song”

Sneak Peeks:

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT
• WandaVision, a Disney+ original series
• Pixar’s Soul available on Disney+ December 2

"Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration" begins at 10AM ET and 9AM CT/MT/PT on ABC. 

It's Nearly Time For WandaVision

Marvel

WandaVision just looks more and more interesting, and a bit trippy at the same time.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

Marvel Studios' captivating new series "WandaVision" premieres in early 2021 on Disney+. Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, "WandaVision" marks the first series from Marvel Studios streaming exclusively on Disney+. The series is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.

WandaVision arrives on DisneyPlus on January 15th. 

Quote of the Week

TNT

Therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that Christmas has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!

- Nephew Fred, A Christmas Carol

Photo of the Week

Disneyland Paris has quite the decorations at Christmas.

Peppermint Marshmallow Wand Recipe From Disneyland

Disney

Marceline’s Confectionery is a delightfully Disney candy shop named for the small town in Missouri where Walt Disney grew up. The shop, which is filled with fantastic holiday treats at this time of year, can be found in the Downtown Disney District. If you can't make it to Marceline’s, try their Christmassy recipe for Peppermint Marshmallow Wands.

Peppermint Marshmallow Wands

Makes 8

• 2 (12 ounce) jars hot caramel topping
• 8 large lollipop sticks
• 24 large marshmallows 
• 1 (10-ounce bag) dark melting chocolate  
• 1 cup crushed peppermint (15 candy canes, crushed)

Melt caramel in saucepan over medium-low heat. Keep warm.  Dip one end of each lollipop stick in 1 inch of water. Skewer 3 marshmallows onto each stick, starting at the wet end.  Dip marshmallows into caramel, gently tapping to remove excess and place on parchment paper. Cool caramel at room temperature for 30 minutes, until caramel is set.  Melt dark chocolate in saucepan over low heat. Keep warm. Place crushed peppermint in shallow bowl.  Dip caramel-coated marshmallows into melted dark chocolate, gently tapping to remove excess. Gently roll wand in crushed peppermint and place on clean parchment paper. Repeat for all wands. Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, until chocolate is set.  

More Christmas Commercials To Cheer The Heart

Campbells

I really can't resist all of these new Christmas commercials. There are so many really lovely commercials this year, and I just keep discovering more.

Campbells Soup made a new version of their classic snowman commercial. This one is all about the importance of friendship. 

SuperValu in Ireland shared this commercial about waiting for a special someone.

Joules' ad shows that Christmas is better when it's shared.

Chick-fil-A reminds you to "Be the spark" this holiday season. 

This Doc Morris commercial is all about working toward that one special goal. 

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey Is A Musical Delight

Netflix

Netflix's new Christmas movie, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, is a wonderful story. At it's heart, it's a story about belief: belief in magic, in the power of love and family, and most importantly, belief in oneself.

Here's the official synopsis from Netflix:

A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within. From the imagination of writer-director David E. Talbert, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility. Featuring original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and "This Day" performed by Usher and Kiana Ledé.

Netflix

This magical film will undoubtedly become a holiday favorite. My family really enjoyed it, both the imaginative story and the delightful songs. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is available now on Netflix. 

Pixar's Soul Looks Beautiful

Pixar

In ten days, Pixar's Soul will make it's long awaited debut on DisneyPlus. It's the story of a music teacher who finally has the chance to follow his dreams when an accident sends him someplace quite unexpected. 

I can't wait to watch Soul when it arrives on DisneyPlus on Christmas Day. 

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks

Disney

If you're anything like me, you always look forward to ending a night in the Disney Parks with a magical fireworks display. Oddly, fireworks are actually one of the things I've missed most this year. Fortunately, Disney recently shared last year's "Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks". With Christmas songs and an amazing display above Cinderella Castle, they're sure to put you in a holiday mood.

Quote of the Week

Haddon Sundblom

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

- Francis Church, Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus

Photo of the Week

London is so lovely at Christmastime.

Christmas Movies To Put You In The Holiday Spirit

Jim Henson Company

I love Christmas movies! From animated Disney tales to every possible version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, I can easily find a movie for every day of the month. Here are a few of my favorites.

Eloise at Christmastime

Eloise: Little Miss Christmas

Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas

Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas

Mickey's Twice Upon A Christmas

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

Prep & Landing

Prep & Landing: Naughty vs Nice

How to Train Your Dragon: Gift of the Night Fury

Shrek the Halls

Kung Fu Panda Holiday

Merry Madagascar

Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special

Disney

Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas

Yes, Virginia

The Santa Clause Trilogy

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Santa and Pete

The Polar Express

Muppet Christmas Carol

Arthur Christmas

Klaus

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

TNT

White Christmas

Miracle on 34th Street

The Man Who Saved Christmas

Silent Night

The Holiday

A Christmas Carol

Scrooge

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

And here are a few more I've discovered recently.

Illumination

The Grinch - This delightful retelling of the Grinch shows him as hating Christmas simply because he's lonely. In this version, he's not terribly mean, even to his dog Max, just a bit ornery when it comes to how the Whos down in Who-ville celebrate Christmas. 

DreamWorks

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming - Hiccup and Astrid are preparing to celebrate Snoggletog in New Berk when they discover that their kids don't understand dragons. At the same time, Toothless' children are trying to understand their father's obsession with Hiccup. All of the kids will discover something new this holiday.

Bleecker Street

The Man Who Invented Christmas - Have you ever wondered about the man behind A Christmas Carol? Charles Dickens changed our views of Christmas, making it an important and charitable holiday, with the incredible story of Ebenezer Scrooge. This movie tells the story of Scrooge's creation.

Sing Along With Pentatonix - Mr. Grinch

Pentatonix

The Grinch has been one of my favorite Christmas cartoons for as long as I can remember. And one of the best parts is the song "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch". Pentatonix's sing along version of that song is perfectly delightful. 

Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks

Disney

Disney recently released a gorgeous new book that shares the magic of the parks during the fall and winter holidays. "Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks: Celebrations Around the World from Fall to Winter" is filled with more than 1900 photos of all twelve parks around the world as well as multiple cruise ships and resorts. The authors uncovered fascinating stories and hidden gems about the parks' holiday celebrations, some of which can be found in this video. 

Did you know that Disneyland first celebrated Christmas with a circus? Crazy, right. If you'd like to learn more, "Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks: Celebrations Around the World from Fall to Winter" can be found at booksellers everywhere. 

EPCOT's Candlelight Processional Is Incredible

Every year, EPCOT puts on an amazing holiday show called the Candlelight Processional. The show features multiple choirs singing songs of the season as a special guest narrator tells the Christmas story. I finally had the chance to see it for myself last year, with Neil Patrick Harris as the narrator, and it was incredible! Unfortunately, it had to be cancelled this year, but Disney recently shared that performance from last year along with the history of the processional. It's almost as good as being there.

More Heartwarming Christmas Commercials

Amazon

As I'm sure you've noticed, I am a total sucker for a sappy Christmas commercial. There are so many fantastic ads each year, and quite unexpectedly, this year is no exception. So, are you ready for a few more heartwarming Christmas commercials? 

In Amazon's "The Show Must Go On", a dancer and her community strive to overcome the obstacles of 2020.

This ad from Woodie's shows that it's the little things that can make the biggest difference. 

Wallace and Gromit are going caroling with one of their cracking contraptions in this DFS ad.

McDonald’s "Inner Child" seems all too familiar if you have preteens or teenagers.

This Coca-Cola ad finds a father going to extreme measures to deliver his daughter's letter to Santa.

And finally, "Edgar's Christmas" from the Erste Group can bring a tear to your eye without saying a word. I've found that these Christmas commercials can really brighten my day. I hope they bring you a little joy, too.

Quote of the Week

John Leech

Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

- Charles Dickens, Sketches By Boz, "A Christmas Dinner"

Photo of the Week

I can't believe it has been a year since I was at Disney World for the Grand Opening Celebration of Rise of the Resistance. It was amazing!

National Cookie Day

It's National Cookie Day! That means it must be the perfect day to whip of a batch or two of delightful cookies. Perhaps, you like Russian Tea Cakes or Scottish Shortbread, two of my favorite Christmas cookies. Or maybe you'd like something a little bit spicier, such as this recipe for gingerbread cookies from the Grand Floridian. While your gingerbread display may not be as grand as the ones found in previous years throughout the resorts, at least it will be delicious.

Gingerbread Cookies 

Makes approximately 3 dozen

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 2 eggs
• 3 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground star anise
• 1 tsp ground fennel
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground clove
• 1/4 tsp ground mace
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Combine butter and sugar in bowl of electric mixer and beat until smooth. Beat in eggs. Sift together flour, spices, baking powder and salt. With mixer on low, slowly add dry ingredients and mix until dough holds together. Remove from bowl and divide in two. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, 2 to 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove one half of dough and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, until pliable. Place on a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/8 inch thick, flooring the surface and rolling pin as needed.

Dip cutters in flour before cutting out cookies. Transfer to baking sheet at least 1 inch apart. Bake until firm and edges begin to brown, 10 to 14 minutes. Allow to cool slightly on cookie sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

These Aladdin Wishables Come With Extra Magic

Disney

This year, Disney and Make-A-Wish are celebrating 40 years of making dreams come true. And for the first time ever, Disney has decided to donate 100% of the purchase price of some special toys directly to Make-A-Wish. Representing the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in the Magic Kingdom, this collection of Wishables is absolutely adorable. The set includes five figures:

• Genie
• Aladdin 
• Princess Jasmine 
• Abu
• Magic Carpet

The Aladdin Wishables are available at Disney Parks, the Disney Store, and online at shopDisney.com. They would make a perfect stocking stuffer while helping to support a great cause.

12 Days of Christmas - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Here's another song from Pentatonix new Christmas album We Need A Little Christmas. Their version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is so much fun!

Christmas Commercials

John Lewis

I absolutely love Christmas commercials, especially the ones from the UK. They're so cheerful and creative! Here are a few of my favorites from 2020.

This ad from John Lewis shows that if you "give a little love" you can really make someone's day better.

Aldi has brought Kevin the Carrot back in a Top Gun inspired commercial. 

And there's even more Kevin the Carrot fun in part 2 of Aldi's Christmas commercial.

Tesco says there is no naughty list in 2020 in their hilarious commercial. 

And finally, Barbour brings back Raymond Briggs Father Christmas for another Christmas conundrum. 

Are You Ready For A Holiday Singalong?

Disney

Tonight, Disney is bring us another night of musical merriment, this time with a holiday twist. The Disney Holiday Singalong is an hour long event hosted, once again, by Ryan Seacrest. It will include animated on-screen lyrics to help you sing along to favorite Disney songs and classic carols. 

Here are the songs and performers you can expect to see:

• Andrea Bocelli – “Silent Night”
• BTS – “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
• Michael Bublé – “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
• Ciara – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
• Chloe x Halle – “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
• Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert – “Hey Santa” and “Jingle Bells”
• Julianne Hough – “Whistle While You Work” and “Let It Snow”
• Adam Lambert – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
• Leslie Odom Jr. – “What’s This?”
• Katy Perry – “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Cozy Little Christmas”
• P!NK – “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)”
• Kerry Washington – “Joy to the World”

And for a special treat, the cast of some of Disney's Broadway musicals, including The Lion King, Aladdin, and Frozen, will join together to sing "Let It Go." DCappella, Disney's a cappella group, will also pop in to sing carols throughout the show.

In addition to the magic of a Disney singalong, the show is meant to raise awareness for Disney's Feed the Love campaign. They're working with Feeding America, Toys for Tots, and One Simple Wish to give back to families in need and inspire hope in our communities. The Disney Holiday Singalong airs at 8PM ET on ABC. And if you miss it, it will be  available on Hulu starting tomorrow, but it will only be there for 7 days, so don't wait to watch.

Quote of the Week

20th Century Fox

Oh, Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind...and that's what's been changing. That's why I'm glad I'm here, maybe I can do something about it.

- Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street

Photo of the Week

I love the way the Jungle Cruise becomes the Jingle Cruise each Christmas. And Trader Sam-ta has quite the offer to help you "Get A Head Start on your Holiday Shopping."

It's Time To Fly On The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

Are you ready to pilot the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy? The latest "Ride & Learn" video from Disney takes us on a journey to another world aboard the Millennium Falcon. 

I was lucky enough to ride Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run three times last year, twice as one of the pilots. It is amazing. I can't wait to fly her again!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Disney

Now the harvest days are here

Let's sing a song of praise and cheer

For all that makes our life worth living 

A song of joy and glad Thanksgiving

- Anonymous

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration Returns Tomorrow

Disney

Tomorrow evening, when you've finished Thanksgiving dinner, settle down with the family to watch the fifth anniversary of The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration. Derek and Julianne Hough have returned as the hosts of this delightful musical holiday celebration. This year's show will be a mix of new performances and favorites from previous years. 

Musical performances include:

• Derek and Julianne singing and dancing to a holiday medley
• Ciara - "Jingle Bells/Jingle Bell Rock" (2017)
• Kelly Clarkson - "Underneath The Tree" (2016)
• Jason Derulo - "Silent Night" (2017)
• OneRepublic - "What A Wonderful World" (2016)
• Meghan Trainor and Brett Eldridge - "Baby It's Cold Outside" (2018)
• Pentatonix - "Deck the Halls" (2019)
• Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell - "When We’re Together" (2017)
• Boyz II Men - "Let It Snow" (2016)
• Andrea Bocelli - "White Christmas" (2018)
• Aloe Blacc - "I Got Your Christmas Right Here" (2018)
• Becky G - "Santa Baby" (2018)
• Shaggy - "Jamaican Drummer Boy" (2019)

In addition to the musical performances, you'll also get a sneak peek of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, coming next year to EPCOT, and Pixar’s Soul, which arrives on DisneyPlus on Christmas Day. It should be a lot of fun! The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration begins at 9/8c Thanksgiving night on ABC.

My Favorite Things - Pentatonix

Disney

Pentatonix and a song from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Sound of Music? These are definitely a few of "My Favorite Things"!

This Gingerbread Cream Cheese Muffin Recipe From Animal Kingdom Looks Delicious

Disney

With the holidays rapidly approaching, it's time to start thinking about what Christmassy treats to bake this year. This Gingerbread Cream Cheese Muffin recipe from Disney's Animal Kingdom sounds absolutely delicious. 

Gingerbread-Cream Cheese Muffins

Makes 12

Cream Cheese Filling

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 egg yolk

1/2 tsp lemon juice

Combine sugar and butter in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment and beat on low speed until there are no lumps. Add cream cheese and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes, until smooth. Reduce speed to low. Add egg and lemon juice and mix until smooth. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, up to 3 days, until ready to use.

Gingerbread Muffins

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3 tsp ground ginger

2 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup canola oil (1/4 cup butter, softened, may be substituted)

1/2 cup light brown sugar

3 Tbsp molasses

3 Tbsp honey

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

Cream Cheese Filling

Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare a muffin pan with 12 liners and set aside. 

Sift flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into medium bowl and set aside. Combine oil or butter, brown sugar, molasses, honey, and egg in bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Mix on medium speed until combined. Reduce speed to low and add buttermilk until incorporated. Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Scrape sides of mixer and mix an additional 30 seconds. Batter will be slightly lumpy.

Scoop batter into prepared muffin pan, filling each cup 3/4 full. Place reserved cream cheese filling in piping bag fitted with large round tip. Insert piping tip into the center of each muffin, piping about 1 tablespoon into the center, then pipe a swirl around the top of the muffin.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until top of muffin is firm when touched. Cool before serving.

If baking is not your thing and you'll be in Animal Kingdom between December 1 and January 2, you can find these muffins at Isle of Java and Harambe Fruit Market.

Quote of the Week

R. Carlson

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. 

- Tecumseh

Photo of the Week

In Pandora, even the AMP Mech suit was decorated last Christmas.

This Interactive Groot Toy Is Marvel-ous!

All images: Disney

If you're looking for an interactive toy for the Marvel fan in your life, then look no further. This interactive Groot responds to over 20 words and phrases with dance moves, movements, music, and of course, says "I am Groot!" in multiple ways. 

For even more Guardians of the Galaxy fun, check out the Bluetooth speaker inspired by the one Groot plugs in at the beginning of Vol. 2. 

Both Groot and the speaker are available at shopDisney.com, Disney stores, and select Disney Parks worldwide.