Happy New Year's Eve

Disney

Well, another year is nearly over and a new one is about to begin. Here's hoping next year brings peace, joy, health, and happiness. Let's ring out the old year, with a nod to my Scottish roots, with Pentatonix's version of "Auld Lang Syne".

More Snow?!

Okay, the snow was fun on Christmas day. It was even fun for a few days afterwards. But now I'm starting to get a little bit of cabin fever and it just keeps falling. How long do you suppose it will last?

Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett Has Arrived

The wait is finally over. The first episode of Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett has arrived.

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm:

“The Book of Boba Fett,” a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the Season 2 finale of “The Mandalorian,” finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.

Episode one of Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett is now available on DisneyPlus. New episodes will debut each Wednesday.

Photo of the Week

I am totally craving the cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse today. When you just can't choose from all of the delicious flavors, try the Bites, quartered cookies dipped in dark chocolate. They're fantastic! 

Are You Ready For The Book of Boba Fett?

Lucasfilm

Just two more days until the first episode of Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett arrives on DisneyPlus!

Quote of the Week

Despite all I have seen and experienced, I still get the same simple thrill out of glimpsing a tiny patch of snow. 

– Sir Edmund Hillary

Merry Christmas

I hope your Christmas is a wonderful one.

Merry Christmas!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, 

everything is softer and more beautiful." 

- Norman Vincent Peale

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Pentatonix's latest Christmas album may be my favorite. I've listened to it over a dozen times already and it always makes me happy. So, on this Christmas Eve, I'd like to share their delightful version of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." Enjoy!

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Looks Fascinating

Marvel

The first trailer and poster for Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness have arrived and they look amazing. I think we're in for quite a mind-bending adventure. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrives in theaters on May 6, 2022.

Beauty and the Beast Funko POPs

All images: Funko

Can you believe it has been 30 years since Beauty and the Beast first made its debut in theaters? The tale of the kind and clever girl who melts the heart of the gruff and beastly prince has always been my favorite fairy tale and Disney’s animated version is truly wonderful. To celebrate its enduring success, Funko has created a new collection of seven POPVinyl figures and two variants.

There are 2 Belle figures. In one, she's wearing the blue village dress and holding the enchanted mirror with the Beast's image. In the other, she's wearing the pink winter dress and click and holding a bird. An Amazon exclusive Diamond Edition is also available. Beast appears as he was preparing for the ball, with his silly curled hair. He looks suitably disgusted. Lumiere is ready to burst into the chorus for "Be Our Guest", wearing his candle snuffer as a top hat.

Gaston has come a'courtin' in his finest, much to Belle's dismay. Cogsworth appears as his usual stuffy self in the first figure. The second is a Funko.com exclusive and features Cogsworth when he landed in the pie during "Be Our Guest". The Chase is mostly in shades of grey. 

These figures, which are currently scheduled to be released sometime in March, would make a delightful addition to any Beauty and the Beast fan's collection. The are available for pre-order from Amazon and other retailers now.

Let's "Ring In The Season"!

Disney

I absolutely adore Olaf's Frozen Adventure. It's so sweet how Olaf tries to help Anna and Elsa discover their special holiday tradition, while learning that all holiday traditions are special. In this song from the beginning of the short, Anna and Elsa are preparing to "Ring in the Season" with the Yule Bell.

Chocolate Peppermint Shake Recipe From Twinings

Disney

Twinings always has the most delightful tea-based beverages at the various EPCOT festivals. They're always a hit with my family. This year, they have a Chocolate Peppermint Shake at the Holiday Sweets and Treats Holiday Kitchen in the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. It sounds delicious. If you can't make it to this year's festival, here is a recipe from Disney and Twinings to make it at home. 

Chocolate Peppermint Shake featuring Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea

3 oz boiled water

2 Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea bags

16 oz chocolate ice cream

1 tbsp candy cane bits

Pour freshly boiled water into a heat proof container.Open tea envelopes and remove tea bags from packets. Steep the two tea bags for three minutes or until desired strength; remove tea bags and discard. Chill tea.

In a blender, add ice cream and chilled tea and blend until smooth and creamy. For an adult twist: Add three ounces of whipped cream vodka into the blended mixture.

Pour into glasses and top with candy cane bits.

Quote of the Week

CBS

Give freely and you will enjoy abundance.

- Saint Nicholas,

Santa and Pete

Photo of the Week

I love the Christmas decorations in Animal Kingdom. The beautiful animals lit up from the inside and natural decorations are gorgeous. 

Be Merry In Merino

Aardman Animation

Aardman Animation, in collaboration with the Woolmark Company, have created an adorable Shaun the Sheep short celebrating knitting wool Christmas gifts. I love knitting with wool so this short really appeals to me.

Poor Shirley! At least things turn out well in the end.

It's Easy To Make Mickey Cupcakes At Home

Disney

Yesterday was National Cupcake Day. To celebrate, Minnie and one of the Disney chefs created adorable Mickey Mouse cupcakes. Just follow along to make your own cupcakes at home. All you'll need are unfrosted cupcakes, your favorite frosting tinted red, yellow m&ms or other small yellow candies for buttons, and Oreos for ears.

"My Heart With You" - Pentatonix

Pentatonix 

Pentatonix have the loveliest sound! Here's a recent performance of "My Heart With You."

So beautiful. Pentatonix latest Christmas album, Evergreen, is available now.

DIY Ornaments From Disney Parks

The Disney Parks Blog has created several amazing Paper Parks printables in the past. From full park models to adorable Christmas ornaments, there's something for everyone. This year, they have a set of 12 ornaments representing each of the Disney Parks around the world. To download your set, just visit the Disney Parks Blog here.

When We're Together

Disney

Olaf's Frozen Adventure is such an adorable Christmas short. It's one of my favorites. And it has wonderful music, such as this song, "When We're Together."

Quote of the Week

Hallmark

When you set out to find goodness,

goodness finds you.

Marcus, 

Cherished Memories: A Gift To Remember 2

Photo of the Week

The Christmas Tree lampposts in Disneyland Paris were quite pretty. They were even decorated with little Mickey ornaments.

The Nutcracker

Royal Opera House

I'm on my way to a performance of The Nutcracker this morning. I haven't had the chance to see it live in years and I'm really looking forward to it. It's my favorite ballet and I think everyone should experience it. Here's a video of the beautiful "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from the Royal Opera House. It's simply delightful. 

Just One More Christmas Commercial

Homebase

Escape to the Château is one of my favorite home decorating shows. I especially look forward to seeing the Christmas episodes every year. This year, Dick and Angel Strawbridge, the couple behind the fabulous show, are part of a hilarious ad for Homebase, a British home goods store. 

They make decorating for Christmas look so easy!

Robin Robin Is Adorable

Aardman Animation

Aardman Animation always makes the cutest, although frequently rather peculiar, movies and series. I've loved Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep for years. This year, they created two delightful Christmas specials for Netflix: Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas and Robin Robin. 

Robin Robin is the sweet story of a cheerful little bird who has been raised by a family of mice. Of course, minor catastrophe ensues every time Robin attempts to be a good mouse, but it's rather adorable.

Robin Robin is now available on Netflix.

Over the River - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Pentatonix new Christmas album, Evergreen, is an absolute delight. Every time I listen to it, it just makes my heart happy. One of the songs, "Over the River", is a collaboration with another of my favorite artists, Lindsey Stirling. It's fantastic! 

Evergreen is available as a CD or download from several retailers. The Target CD includes an extra song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas Has Arrived

Aardman Animation

I adore Shaun the Sheep! There's just something delightful in the ridiculous antics he and his fleecy pals get up to around the farm. This year, the sheep are heading out for a new holiday adventure and it looks like it's going to be a wild ride.

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas is available now on Netflix. 

Quote of the Week

Illumination

And the Grinch raised his glass, and led the Whos in a toast, “To kindness and love, the things we need most!”

Photo of the Week

I love shopping for Christmas ornaments, especially when I travel. There were so many delightful ornaments when I was in Edinburgh in 2019 that it was impossible to choose.

As Long As There's Christmas

Disney

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas is still one of my favorite Disney Christmas stories. And this song, "As Long As There's Christmas," is the most beautiful one in the movie.

More Delightful Christmas Commercials

Erste Group

I am ridiculously fond of super sappy Christmas commercials that tug at the heartstrings, even when they don't say a word. Here are a few more lovely commercials from this holiday season. 

The Erste Group reminds us to "believe in tomorrow" in this sweet commercial.

You're never too old for an imaginary friend, as the girl in this UK McDonald's commercial learns.

Accidents happen, but maybe we should see them as unexpected opportunities.

That's what two young girls discover in this Chik-Fil-A ad.

In this ad from Boots, Joy discovers the delight of a Mary Poppins style bag of practically perfect presents to share.

And finally, one more sweet ad from 2018 from Erste Group, "What would Christmas be without love?"

Disney's New Make-A-Wish Story Really Tugs At The Heartstrings

All images: Disney

Last year, Disney created the most beautiful short film about the importance of family at Christmas. Lola and her granddaughter Nicole shared many Christmas traditions through the years, culminating in one very special Christmas. This year, Nicole is grown up with two children of her own, Max and Ella, and her new husband, Mike, is discovering how to be a stepdad. Have your handkerchief ready!

A Skating Minnie Mouse plush in a book-shaped box, inspired by the short, is available exclusively at shopDisney.com.

There is also a journal that looks like young Max's storybook. These collectibles, from Disney's From Our Family To Yours campaign, support Make-A-Wish.