Holy cow 2008 has been filled with a lot of doom and gloom! The housing crisis, the economy, high gas prices, high food prices, the War in Iraq, the Bailout, the games of this Election, blah blah blah!! Now don’t get me wrong I am just as paranoid as the next guy when it comes to all this shit but seriously it’s time to start looking for the fun and the good in these last 3 months of the year!! So I decided to make myself a Happy List and share it with you!

Happy List for the last 3 months of 2008!

1. Halloween!! The costumes, the cute little trick or treaters, the fun decorations,  carving pumpkins, the parties, the candy, the scary fun food….boo, boo, boo!!

2. The cool crisp air! Let’s face it you know you were tired of all the muggy hot sweaty weather!

3. The World Series, College Football and the good ole NFL, yes I know it’s sports but it reminds me that life is still somewhat going along as usual and for most it is a great escape!!

4. Making big pots of yummy soup! Putting together all those delicious ingredients with your loved ones or alone is just so fun and relaxing!

5. Hellooooo hot cocoa, the best! Top it with marshmallows, whip cream or add your favorite liquor for a hot tottie!!

6. Curling up on the couch wrapped in a blanket watching your favorite movies on a rainy day

7. Sitting in silence reading a good book as you listen to the sounds of the wind and rain, such a peace to that

8. Getting up early on the weekend and taking a walk, or jog in the cool crisp air, once you are done you will feel so refreshed!

9. Taking a drive to look at all the beautiful trees that have changed to those vibrant fall colors

10. For us chicks, getting out all our favorite sweaters and boots!!

11. Yahooo all our favorite TV shows are back with new episodes!

12. THANKSGIVING!!! Gobble, gobble! Hellooooo the yummy turkey! The smell of fresh baked Pumpkin pie, the time spent with family and friends, such a fabulous day to look forward to!

13. Taking a trip up to Apple Hill

14. Snow boarding and skiing, or just enjoying  lunch and drinks at the ski lodge!!

CHRISTMAS!!!!!CHRISTMAS!!!!!CHRISTMAS!!!!!CHRISTMAS!!!!!CHRISTMAS!!!!

15. Taking a trip to the snow to snow sled, build snowmen, make snow angels or take a sleigh ride!

16. Christmas trees! Whether you take a fun trip to cut yours down, go shopping for one or get your fake one out of the closet they are so fun to decorate!

17. Christmas music!! It’s a Holy Jolly Christmas, Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, Winter Wonderland, ya know all our fav’s!!!

18. Christmas Movies! Miracle on 34th Street, It’s A Wonderful Life, Elf, The Santa Claus we could go on and on soooooo many Christmas movies!!!

19. Christmas musicals and plays, a classic The Nutcracker!

20. Going to your kids Christmas specials at school

21. Going to church on Christmas Eve

22. Finding a family or charity in need during the holidays, helping others not only helps them but boosts your spirits as well!

23. Taking a drive and looking at all the pretty Christmas Lights and luminaries!

24. Decorating your yard with lights!

25. Walking into your own home and enjoying being surrounded by all your decorations and the awesome smells like cinnamon, peppermint, berries and pine!

26. Baking Christmas cookies and enjoying all the yummy food the Holiday season brings

27. Wrapping gifts while the Christmas music is on and you are enjoying some cider, hot cocoa or your fav alcoholic beverage!!

28. Seeing and hearing the joy and laughter of children

29. Baking Jesus a cake for his Birthday on Christmas

30. Enjoying how this time of year makes most of us feel. Peace, joy and love and for awhile we can come together and forget our struggles.

This list I am sure can go on and on with all the things that make you happy this time of year. I encourage you to make your own Happy List and look at it often and especially when you start to feel down, embracing and enjoying the last 3 months of 2008 will help this to be A Wonderful Life!!!