We’re closing in fast on Christmas (it’ll be here in just a few days!), so before I find myself looking back at the festivities, I wanted to write down a few of my favorite things I plan on doing this weekend before the fun is over. Here’s my picks:

1. Checking out the decorations – Paris is essential bursting with Christmas decor. From quaint street fairs, to twinkly lights glittering along grand boulevards, and elaborate store fronts, there is so much holiday beauty to enjoy. I plan on soaking in all the sparkly Christmas style, and you should too. Try to see the best holiday displays your neighborhood has on offer!

2. Watching Christmas movies – White Christmas is a favorite of my father’s, who is essentially my family’s own father Christmas. The holiday wouldn’t feel the same if I didn’t watch this film – it’s become a favorite of my own! And speaking of Christmas in Paris, as it’s drizzly and grey here in France, I keep laughing to myself about Home Alone’s McCallisters, whose own Paris trip had less than desirable weather! I will definitely be streaming this one when I’m cozy in bed with a hot tea. Another favorite? Always, always, Bridget Jones. Because it never gets old!

3. Eating and drinking in the season – Now’s the time for glogg, gingerbread, figgy pudding, spiced cider, and all other kinds of delicious treats and holiday delicacies. Walking through St. Germain yesterday I was hit with a waft of fresh gingerbread, and my heart warmed and my mouth watered. For some reason it just doesn’t taste as great as it does at Christmas. So who cares about dieting when you’ve got traditions to fulfill!

4. Turn up the music – Elvis’s Blue Christmas, Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas album, and pretty much anything by Nat King Cole are going on my playlist. While my husband is a less than stellar fan of Christmas songs, I do see him smiling when he sees me happily tapping to Rudolph. And nothing can beat Frank Sinatra’s Jingle Bells, Springsteen’s Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (though this version may be better), and of course, Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You. It’s never cheesy if it makes you happy.

Of course I’ll be sitting by the tree, dressing up a little, and enjoying the holiday with family, but the little things above make the days before Christmas feel so much fun. What do you have in store for the weekend?

Photo by Mandy Ferrugia.