Christmas is here! Whether you stayed up waiting for Santa or can’t wait to see a great movie in theaters today, it’s a day (and overall season) of joy. So if the picture above didn’t bring a big enough smile to your face, the whole team scoured the World Wide Web for our special Christmas Edition of Friday Favorites. Have fun!
Rachel’s Favorite Inspiration
Kensington Palace released this Christmas card image Tuesday of Prince Harry holding hands with 95-year-old Tom Neil, an ex-wing commander and Battle of Britain Hurricane and Spitfire pilot.
Merry Christmas from Prince Harry! Here’s his Christmas card photo showing one of his favourite moments from 2015 pic.twitter.com/bhk2mq1mYE
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 22, 2015
While that might not seem inspirational at first, and while I’m not much for royal gossip, the story behind it is inspirational so it caught my attention. Apparently, it was Harry’s birthday and he was supposed to ride in a Spitfire that day. However, the prince gave up his seat so that Neil and two wounded servicemen could ride instead. What a guy, right?
Now, if you’re looking for Christmas card inspiration, this article on Hative is great. If you’re just looking for a good laugh, check out this BuzzFeed article.
Chase’s Favorite Video
There are plenty of joyous attributes and festivities related to the Christmas season, but few give me as much joy as listening to Steve Mauldin’s version of “O Holy Night.” Sure, you could listen to a classic rendition from John Denver or Kelly Clarkson, but none have as much heart as this version. Have a listen:
The amount of passion that he puts into every line makes this a truly joyful song. That, and the fact that it’s just so bad. To make it even better, though, some people have taken to lip syncing the song to give it that extra boost of emotion.
Listening to this song has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions and I hope you found it as entertaining as I have.
Merry Christmas!
Devon’s Favorite App
Remember that awkward photo your mom took on Christmas morning seven years ago? You know the one I’m talking about – you’d just rolled out of bed for presents, your sweats are still on and the coffee hasn’t kicked in quite yet. It’s beautiful and you mom thinks so too! So she uploaded it to Facebook for the entire Internet to see. Thanks, Mom!
While that picture was pretty mortifying seven years ago, when I open up my Timehop app and see it again, I can’t help but laugh. Timehop pulls images and statuses from all your social media accounts and lets you relive that day in history. It even shows you pictures you took on that particular day and simply saved on your phone. It’s fun, and a little strange, to experience those moments in time against, whether it’s a college memory, an unfortunate haircut or that timeless Christmas morning snapshot.
Audrey’s Favorite Blog
One of my favorite pastimes during the holidays (well, let’s be honest, it’s all the time) is scrolling through the beautiful compilations of bad photos that people send into Ellen. Need a good laugh? Ellen (rather, ridiculous Americans) will not fail you. Enjoy!
And because we are just that cool here at Suite 4, we might have a few to contribute…
Miles’ Favorite Hack
Ho, ho, ho! You may remember I brought you a killer recipe for the greatest food of all, Thanksgiving leftovers.
But Thanksgiving is no more. It’s Christmas, y’all. And you know what that means? More leftovers.
If you do Christmas like my family, that means you’re going to eat until you and Uncle Paul are feet up on the couch watching a bowl game named after a business you haven’t heard of until now, cautious not to touch the recently manifest food-baby for fear of disturbing its slumber.
Here’s how to make that dream a reality:
Bread – Yeah. It’s a sandwich. So, you gotta get that good bread. Last time I recommended a whole wheat with grains for a sturdy foundation. Nothing has changed. Do this. If for whatever reason you are low on wheat bread, go with homemade. My mother-in-law makes a mean homemade sourdough. She’s country strong and so is the bread.
Meat – Dealer’s choice. If your family is loving and kind, they’ll have a plethora for you to choose from. Over the years, we’ve made ham, pork tenderloin, steak and elk. If your family decided to be healthy over the holidays, disown yourself and run for the hills. All meats are welcome, but remember the time-tested rule: sandwich construction must be at least 65% meat. Anything under this is a salad and that can get out. (More on greens in a minute.)
Potatoes – Chances are your family will cook potatoes at some point. Mashed potatoes are an acceptable choice. Double points if they are made with cheese, sour cream and chives. Another is potatoes au-gratin. The French know their potatoes. They belong on this sandwich as well.
BREAKFAST HACK – If you’re making a post-Christmas breakfast sandwich, add hash browns instead of mashed potatoes. An egg should be included as well.
Casseroles – Here’s where it gets tricky. There are roughly eight billion different casserole recipes on God’s green earth. Only one belongs on your sandwich – green bean casserole. All other casseroles are not worthy.
Greens – Only if they’re in green bean casserole. All others are useless unless you are a rabbit.
Sauce – Gravy. If you can get some of the honey glaze from the ham on your hands, do so. Also, a red wine sauce from the pork tenderloin is encouraged. If it’s a sauce that accompanies a meat, put it on there. Feel free to mix and match sauces and meats. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Pie – Tried it at Thanksgiving, a small sliver of pumpkin pie does wonders. Hopefully, your family loves you and provides all pies during Christmas time. I’m looking forward to trying a few more over break.
If the sandwich is under two feet tall, take it apart and start over.
I believe in you. You can do it. And, of course, Merry Christmas from all of us at Suite 4!