Happy to be Alive, Because: Good Books & Christmas Trees.

1. CHRISTMAS! We're in full-blown Christmas mode over here, people! The tree is up, some presents are wrapped, Harry Connick Jr. is singing Christmas songs to me, and my penguin mug is full of peppermint mocha coffee. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

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2. The Downtown Orlando tree lighting ceremony is tonight! Along with food trucks and Christmas music. Excuse me while I find my new happy place.

3. This book. I read Even in Paradise last week (because my library delivered it to my apartment, hollllaaa), and it was SO GOOD. It had a very Great Gatsby-esque feel about it, which we all know I love.

4. The song of the year mashup. I love these! I love hearing what was popular that year, and seeing the music videos all mashed together is SO cool.

5. Christmas shopping. Buying presents is one of my favorite things ever. I love it all--making lists and searching for deals and wrapping them up and trying to keep them a secret until Christmas--I just love it!

What made you happy to be alive this week?