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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Christmas ·

Holiday Happiness!


More than ever, this year, I’m trying to sprinkle in even more holiday happiness here in blog world…because I think we all could use the extra happy.  Today, I have three of my VERY favorite things: holiday music, holiday movies and holiday books!  

If you’re looking for a bit of peace, love and joy…you’ve come to the right place!

First up, look what I created…

…a holiday playlist for you!  Well, let’s be real…I came up with the list, but a friend of mine made it into a playlist I could share because you know…I’m old and technologically challenged.

These are my very favorite Christmas songs all in one little spot.  Hit play and crank up the volume!  Just click on the link below 🙂 .

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/shays-christmas-playlist/pl.u-Z9mUVpvgXo

Next up…

…a list of my very favorite Christmas movies!

Now, I stopped my list at 9 (technically 10 if you count both Home Alones), but I could keep going.  I love, love, love a good holiday movie.  I would LOVE your suggestions (especially on Netflix!) because my family plans on watching more this year than ever before.  Please share in the comment section below!!!

And then wrapping up my holiday happiness today…

…a list of Christmas books for you to enjoy this season too.  I am currently reading holiday books to review in my next book review and honestly, I cannot get enough of them!  The VERY LAST THING I want to do these days is turn on the TV (no news for me please!), so at night, I snuggle down deep in my flannel sheet and read myself to sleep.  The perfect escape into holiday happiness is either the Hallmark channel…or a good book right now 🙂 .  I hope you read several of these!!

Now, two years ago, I posted this…

20 Days of Christmas in your pjs!

…and how crazy cool is it that all of these things can be done from HOME!!   I’m bringing back my 20 Days of Christmas in Your PJs for 2020 too.  Let me know if you try any of these as well!

Sending you so many warm wishes and holiday vibes this Tuesday, friends. xx

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Comments

  1. Jennifer Hall says

    White Christmas is a definite must watch this time of year! Also, Babes in Toyland is another great oldie but goodie.

  5. Beth Knecht says

    Aw! I love a Christmas book! The Winter Street series is my favorite, but I just ordered a few that you suggested from our local library! Yay for reading beside the Christmas tree all snuggled up in a blanket!

  8. LB says

    I love it all, the music, the food, the time with family, and I especially enjoy the gift buying. I love thinking of the perfect gift so someone. I have the hardest time with that dad that has it all or buys it when he needs it. Any thoughts on gifts for grandparents? I don’t love the idea of gift cards.

    • Dana says

      We received an Amazon Echo Show a few years ago for Christmas and then got one for my husband’s grandpa shortly after that. It was the best gift ever!! We talked to him nearly every day and he would just sit and talk to us and watch our kids while we all did the dishes, finished chores, etc. We got closer to him while living overseas than if we had lived in the same town! He passed away in February and we couldn’t be more thankful for all that time we spent with him on the Show. This time of year they’re pretty cheap so it’s easy to get 2!

  9. Chandra says

    Love me a merry festive holiday!

    You haven’t been posting about your get togethers with your friends. I always loved reading about your times together. Will you still share some info about your fall exchange, stay cation and Halloween parties? It’s one of the reasons I come to your blog, for some friendships get together ideas and inspo.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’m hopeful that I’ll get to have my recipe exchange this year. If I do, I will post the pics! I haven’t hosted anything else this fall to blog about (I did post the rules to the scarf exchange though on a Friday Faves September 14thish…).

  11. Debbie Hibbert says

    I think my very favorite Christmas movie is “The Santa Clause” … but it’s really hard to narrow it down to one! And, even at my age (63), Christmas just isn’t Christmas if I haven’t watched the “classics” – “Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Burl Ives gets me every single time!??

  12. Emily says

    Thank you, Shay! I especially love the playlist. You made me smile today. I love that you are spreading joy. There are lots of good out there amid all the negative things. We just have to keep a positive mindset! Thanks for this fun post!

  14. Anna W. says

    Thank you for making these lists! 🙂 We watched Jingle Jangle on Netflix this weekend – it was really cute and kid-friendly!

  16. Jill says

    I just turned on your Christmas playlist! Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix! It’s super cute and a second one is coming out soon. It has Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as Santa and Mrs. Claus!

    Also Noelle on Disney + is a great Christmas movie!!

  18. JILLIAN says

    If you’re looking for a grown ups only movie to watch after the kids are in bed, try The Holidate on Netflix. Its definitely not safe for kiddos, but it is laugh out loud funny!

  19. Carolyn Friedrich says

    My favorite Christmas movies(besides Home Alone, of course!) are Holiday Inn and Christmas in Connecticut. Oldies but goodies!

  20. Kala says

    I started watching Netflix Christmas movies and watched the A Christmas Prince series. There’s 3 movies and they are family friendly! I want to watch Operation Christmas Drop next, looks good!

  22. Marianne Dunaway says

    Netflix Christmas Chronicles! With Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. CC2 is coming out Thanksgiving

    • Amy Stone says

      Christmas Chronicles is the new favorite in our house! It came out last year or the year before and they are working on the 2nd one! It’s so funny and it’s family friendly. We love it! Also, Arthur Christmas. I don’t know if it’s on Netflix but it’s worth buying. We watch it every year and it’s so cute! They are so creative in making it entertaining for kids and adults. Such a great one!!

  23. Chelsey says

    I love your holiday playlist, and have a suggestion for you to add Leslie Odom Jr’s (of Hamilton fame) holiday albums – they are absolutely amazing and you definitely will not regret it!

  24. Tricia says

    I’m not sure if this is a movie for the family, because I haven’t seen it yet, but I want to watch, “Holiday in the Wild.”

  25. Jessie says

    Love this! Your family needs to watch The Grinch, Christmas Chronicles (there is a second one coming out next week) and Klaus all on Nextflix! They’re all so good!

  26. Alyssa W says

    I also love The Polar Express and the old Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer! On Netflix Christmas Chronicles would be good for the kiddos. I am so excited for all the holiday cheer, and your post on all your decor ?

  27. Sarah M. says

    We like the Santa Clause movies (1 and 2 are the best, 3 is fine), and the animated Grinch with Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch. We also liked The Christmas Chronicles.

    You should turn on the news though, things are happening.

  29. Karen Ward says

    Not many people have The Family Stone on their Christmas movie list. It is a MUST!! I cry every year.

  30. Michelle says

    Have you seen Four Christmases with Vince Vaughn & Reese Witherspoon? We laugh and laugh!! I could watch it all year. I mean, so many actors — Tim McGraw acting like a redneck. Lol

    • Dana says

      Yes!!! We found this one “recently”-probably 10 years ago now! I’m always surprised you don’t mention it. I think it’s too much to watch with kids and the opening scene is a little weird, but it has some seriously hilarious scenes! I’m not usually one to laugh at movies, but that one still keeps me laughing. If you watch it, the scene where Reese Witherspoon holding the baby gets me every time!! 🙂

      Our other favorite that we’ve been watching each year since we got married is Family Man. 17 years later and we still love it and watch it several times each season! This is the first year we’ve brought our teenagers in to watch it with us. 🙂 What a fun post!!!

  31. Amy Heinl says

    Watch A Welcome Home Christmas on Lifetime. One of the best ones I have seen this year. I busted out laughing at parts and cried at others (happy tears)…so well done and G rated. The other is Midnight at Magnolia on Netflix…..so very good. You will enjoy it to and it backdrops against a jazz dinner club

  33. MK says

    I make a list each year of holiday movies I must watch during the festive season. In addition to your list, Miracle on 34th street is always up there! I personally like the “new” (1990’s version) better. And of course, The Santa Clause (with Tim Allen). Love those!

  35. Faye says

    All those movies are a big thumbs up. Something to add – The Polar Express – my hubby and I watch every year. Also, The Christmas Chronicles is currently on Netflix – so fun!

  36. Leslie S says

    Shay, I’m trying to read Nantucket Christmas- but the DOG ?
    I love your ideas for activities to do in your pj’s, my kids are going to love them too!
    My kids love Prep and Landing! It’s such a cute movie. And bonus, when they are misbehaving we can say “uh oh Larry’s watching” LOL. Even my older kids still chuckle over that one.
    My fav Christmas movie is White Christmas and I have it on all the time during Christmas.
    You’ve inspired me to pull out my holiday decor this weekend and I am SO EXCITED!! 2020 just needs more joy, more holiday, more fun!!

  37. Cher says

    Some of our favorite Christmas movies are old black and white movies: Holiday Affair, It Happened on Fifth, and Christmas in Connecticut — such sweet stories.

  38. Natalie Lyles says

    I love the Christmas with the kranks! Especially when he gets Botox haha!! That never gets old and of course Santa Claus with Tim Allen! Love it! I just read linden corners memory tree and I didn’t love the ending but will def have to try reading one off your list!

  40. Rachel K says

    Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr from Hamilton) has a new Christmas album, and it’s amazing!!! Go listen!

  41. Kandi Barber says

    Thank you for sharing these wonderful stay at home ideas. Its getting harder to be positive and your posts help brighten my days!

  42. Heather Stansell says

    I am so with you on the “no news” and actually I am on a social media hiatus too. (Please God touch our country.) Anyway, I can’t seem to give up mix and match mana though because I just love stopping by here every day!

      • Cheryl says

        I second this! I am avoiding watching/reading news (too depressing) and also deleted Instagram (too much negativity). Above all, I miss seeing your posts on Instagram the most! I’ve followed you for many years and you are always such a bright spot, even on a cloudy day.
        Please don’t stop blogging, it’s my only dose of Shay! ?

  43. Taylor Johnson says

    Have you watched Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby?! It is a Christmas time staple in our home and it is soooo good!!!! Love me some Bing.

  44. Cara says

    We watched Jingle Jangle with our kids. It was a bit long/slow movie but still good.
    Operation Christmas Drop was also good and Hallmark-ish. Both are on Netflix.

  45. Amy Baker says

    Thank you for sharing your Holiday Happiness Shay – what a FUN post – It definitely made my day more Merry! I am going to download your playlist right now….can’t wait to listen. 🙂 Thank you for making this world a better place. I enjoy your posts so much! <3!

  46. MelanieL says

    I love this festive post full of cozy holiday ideas and activities! Thank you for putting it together!

  49. Lorie says

    Thank you so much for these lists! We can all use as much holiday cheer as we can get this year. Have you read Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews? It’s one of my favorite holiday books.

  51. hammondzoo says

    The Holiday has special memories for our family. My daughter’s birth was scheduled but when we arrived at the hospital, there was not a room available because of the full moon! They finally found a room but I was not a priority. 🙂 We watched The Holiday and as it was nearing the end, the doctor came in, checked me, and said, why don’t you finish your movie and we’ll have this baby. The movie ended, everyone got busy 🙂 and my daughter arrived! Best movie ever!

  52. Debbie E says

    Thank you for these great Christmas reminders. There are so many fun things to do at
    Home and this year we all need to embrace them and make it the best ever!

  53. Patti says

    Our holiday tradition includes watching The Polar Express. My kids love it! Thank you so much for keeping things happy and upbeat in your space here on social media. You are the only blogger I continue to follow and look forward to each new post. I make your recipes at least 3 times a week too! God bless!

  54. Mary says

    Love all of your suggestions! I enjoy reading Richard Paul Evans books and look forward to a “Christmas-y” one each year. I am currently reading his new one, The Noel Letters. I just thought I’d share in case you need more for your list. Thanks for trying to be a light in these somewhat dark weeks.

  55. Kim says

    All your favorites are all of my favorites too! And to add to your list: The Night They Saved Christmas is on Amazon Prime. I cannot recommend this movie enough. It has been my favorite for 25+ years. I truly think your family would love it. Another cute one I watched growing up was Borrowed Hearts with Roma Downey.
    Love all of the Christmas cheer you’re spreading around! ? I’m sure so many of us could use the pick-me-up. I can’t wait to listen to your playlist this morning once online schooling is done for the day!
    Could you do a “favorite movie watching snacks” post to go along with all the holiday movies we’re all going to be watching from home this year?

  57. Jennifer says

    Deck the Halls is a great Christmas movie! It’s one of our favorites…so funny. Also Fred Claus with Vince Vaughn is hilarious too

  58. Erica Brown says

    Christmas chronicles on netflix. Part 2 comes out the 25th. Also Operation Christmas drop was cute

  60. Paige E says

    Definitely the Christmas Chronicles on Netflix with Kurt Douglas. Became one of our favorites for sure! I believe they are coming out with a Part II for 2020, watch both!

  61. Michelle says

    Thanks for the playlist! Perfect timing! I’m putting up the tree today and needed some Christmas tunes.

  62. Janine says

    My very VERY favorite Hallmark Christmas movie is ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ with Henry Winkler. If anyone hasn’t seen it, it’s a must see! Henry Winkler is so precious & Warren Christie is pretty easy on the eyes.

  63. Christie says

    You should add “Mary Did You Know” to your holiday music playlist. It is a Beautiful song and keeps the reason for the season in the center. It’s one of my family’s favorites ?
    Thank you for your music list-you have great ones on there!!

  64. Kim Anne Lennie says

    I love the Grinch Who Stole Christmas the original. For those that love A Christmas Story there is also A Christmas Story 2 that is just as good.

  65. Janine says

    I should also share this Christmas story: my water broke early Christmas morning so we headed to the hospital. Once I had the epidural, we had to wait a bit till dd was ready to be born. They had limited channels on TV but the one thing that was playing around the clock was ‘Titanic’. So I just left the channel on. My daughter was born and we spent another 2 nights in the hospital because I had a fever. Titanic played round the clock. Seriously round the clock! While I would never consider it a Christmas movie, Titanic will always be intertwined with Christmas and my beautiful daughters birth.

  70. Jess Wade says

    That movie list is great! I’ve already watched about half of those this season. Oh, wait, it’s not Thanksgiving yet? 🙂 To me, it’s the Christmas season, because you know, 2020! The other 3 movies I would add are all How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I grew up watching the short Dr. Seuss version. And then loved the Jim Carrey version. And the newest 2018 animated version is really cute as well!

  71. Kristin B says

    Have you heard the new Dolly Parton and Michael Buble song “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas”? It’s so cute and fun!

  73. Meg says

    Raeanne Thayne’s Haven Point series has so many great Christmas reads if you’re looking for more! Reminds me of Nancy Thayer!

  74. Tracie says

    I love Adam Hamilton’s The Journey as an advent study. This book comes as a chapter book, a four week devotional study, and even a children’s edition. I prefer the chapters to the smaller chunked devotional. This year I want to read his newest book, Incarnation. I just need it even more this year.
    https://smile.amazon.com/Journey-Expanded-Paperback-Walking-Bethlehem/dp/1501828797/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=adam+hamilton+The+Journey&qid=1605636597&s=books&sr=1-2

  75. Julianna says

    We love Serendipity and Four Christmases! Christmas in the wild was a new Netflix movie last year and is family friendly!

  76. Megan Greer says

    Thank you for posting these recommendations! I was looking for some Christmas reads and am starting down your list. I’m grateful your blog remains a bright spot during this crazy year!

  77. SS says

    We just watched a Timeless Christmas on Hallmark… it was good. We have also Very Country Christmas now on Netflix, but also on Amazon. It was good. Operation Christmas Drop was good and Jingle Jangle A Christmas Journey was good both on Netflix. Looking forward to the Hallmark movie A Nashville Christmas Carol this weekend. We also can’t wait for the Princess Switch 2 and the Christmas Chronicles 2 on Netflix around Thanksgiving.

    Not Christmas, but we watched live action Mulan. It was good, but love the cartoon with the comedy and music.

    We have put our tree up, but with orange light until after Thanksgiving. LOL!!!

  78. Krissy says

    I just watched Dash & Lily on Netflix and it was super cute! It’s a show, not a movie, but the episodes are short and there aren’t too many. I finished it in one day!

    I also like Noelle on Netflix as well. I watched that a few times last year and plan to watch it again this year.

  80. Anita says

    Shay,what do you think not watching TV has done for you? Has it made your life more peaceful? Do you ever feel like your missing out? That’s my problem! What is your rule for scrolling social media every day?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I think for right now, my brain space is in a much needed rest by not watching a lot of TV and instead, reading more or just doing other things more. I do watch shows while I eat my lunch (by myself) or put my makeup on in the morning…but I’m not watching it at night (especially before bed), and it’s working well.

  83. Abby says

    I just read a new Christmas book called “A very Bavarian Christmas” by Katie Reid and it was so cute!! Highly recommend ?

  84. Maggie C. says

    Is it important to read The Winter Street Series books in order? The first two have long waits but the last two are available now on my Libby app.

  85. Kristin says

    “Dash and Lily”on Netflix is just fabulous! It’s a new series and really great! Can’t wait until it comes back for season 2. It takes place mostly during the holiday season. ?❤️

  86. Megan Lundahl says

    I have a really great book for you to read with your older kids this Christmas. It is called Paperbag Christmas by Kevin Alan Milne. You can purchase on Amazon. About 8 years ago someone suggested I read this and wow! I read it in one day and then shared with my kids. I discussed this book with my daughter’s teacher and the 5-8th graders used this book for a literature study that December. It really warms your heart and helps us all remember what the real meaning of Christmas is. Enjoy!! ?❤️

  87. Erika says

    Hi Shay! You have to watch the movie called “Last Christmas” (2019). The main actor for this movie is the actor for The Crazy Rich Asian. Such a warm movie filled with hope and tears too! Love it! Also, have you and your kids seen Disney’s Christmas Carol (2009), it’s animated but featuring Jim Carrey, etc. The is the best time of the year with all these holiday movies and joy!
    Enjoy! 🙂

  88. Carol Johnson says

    Christmas movies in my house always include It’s a Wonderful Life. My millennial kids were raised on it and the discussion of the choices we make, sacrifices in life, the power of faith etc
    It’s a great movie and a great reminder that It is a Wonderful Life!
    Also Meet Me in St Louis…Judy Garland sings Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas iconic moment ala Family Stone. Love all your choices, fun post Shay :))

  89. Alexandra says

    Holiday in Handcuffs with Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez – – LAUGH OUT LOUD funny. I’m 99% sure it’s family friendly, too. Operation Christmas Drop and Christmas Chronicles on Netflix are 100% family friendly and so, so cute!

  90. Karah Stracener says

    Love all this Holiday happiness. My kids watched Elf Pets on Netflix last night and loved it. My girls also love The Christmas Prince series on Netflix.. very kid friendly. My girls are 9 & 5 and they enjoyed all 3 of them. Thanks for sharing all your holiday goodness.

  91. Leigh says

    Definitely R rated, but a supercute Christmas book is An Ex for Christmas. Just started my annual re-read/re-listen to the Winter street series. Wouldn’t that make a great limited series on Netflix?