I’m in Los Angeles with my freaking awesome family, blogging to you LIVE on Xmas Eve. Feeling quite enamored of Baby Jesus, Hanukkah, the spirit of Kwanzaa and the ghost of Boxing Day right now.

Here’s what I love this sweet-ass Thursday:

{ Mom’s traditional holiday cookies — puffy shortbread spheres rolled in crushed walnuts, with a dark chocolate thumbprint in the middle. Day-um, girrrl. }

{ Dad’s traditional Swedish Glögg. It’s basically mulled wine, infused with Akvavit, and set on fire. Not joking. }

{ The way my parents insist that we’re “not doing presents this year,” and the way we all ignore them. }

{ My annual trip to Disneyland with the BFF. Space Mountain NEVER gets old. Nor does the Christmas-decorated Haunted Mansion. Or the Main Street Holidazzle Parade. Or Winnie the Poo’s birthday adventure ride. Or getting soaked on Splash Mountain. Or any other aspect of the Happiest Place on Earth. }

{ Getting a new CD drive for my laptop from my dad. So what if it’s not compatible with my computer model? It’s the thought that counts. }

{ Taking a whole mother-effin’ week off work. And unlike 22-, 23- and 24-year old Alexandra, 25-year old Alexandra ain’t checking her work email unless threatened at gunpoint. That shit can wait. }

{ My new rich auburn locks, which are quite fetching and festive — and which I dyed myself using a box of Feria from Walgreens. Just keepin’ it klassy for Khristmas! }

{ The miraculous powers of extra-strength Benadryl Allergy. }

{ Egg nog and fruitcake. Don’t even pretend they’re not delicious. }

{ Getting presents for myself — most notably a set of badass snow tires (thanks, Weinhagen Auto)! }

{ Meeting Tom Hanks & his lovely family, seeing Lady Gaga perform before a crowd of 8,000+ and sipping tea with Steven Sater — the lyricist behind Spring Awakening — all in one week. I heart L.A. }

{ Random cards and gifts from long-lost friends scattered ’round the globe. Holy balls, my friends are awesome. I bow to thee in homage. }

(Photo via ZedoMax)