40 Christmas Cocktails To Sip And Sparkle Your Way Through The Holidays

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

For the cookies:

• 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
• 6 tablespoons raw honey
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

• 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
• 1/4 cup cacao butter
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• Plant-based food coloring
• Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

The 25 Worst Christmas Songs Of All Time

1. "Christmas Shoes" by Newsong.

This heartbreaking song is about a kid trying to buy shoes for his dying mother, and it traumatized children everywhere. "The song about the Christmas shoes is the worst," @VonHush wrote on Reddit, while another user agrees, "It does really suck."

2. "Last Christmas" by Wham!

According to one Reddit user, their "least favorite [Christmas song] is motherf—king Last Christmas." This is also my dad's least favorite Christmas song, and he always has a visceral reaction when it comes on the radio. What's with the drama, gents? Regardless of whether you love or hate this, I'll always stand by Taylor Swift's cover.

3. "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" by Elmo & Patsy

This is one of my least favorite Christmas songs because I'd rather sing about peace and joy, not envision my grandmother getting mowed down by Rudolph.

4. "It's the Holiday Season" by Andy Williams

It might be time to celebrate the holidays, but this song really doesn't inspire holiday cheer for some listeners. "The lyrics really grind on my nerves," @ fresnosmokey says on Reddit. "'Woopdie doo and dickory dock and don't forget to hang up your sock.' WFT is that? Were they under pressure to put out a Christmas song as quickly as possible? Because that's just plain lazy writing."

5. "White Winter Hymnal" by Pentatonix

Okay, this is a hot take because people love this cover of the Fleet Foxes original, but it's always given me such an eerie feeling. The song isn't necessarily about death in a literal sense, but "with scarves of red tied 'round their throats / To keep their little heads from falling in the snow" and "You would fall and turn the white snow red / As strawberries in the summertime" literally send shivers down my spine.

6. "Do They Know It's Christmastime" by Band Aid

While this is an update addition to any playlist, one X user considers this one of the worst Christmas songs ever. "[It's] just so smug and patronizing."

7. "Mary Did You Know?" by Michael English

I haven't been able to listen to this song the same ever since I saw someone point out that yes, Mary did know. The angel told her! Touché.

8. "8 Days Of Christmas" by Destiny's Child

While we can always expect covers of old school Christmas songs, some people are really not a fan of changing up a classic. Take "8 Days Of Christmas" for example. "What arrogance compels you to just change a classic and then gurgle on about all the stuff you want?" @disco54 says on Reddit.

9. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Harry Simeone Chorale

And with so many new & incredible songs to enjoy, some of the older tunes are harder to listen to. “'do you hear what I hear' is so so slow and I just can’t enjoy it anymore," one X user says.

10. "Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber

Sorry y'all, I just missed the Bieber fever, which means this is a skip for me. The use of "shawty" haunts me to this day.

11. "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt

Some people consider it a classic, others consider it like nails on a chalk board. "Not sure how controversial this is but I hate Santa Baby," one Reddit user says. "It has very little redeeming qualities for me and I will put on a non Christmas station when it comes on."

12. "Little Drummer Boy" by the Austrian Trapp Family

This song is both so long and so repetitive that it makes it hard to enjoy listening to the entire thing.

13. "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" by...Anyone

I consider this one of the worst Christmas songs simply because of how long it is. I start zoning out around "5 golden rings."

14. "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas" by Gayla Peevey

I've always considered this song a silly addition to my Christmas playlist, but I have found myself skipping it recently in favor of more classic carols. "'i want a hippopotamus for christmas' is the worst," @polivtical says on X. "only to be tied with 'all i want for christmas is my two front teeth'. both should be considered torture."

15. "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" by Spike Jones and His City Slickers (or Alvin and The Chipmunks)

This makes the worst Christmas song list purely because of the above tweet. Enough said.

16. "Crabs for Christmas" by David DeBoy

Just the title of this Christmas song (which is apparently about someone asking Santa for a crab feast for Christmas) has me questioning whether it's good. One Reddit user jokes it's the reason they moved out of Maryland.

17. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Camila Cabello

Camila's viral performance (and everyone instantly meme-ing the way she pronounces "Christmas") means I can't listen to this song the same way ever again.

18. "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney

Wow, some of y'all really hate this song. Why?! Despite the fact it's upbeat and cute, a lot of people really don't like it.

19. "I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas" by NSYNC

Did we really need another Christmas pop song? Especially one that tells single people they don't know the meaning of Christmas if they're not coupled up? Yikes.

20. "Dominick The Donkey" by Lou Monte

Some people simply don't want to listen to a donkey bray while they're enjoying their Christmas Eve dinner. And you know what? I get it.

21. "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" by Michael Bublé

Hot take! So many people love Michael Bublé's Christmas music, but one X user says they refuse to listen to "anything with Michael Bublé." I'll admit, I'll always choose the Frank Sinatra version over Michael.

22. "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" by Bing Crosby

While we do wish you a Merry Christmas a happy holiday, this song ain't it for Christmas music lovers — especially the figgy pudding lyric. "I've never had figgy pudding, but if it tastes anything like Fig Newtons, then I sure don't see how it's worth overstaying your welcome," @newbuzzcola says on X.

23. "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by The Jackson 5

Even though this is technically a classic, it's still not that enjoyable to listen to IMO. And it took me way too long to realize Santa's actually just the dad in costume.

24. "Christmas Time is Here Again" by The Beatles

The Beatles might be certified stars, but this song is just too repetitive. "This may be the worst song ever created," @knowpium says on X. Here's hoping it's not in the new Beatles movies.

25. Everything by Manheim Steamroller

Unfortunately, we'll have to add Manheim Steamroller's entire holiday catalogue to the worst Christmas songs list because, in the words of one Reddit user, "F—k everything about Mannheim Steamroller." Wow.

What's happening astrologically during the week of December 22-29, 2024?

The freewheeling Sagittarius energy is past, and we enter the depths of Capricorn season. This week heralds several important transits that have far-reaching effects for the coming new year. On December 24, Venus, the planet of love and beauty, forms a beneficial sextile with Chiron, the wounded healer and shaman of the Zodiac. Don’t let this opportunity pass. We can gain access to an understanding of our own innate self-worth. If we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest, we can face our insecurities and move past any blockages to growth and evolution of our very essence. We all have insecurities that prevent us from living our best lives at times, but with Chiron moving forward on December 29 after months of retrograde motion, the momentum is building toward lasting healing. It won't come easily, however. Chiron wounds are buried deep. Still, the work we put into addressing our core issues will result in a sense of ultimate freedom. It's a great time to work with a therapist or astrologer to identify and heal our innate wounds.

Also on December 24, Jupiter squares Saturn. This monumental transit will reflect tension in the zeitgeist for the next two years. We will be face-to-face with the reality of the decline in our societies, where injustice and immorality rise to the surface. There might be a sense of despair resulting in despondency and hopelessness. But no one will benefit from putting their head in the sand. We must face our problems head-on — growth requires hard work. On a personal level, it feels like we have one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake. It is a good time to take a pause from the indulgences of Sagittarius season, withdraw from society for a bit to gain a better perspective, and realize that a shift is required. As the frustration passes, we will be able to see that for growth and abundance, we must focus and systematically rework our approach. Patience and hard work are required, and Saturn provides the inspiration for that work. If we're successful and as we move from frustration to empowerment, we'll have the rewards we seek in the long term.

Venus in Aquarius will square Uranus in Taurus this week, and we might be feeling irritable with our loved ones or personally restless. Realize this energy will pass, but it will need to be expressed in one way or another. Harness it and use it to infuse some excitement into your relationships. Do something new together. Experiences outside our normal routines will be a good way to let the energy manifest. If you don’t initiate something, be prepared for some unexpected display of this tension between the planet of love and the planet of disruption.

Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

The tension of the week will require an adjustment in your daily habits. Focus on healthy eating, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep. It's a good time to break a bad habit or form a beneficial new one — just be sure to fully lean into whichever choice you make. If you don't put your passion into something, I know you'll struggle to fully commit, Aries...

Being of service to others is another way to ease any personal frustration you're dealing with this week. While we all suffer, helping others puts our own struggles into perspective. Buy some gifts for the people you love! Work at a soup kitchen! Get out there and share your infectious energy and love with the world around you.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

You might be feeling a sense of personal scarcity. If you find yourself on an unstable foundation, pause and allow yourself to retreat for a bit. Use any solitary time you can manage to get creative and devise a solution to your dilemma. Use light and positive affirmations to overcome any tendency toward despair. It will feel difficult until you break free from the darkness. However, I know you can use your natural tenacity to pull you through.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Spend as much time with your family and at home as you can. Take time to nurture yourself and to let others nurture you. This week is a good time to recover and recuperate. You'll need to be strong and healthy in the coming weeks and months — the depths of winter can be totally brutal, so it's best to take care of yourself now. Cultivate and focus your heart on love, and let that love energy flow around you. Allow the feeling to permeate your cells and remember the healing energy of love when faced with challenges in the weeks ahead. This can help sustain you if things get tough!

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Communicate as clearly as possible what you're experiencing. Instead of holding your feelings in, hiding them from the people around you, share your emotional landscape with your loved ones. The healing power of love is exponentially more powerful when you give it away freely — so share that love, and let others share their love with you. It's a good time to rise above and overcome any insecure feelings you have. If you are so inclined, poetry or music can be a great way to express yourself or as a source of inspiration. Whatever you choose, just let yourself feel all the feelings and express them!

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

It's a good week to re-evaluate your resources. Do what it takes to create security, and clear out anything that is excessive or unnecessary and focus on what really matters for your stability. The space you create will soon be filled with more meaningful and appropriate activities, people and things. Be sure that whatever you do involves joy and lightheartedness. That energy and levity will propel you towards greatness, Leo, helping you create stronger foundations for your dream life.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Prioritize yourself and your needs this week — basically just go full 'treat yourself' mode. If you're rested, healthy, and organized, everything else will proceed more smoothly. Your natural inclination to be of service will only benefit you and others if you take care of yourself first. Set clear boundaries and communicate your needs so that there are minimal misunderstandings. This will give you the recipe for the best holiday season yet!

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your spiritual practice will give you much comfort this week. Be sure to devote adequate time to quiet contemplation and ritual. Listen to music, go to a museum, or practice your art form and spend time in nature for inspiration. Tap into anything that elevates and soothes your spirit. You deserve the peace and tranquility — even (and maybe especially) if you're craving something else. Let the peace wash over you.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Spending time with your community and engaging in social connections will help alleviate any tension you feel this week. It's important to allow others to be themselves and to relinquish any tendency to control those around you. The more you go with the flow, the easier it will be to maintain harmony and joy. You can enjoy things without having to hold so tightly to the reins — let go, release, and live.

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Hopefully, you're fully sated with the holidays and can focus on any lingering responsibilities before the end of the year. Take time to get organized and set realistic goals to accomplish important tasks. I know that's not your favorite advice, but resist any tendency to procrastinate so that you can start the new year from a stable and productive position. You'll appreciate it so much more if you do!

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

This first full week of Capricorn season will find you in a philosophical state of mind. A broad perspective will help you navigate any tension you feel — keeping an open mind and heart can help you adopt habits, rituals, choices, and more that you may have previously ignored at first glance. And if you're not in the market for big changes on your own, at least take a moment to realize that while you might know exactly what you need, you may not know what others need. Practice being more flexible.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Tensions that may come up during the holidays — as always, these are best navigated from the perspective that all things are temporary, and all things change. Check your attitude and realize you might be too intense for productive exchanges with others. Spend time alone to understand what is going on within and try your best to let others experience life on their personal terms. It's more than okay to take a moment to reset and come back to the group when you're ready.

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Experiencing harmony in your relationships will give you peace this week. It's important to balance your needs with the needs of others, though. Reciprocity and fairness can be achieved, so be sure to equally emphasize the needs of everyone. Resist the temptation to acquiesce your needs to keep the peace — that will only leave you feeling depleted and resentful. Relationships go both ways, and it's okay to demand that of them.