Smaug, the fire-breathing killer dragon from Peter Jackson's Hobbit movies, was a featured guest on The Colbert Report this week, and it turns out the beast has a lot to say. "I'm an old-school worm. Keepin' it real, yo! Doing what dragons do. Boom!" Smaug (voiced, of course, by Cumberbatch) informed Colbert. "I invented the hostile takeover."

More: Benedict Cumberbatch as a superhero? Yes, Please!

When asked about what was coming up for Smaug as far as future projects, he replied, "I was offered a role on Sherlock. I turned them down, of course. I mean, who wants to play second fiddle to that hack, Cumberbatch?"

"Martin Freeman doesn't seem to mind," Colbert quipped, speaking of Cumberbatch's co-star on both Sherlock and The Hobbit. "Martin's cheap, he doesn't need much feeding apparently," reasoned Smaug. "Sweet little Martin. Little, little, little man." Keepin' it real indeed, Smaug.

More: Have you seen all of Benedict Cumberbatch's celebrity impressions? (VIDEO)

The reference in the interview is hilarious, and it's great to see that despite all of his successes over the past couple years, Cumberbatch still doesn't take himself too seriously.

But all the Cumberbatch loyals out there shouldn't fret too much about Smaug's smack talk. It turns out nobody is safe and Smaug's s*** list is not short. Liberals, other dragons and even Orlando Bloom really grind Smaug's gears.

Smaug has a real bone to pick with liberals in particular and seems to blame them for his waning career. "It's just typical. Liberal Hollywood bias," Smaug says. "It's hard for conservatives to get good roles in this town. That's why Kelsey Grammer and I are always up for the same part."

Colbert wasn't about to take any boo-hooing from the gargantuan reptile. "Look, you aren't playing the dragon card here, are you, Smaug? Because not all dragons get bad press," the host implored. "Look, Stephen, I'm not asking for sympathy," Smaug replied. "But I am — but I am talking about real dragons."

Check out the full hilarious interview below.

Image: The Colbert Report/Comedy Central

I don't know how I manage to do it, but without fail, rolling out a batch of cookie dough guarantees that the counters, the floor, the dog and both my front and backside will be covered in flour. It's a gift.

But now my excessive flour problem has been solved. Apparently you don't even need it. Take that, flour... there's a new kid in town, and his name is plastic wrap. (I won't get into the fact that every time I use plastic wrap, it's a wrestling match that usually ends in me crumpling up several pieces in frustration and throwing the box across the room. Still easier than cleaning up all that flour.)

See for yourself how easy this method is. It might make you want to bake, which means more cookies, which is always a good thing.

More baking know-how

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SheKnows delivers top gift choices for children with special needs, grouped by skills a child may need to strengthen most. But first, some veteran parent wisdom.

Parent tip No. 1: Ask the child's parents, or if you're the parent, check in with your child's therapists. Developmental delays may mean a child isn't ready for gifts typically suited for his or her age. The child also may struggle most with fine motor skills, so finding a toy that helps strengthen those skills while entertaining the child can make a parent's eyes shine, too.

Parent tip No. 2: Take advantage of the comprehensive and award-winning catalog from Toys R Us that is specifically for children with different abilities. The website allows you to shop by skill, age, price, gender, newest toys and top-rated items.

Need some specific ideas? We've got you covered.

Language-focused gifts

• At the Zoo Large Play Set helps children focus on fun animals and articulating first words. (Haba, $49)
• Feeling creative? Make a family chalkboard by following Twodaloo's simple steps.

• Hopping Frogs Board Game from Super Duper Publications helps fine-tune a child's articulation while she's having fun. Best part? This game can be used for children ages pre-K and up. (Super Duper Publications, $50)

• For grades K and up, the Jeepers Peepers Question Game can help develop language skills such as the ability to describe, categorize and problem solve. (Super Duper Publications, $30)

• Let's Talk Book for Babies and Toddlers teaches matching while your child also learns to push buttons and mimic sounds, ultimately learning first words with a fun book. (Toys R Us, $15) 

Toys to develop fine motor skills

• Mr. Potato Head lives on as one of the most effective toys for capturing a child's attention and imagination while strengthening fine motor skills. (Playskool, $20)

• Simple, small but powerfully captivating, the 4-inch Oball will fascinate babies as they learn to grasp, roll and, yes, ultimately throw. (We warned you.) (Toys R Us, $7)

• Bright Starts Having A Ball Drop 'N Spin Turtle is quite possibly every child's dream toy, eliciting shrieks of joy that will have you smiling as well. (Toys R Us, $20)

• The AquaDoodle Classic Mat marries two universally fun ways to play: drawing and playing with water. The outcome? Your child learns to love writing and drawing, and there's no cleanup. (Target, $20)

Gifts for gross motor skills

• The Little Tikes 3-foot Trampoline has a handle bar that offers stability while a child builds confidence and learns to jump. (Toys R Us, $65)

• Tunnel 'N Dome Climber works kids' trunk, leg and arm muscles as they navigate this colorful playland. (Little Tikes, $150)

• Play shopping carts allow children to practice walking while pushing. (Little Tikes, $30)

• Ball pits attract children with their fun colors and proven ability to strengthen trunk muscles. Find one within your budget at eSpecial Needs, but remember balls aren't included, and the manufacturer recommends 1,000 balls. (Mini Budget Ball Pit, $700; 100 ball pit balls, $39)

• One of the cheapest toys we've ever bought turned out to be the most captivating and successful: the BUSA play tunnel. The tube collapses easily for storage. (IKEA, $15)

• Laugh and Learn Learning Home will capture your child's attention through the most developmental years, with eye-catching colors and compartments that will flex fine motor skills while keeping your child motivated to crawl, stand and cruise. (Fisher-Price, $90)

• Naturally Playful Sand Table encourages prolonged standing that your child won't even notice — the sand is too much fun. (Step2, $55)

Auditory and sensory toys

• The Fisher-Price Song Wood Inlay Puzzle helps develop imagination, teaches problem solving, provides sensory fun and develops fine motor skills. (Toys R Us, $15)

• The Soothing Rain Tube provides a calming sensory experience through touch, sound and sight. (National Autism Resources, $9)

• Spiky tactile balls offer boundless potential for play while fulfilling sensory needs. (Fun and Function, $8 to $15)

• Sensory Surf Board/Scooter Board is "a sensory seeker's dream come true." (The Sensory University Toy Company, $100) 

More on kids with special needs and gifts

Surviving (and enjoying!) the holidays with a child with special needs
Choosing special holiday gifts for children with special needs
Pinterest unveils top pins for children with special needs

And don't sweat it if you don't pass the first time. Even the wise are sometimes waylaid by a Balrog on their path to greatness.

More fantasy
Lord of the Rings just got more intense: Here's every death (VIDEO)
Game of Thrones: Take our super fantastical, mystical quiz
The new Hobbit trailer literally brought me to tears and here's why

So, while we still have a handful of shows left, I want to make sure we all appreciate what we’re looking at while we still can:

1. Stephen Colbert, the character

Image: Giphy

No one knows for sure if the real Stephen Colbert is actually funny enough to fill Letterman’s topsiders. We do know, however, that the character he has sustained for nine years is what Jon Stewart has called a “well-intentioned idiot.” Somebody had to embody hard-right conservatives, if only to take the heat of the many late-night punch lines during the George Dubya Bush White House.

More: Stephen Colbert will end his show on a low note with this weird final guest

2. The slew of other characters

What happens when a character steps into another character? Comedy magic, that’s what. Colbert often steps outside of his red state to play the likes of Esteban Colberto, Ching Chong Ding Dong and even Wilford Brimley.

3. The Wørd(s)

Inspired (or disgusted) by Bill O’Reilly’s “Talking Points,” this segment mangles the English language on purpose to get the topical point across. Gems such as truthiness, lincolnish, flagophile and factose intolerant were born in the name of poking fun at broadcast journalists everywhere.

More: #CancelColbert backlash over The Colbert Report's racist tweet

4. The dancing

I don’t know if it’s simply his moves or it has more to do with the fact that his persona is tighty-righty, but when Stephen Colbert dances, magic happens — like Ellen, only better. He’s busted a move with Ashton Kutcher, Hugh Laurie, Bryan Cranston, Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, and he even came close to doing a grind in Henry Kissinger’s general direction.

5. ”Better Know a District"

Image: Giphy

What better way to mine for material than to spend quality time with real-life U.S. Representatives? Truth proved to be funnier than fiction more times than I can count. We saw Colbert drink from beer bongs, leg wrestle and toss salmon with the best that D.C. has to offer.

More: Stephen Colbert responds to the #CancelColbert haters

6. The Fist Bump

Image: Giphy

It’s so un-Washington, and that’s what I like about it.

7. The grand entrance

The energy level alone of a studio audience rising to its feet and chanting "STE-PHEN, STE-PHEN!" every nigh, is worth a mention. Maybe if we were all greeted that way, we’d perform better, too. Something to consider.

8. One-liners

My personal favorite? “Anderson Cooper, gay? Come on. If that man is gay, then I’m secretly a liberal.”

Image: Giphy

9. Live boozing

Image: Giphy

Jack Daniels, anyone? Bud Light Lime? When Stephen throws back a stiff one, it’s with purpose. Sure, Andy Cohen and Kathie Lee & Hoda do it, too, but the contact buzz isn't nearly as potent.

Adding insult to injury is that we are heading into an election cycle, folks. While I don’t doubt that there will be enough fodder for late-night hosts everywhere, it’s the comedic high-wire act of The Colbert Report that this card-carrying voter will miss come November 2016.

What will you miss about The Colbert Report? Tell us in the comments!

In fact, it makes Minaj look anything but classy. And forget using her name and the word "role model" in the same book, let alone the same sentence.

More: 11-Year-old makes a better "Anaconda" music video than Nicki Minaj (VIDEO)

If you thought Miley Cyrus was bad, think again.

The video also features Chris Brown, Drake and Lil Wayne. When Minaj first posted photos from the shoot a few weeks ago, we have to admit, we thought the video looked promising. And Minaj is bangin' in her black mesh outfit. Of course, we expected some booty-poppin' and curse words, but nothing could have prepared us for what we got.

More: Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda" gets a fart remix (VIDEO)

The video is chock full of men being beaten, tortured and tied up by some scantily clad femme-fatale types. We're not even sure what they're trying to prove in this song, other than a really messed-up version of sexism. As the website Fishwrapper points out, if this were a video about men beating and binding women, people would be outraged. Why is it okay that this video is assaulting men?

Not that the video forgets about the women. Minaj herself is subjected to some really blatant objectification as Drake bends over for a better view of her butt and her boobs, all while Minaj stands there like a statue. In fact, other than a few scenes where she's rapping, Minaj's purpose in the video seems to be just to stand there so the guys can gawk at her and talk about what a great body they think she has.

More: Drake, Nicki Minaj and her anaconda get way too sexual on Instagram (PHOTOS)

Furthermore, the lyrics to the song are so dirty, we don't even want to repeat them in writing. We'd have to censor about half the words anyway. Needless to say, watch the video below at your own discretion.

Do you think Minaj's newest video is something people should be upset about?

But while she's breaking new ground musically these days, Sparks has been fielding the same questions about her relationship with Derulo since they went their separate ways in September.

The conversation surrounding the former couple reached a fever pitch with the November release of Sparks' mixtape — and, quite specifically, the track "How Bout Now," which seems to put her ex on blast.

Really, though, is that in and of itself enough to merit so much focus?

Aside from the fact that #ByeFelicia — Sparks' first release since 2009's Battlefield — is fantastic and deserves to be clamored over for its artistry, a woman singing about a breakup shouldn't merit quite so much scrutiny, should it? It's not like the fellas aren't airing their relationship laundry.

More: If you think Taylor Swift is not a feminist — you're dead wrong

"Yes, they do it all the time," Sparks agreed, "and I do feel like there is a little bit of a double standard, because coming from a woman, it's like, 'Wow, she said what? She actually said something?' I feel like still, even though we are in 2014, there are still those things people hold onto."

If anything, Sparks is simply furthering an age-old conversation through her music, addressing the discrepancies that exist between men and women in music... and beyond.

"You know, the guy can speak out, but the woman shouldn't. She should just keep it inside and not say anything," said Sparks.

"I don't really have to say anything about the breakup," she continued. "There's nothing that I need to tell anybody." But addressing the breakup in song came about organically, as the American Idol alum had been in the studio recording before the split even transpired.

"I would just go in every day and whatever happened happened, and I happened to get some amazing stuff out of that," she said. "I was like, 'You know, I'm going to put that out, and I'm just going to let that speak.'"

More: Jordin Sparks ready to move on? Admits big celeb crush (PHOTO)

Keeping it classy, as she is wont to do, Sparks doesn't dish on Derulo, throw him under the bus or otherwise take him to task during our interview. She simply offers that the music speaks for itself.

And that it does.

#ByeFelicia has been generating a ton of positive buzz, particularly from women who relate to the easy (and, let's be honest, badass) confidence with which Sparks stands up for herself on the tracks.

Although Sparks is quick to point out that she feels like music is a universal language, which speaks to everyone, she admits this brand of deep and personal candor can really serve as a unifier for women. "I feel like if you've gone through a specific kind of hurt or a specific kind of love or loss, you can really relate to certain songs," she said.

It's precisely that kind of sincerity Sparks was going for with #ByeFelicia and on her upcoming album, Right Here, Right Now.

"I feel like people are searching for authenticity now," she shared with us. "People want to hear what the artist has to say, not what somebody tells you to say or not what you're manufactured to say."

And, in expressing that in her music, Sparks earned an unlikely ally.

"I wanted to let the music speak, and Taylor [Swift] is a great example of that," Sparks said of her fellow singer, who is well known for penning lyrics about breakups.

More: Taylor Swift reveals the powerful reasons why she's happy being single

"And you know what is amazing? She reached out to me when I was going through all of that. She reached out, and I was just like, 'This girl is so awesome! She's just so awesome,'" Sparks said, laughing. "She's just as awesome as everybody says she is."

"I was not expecting that," Sparks admitted of the sweet gesture, "so it was amazing."

Listen to "It Ain't You" from #ByeFelicia below!

Swift, who recently removed her entire song catalog from the web app, stood up for the right of musicians to make a living from their art.

"I've taken this year to stand up for my value as a songwriter, as a businesswoman and a content creator," she explained. "I'm very well aware the music industry is changing, and it will continue to change. I'm open to that change and progress. I'm not open to the financial model that is currently in place. I really believe that we in the music industry can work together to bond technology with integrity. And I think we can teach a younger generation about an investment in music, not just the ephemeral consumption of it. I think that there has to be a way for streaming or any future way we access music to fairly compensate the writers.

"Events like this, where we have the most powerful people in music all gathered in one room — events like this give me hope that the right conversations will start to take place, and I invite you all to join in the conversation," Swift continued. "The greatest moment of the year for me was when my fans went out and proved that if you provide them with a bold statement and pour your life into an album, they'll buy it."

More: Time's Person of the Year is down to 8 finalists

Wrapping up, Swift took a sec to throw one off for girl power — it was the Woman of the Year award, after all.

"I want to thank Billboard for deciding to make me Woman of the Year for the second time... I really just feel like we need to continue to try and offer something to a younger generation of musicians. Because somewhere right now, your future Woman of the Year is probably sitting in a piano lesson or in a girls' choir. Today, right now, we need to take care of her."

Watch Taylor Swift's Woman of the Year acceptance speech

It's a staple, really. While the classic flick may cause some to grumble that it's annoying, it really just isn't Christmas without A Christmas Story. Over the past decade or so, the movie has become as traditional as Christmas trees, Santa, snowballs and fruitcake. It's hard not to feel some sentimental attachment to the film, mostly because it's so darn relatable. Who hasn't desperately yearned for a Christmas present they know they probably won't get, been tormented by relentless bullies, or dared their best friend to do something incredibly stupid like putting their tongue on a frozen pole?

More: 12 Days of Christmas cocktails

This drinking game is perfect for all the Christmas Story experts out there and will help those who aren't fans slip calmly into an enjoyable buzz so that it won't matter what movie is on. You can play it with beer, wine, or your drink of choice, but beware... after the first time the movie plays, you and your family might be howling like a pack of Bumpus hounds!

Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

More: The Love Actually Drinking Game you need to play this holiday season

When you're done with the game, test your knowledge with our Christmas Story quiz!

The Sony leak has revealed some real gems, including one exec calling Angelina Jolie a "minimally talented spoiled brat" and Kevin Hart a "whore," plus lots of racist jokes about President Obama. The latest has us scratching our heads yet again: Jennifer Lawrence was paid less for her role in American Hustle than her male costars, despite the fact that she was a bigger box office draw because of her Hunger Games fame.

A little background: Actors often negotiate back-end deals on movies, called points, in lieu of or in addition to a lump sum. In an email from Andrew Gumpert, President of Business Affairs and Administration for Columbia Pictures, to Angelina Jolie's pal Amy Pascal and to Doug Belgrad, President of SPE Motion Picture Group, the three discuss the fact that Lawrence is getting two points less than her male counterparts.

(The Daily Beast explains: "The 'Amy' referred to is Amy Adams, 'O'Russell' is director David O. Russell, 'Renner' is Jeremy Renner, and 'Megan' is Megan Ellison, head of Annapurna Pictures, which co-financed Hustle.")

More: Is reading Sony's hacked emails the same as looking at hacked nude pics?

Gumpert wrote, "Got a steve warren/gretchen rush call that it's unfair the male actors get 9 per cent in the pool and jennifer is only at 7pts. You may recall Jennifer was at 5 (amy was and is at 7) and WE anted in 2 extra points for Jennifer to get her up to 7. If anyone needs to top jennifer up it's megan. BUT I think amy and Jennifer are tied so upping JL, ups AA."

"The current talent deals are: O'Russell: 9 per cent; Cooper: 9 per cent; Bale: 9 per cent; Renner: 9 per cent; Lawrence: 7 per cent; Adams: 7 per cent."

Pascal's response? "There is truth here."

But Lawrence remained at 7 points, potentially costing her millions of dollars. So much for women helping each other out.

But then I realized gingerbread is more than just freaky, flat, man cookies, and as long as it's not overdone, it's actually a great flavor profile.

These pancakes combine the spiciness of gingerbread with the sweetness of apple, and they put the cookies to shame. Fluffy, moist and topped with a killer fall syrup, these are the perfect way to start your day.

Apple-gingerbread pancakes recipe

Apples and gingerbread combine for a spicy-sweet seasonal breakfast creation.

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the syrup

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

For the pancakes

• 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or white whole-wheat flour)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2-1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Directions:

1. In a small saucepot, combine the syrup ingredients, bring them to a simmer, and let cook/reduce for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn off the heat, and set aside.
2. Preheat the pancake griddle or skillet over medium heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, spices and salt.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, molasses, eggs and butter.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and stir until combined.
6. Add in the diced apples, and stir.
7. Grease the pancake griddle or skillet, and drop 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle, making 3 to 4 pancakes at a time.
8. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, flip, and cook the other sides. Transfer the pancakes to a plate, and continue cooking until the batter is finished.
9. Top the pancakes with the syrup cider, and serve.

More gingerbread recipes

Spicy gingerbread loaf cake
Gingerbread chocolate chip cookies
Gingerbread cheesecake bites

WARNING: Minor spoilers about Insurgent below. If you haven't read the books and don't want to know what's ahead in the story, then we advise you to read with caution. We've kept the big spoilers out, but there's still some details below.

More: Who would win: Beatrice or Katniss? Shailene Woodley reveals

The sequel to the action-packed Divergent goes from dauntless to clear uncertainty as main character Tris (Shailene Woodley) spends a good chunk of the book questioning everything. She is, understandably, struggling with the death of her parents, but she's also struggling with her relationship with Tobias (Theo James) and where she sees herself in the tension-filled conflict between the government and the factionless.

Much like the third Hunger Games book (yeah, I read pretty much any and all young adult books), Tris goes through a very clear phase of teen angst in this storyline that, ultimately, drives her character development but doesn't do much for the action plot we love.

Of course, the fight does eventually find its way to Tris, and things get good. Really good. But it looks like the movie is going to gloss over a lot of the whining and head straight for the butt-kicking, which we're more than grateful for.

More: Zoë Kravitz shares details on bloody injury from the Divergent set

The trailer focuses on Jeanine's (Kate Winslet) hunt for Tris in her attempt to regain control of the society that is crumbling around her. Tris sports her newly cropped and styled locks as well as some really mean-looking guns and a sexy new tattoo. Judging by the trailer, you'd never guess that Tris and Tobias were going to be on the outs in this book. It just looks like lots of sexy time and teamwork.

Thanks to the success of The Fault in Our Stars and Whiplash, Ansel Elgort and Miles Teller respectively get a good amount of screen time in this nearly two-minute, 30-second trailer.

Newcomer Evelyn (Naomi Watts) also gets some solid screen time, and she's more perfect for the role than I would have previously guessed.

More: Divergent: 5 Differences between the book and the movie

As if I didn't already want to be dauntless, this trailer has me really looking forward to seeing Insurgent, which hits theaters March 20.

Will you see Insurgent when it comes out next year?

Grier's freshest footage is called "'Dog Walking Permit' Prank," and it follows him and his friend, Marcus, around a park in Southern California. The duo are posing as officers of the city of Los Angeles Dog Census Bureau. "We're gonna see how much people really do love their pets," Grier says.

More: Veronica Mars cast shares their on-set pranks (VIDEO)

Apparently people love their pets a lot. They love their pets so much, in fact, that they're willing to go to great lengths to try to keep them away from these two crazy goofballs! Most of Grier and Marcus' exchanges with their subjects are brief, although a couple of parkgoers do take the time to answer their insane questions.

More: Red carpet prankster strikes again & his victim is Brad Pitt

But be it a fleeting interview while the interviewee is still running at a break-neck speed or a longer interrogation with a cooperating respondent, all of the discussions have one major thing in common: They're all amazingly awkward. Check out some of the highlights.

1. Marcus bites the crap out of a poor woman's arm

Hey, lady, you might need a tetanus shot.

More: Social media star pulls prank on a plane — funny or no?

2. Jogging man is not interested

Doesn't seem like Grier let Marcus know that running was on the docket for the day.

3. Nash demonstrates doggy dreaming

It looks like even Marcus finds this one cringeworthy.

More: 10 Best and worst music videos of 2014 (VIDEOS)

4. The boys demonstrate canine sleeping dominance

It does look like a nice day for spooning in the park.

5. Marcus makes out with a pooch

How else are you going to get a saliva sample?

6. Nash passes the hump test

And he seems to be enjoying it.

7. Marcus sobs uncontrollably

But he ain't gettin' no sympathy from this guy.

These boys are jokesters, but thumbs up to Grier for giving a shout out to aspca.org and petfinder.com at the end of the video!

More: 5 Reasons why Jill and Jessa Duggar hate each other

The whole gang of 28, including parents, all 19 kids, spouses, a baby bump and more, gathered to shoot their annual Christmas card, and the result is awkward and adorable in that classic Duggar way.

Image: Duggar Family

Jill is there with her hubby, Derick Dillard, and her ever-growing baby bump. And in the bottom left corner are Jessa and new husband Ben, who, as the internet knows, can't keep their lips off of each other, posing adorably with their cheeks smushed together.

The words "Happy Birthday Jesus" are spread across the top, and "Merry Christmas from the Duggar Family" is written across the bottom, with the "Christ" part of "Christmas" in all caps, of course.

And of course, the Christmas card for the conservative Christian family contains a Christmas-themed Bible verse as well: "'For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.' — Isaiah 9:6."

It should come as no surprise that the whole Duggar family goes all-out for Christmas. During last year's holiday season, Michelle, the matriarch of the brood, revealed some of the family's treasured traditions in a blog post for TLC.

"I think we do it a bit different in our family," she wrote. "Early in our marriage, Jim Bob and I really wanted to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. And so, we didn’t focus on Santa. We kept that idea out of the whole celebration, we explained to the children who Santa Claus was historically, but focused on his good deeds and his ministering to children."

More: More Duggars get their PDA on: This time it's Jill and Derick

Michelle continued, "It’s an exciting time. We decorate. It’s a big birthday party for Jesus. We make banners and put them all around the house and put out our nativity scene... We have fun decorating and baking and doing all that, too, but I hope and pray that my children know that when they come out of our home and start their own homes that the central focus truly was the birth of Christ and how he set the example giving his life, how we in turn should be truly grateful for what Christ gave. And as we in turn give from our hearts the joy that God has given us, giving to others is really what I would hope that my children come away with as the focus of celebrating the Christmas season."

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in the theater gearing up for Dumb and Dumber To, and suffering through the coming attractions (sometimes I'm in the mood for previews, sometimes I'm not). Having read and watched much of the hype surround Angelina Jolie's Unbroken, I fixated on the trailer and thought, "I'd watch that." Then I heard Movie Voice-Over Guy announce that it was coming to us Dec. 25.

More: Awkward! Angelina Jolie's reaction to seeing Amy Pascal is priceless (PHOTO)

What? WTF? There's no arguing that Unbroken is a tale of inspiration, but it's also a tale of imprisonment, torture, starvation — not exactly the sorts of things we associate with a merry Christmas. Who in their right mind would want to sit in front of such heavy material on such a joyous day?

More: 5 Reasons Unbroken snubbed by SAG and Golden Globes

Here are a few other movies that probably should not have a Christmas Day release date:

American Sniper

Set for release with Unbroken, American Sniper is another movie we're not sure we'd watch on Christmas Day. It looks like a fantastic movie, and we've heard the stories of how Bradley Cooper muscled up for his role as a U.S. Navy SEAL — so we're all over it (so to speak). But do we really want to watch a movie about Iraq and death on Christmas Day? There has to be a better way to honor our troops who are on foreign soil for the holidays. American Sniper definitely feels like more of a mid-January kind of movie.

More: Bradley Cooper is ready to be a dad

The Gambler

Gambling rings, dysfunctional relationships, loan sharks? How is any of this at all Christmassy? If we want to engage in these themes on Christmas Day, we can just sit in our living rooms with our own dysfunctional families and open our credit card bills. Talk about a buzz kill. Where are all the rom-coms on Christmas Day, hmm? Where are the Love Actually-esque movies? Where are the movies that don't make us want to hurt ourselves on Christmas Day?

Into the Woods

Hey kids, let's tear you away from all your new fun stuff and go watch a dark and evil witch mess up the lives of all your beloved fairytale characters! If your child is over the age of 10, they may not hate you for taking them to this movie on the one day they've been waiting all year for, but don't expect younger children to be so understanding.

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street is an excellent movie, deserving of its numerous accolades. But was this story of fraud and gauche excess really appropriate for a Christmas 2013 release date? OK, so there's probably a joke about the gauche excess of Christmas in there somewhere, but you get what we mean. Hookers and blow aren't really what the holidays are about (for most of us, anyway).

Django Unchained

Like The Wolf of Wall Street, Django Unchained received much critical acclaim. That said, Quentin Tarantino isn't really known for his subtle approach to moviemaking. Django Unchained may have been a good choice a few days after Christmas, when you've had enough of the food and fam, but Christmas 2012 seems like an unlikely release date for a film that contains extreme brutality, racial epithets and a gruesome time in our country's history.

From collapsed gingerbread houses to ever-expanding cookies, there's a lot that can go wrong. So, if your biggest baking snafu this Christmas is that you didn't make enough icing — well, considering the heinous creations that can be made with that icing, you might want to consider yourself lucky.

1. This must have been meant for Halloween

This horrifying snowman zombie, decked out with a military beret and gummy candy bandolier, is the stuff of Halloween nightmares, not Christmas magic. Those visions of sugar plums dancing in your head? Yeah, they're next on his list.

2. It's not Christmas without a tree

These treats are the equivalent of driving over your decorated Christmas tree one or two times in a semi before dragging it through the mud and snow on the way back into the house. In other words, they ruin Christmas.

3. Let it snow

More proof that every single snowflake is unique. Some are just prettier than others.

4. No Christmas tree this year

Turns out deforestation is a problem in the kitchen, too.

5. You're def getting coal in your stocking

If you leave Santa a loaf of coal instead of cookies, you'd better believe that's what he's stuffing in your stocking (after stealing your secret stash of Oreo cookies, of course).

6. It's the thought that counts

When you see the disappointed look on your kid's face after serving up the monstrosity on the right, just remind yourself... at least you tried.

7. Hide the sleigh

I don't know what Santa put in his reindeers' feedbags, but I'm pretty sure whatever it was has started to ferment.

8. Bringin' down the house

Why someone decided that bakers could also be architects is truly beyond me.

9. Hint hint, nudge nudge, Santa

I didn't know snowmen (or cookies) could so accurately represent the cause and effect of excess sugar consumption — but is that reality something Santa really wants to be confronted with on his longest night of the year?

10. They're totally just candy canes

Yep. These don't bear a passing resemblance to anything else at all. They're definitely just candy canes...

See all our holiday articles

More Christmas baking

Frosted-sugar-cookie Christmas bouquet
Christmas recipes: Christmas breakfast menu
Easy Christmas tree brownies

Bridget feels my pain.

"I have four sisters. Me and three of my sisters are married. Bridget is not," wrote Reddit user macbubs. "My parents decided it would be awkward to have a Christmas card with just one daughter in it, so they cut Bridget out of their Christmas card (the married siblings all do their own. Except me. I'm lazy)."

So, she made her own Christmas cards complete with plenty of wine, self-awareness and a ton of humor.

2010

Image: Imgur

2011

Image: Imgur

2012

Her graphic design skills have really improved over the years. Being single gives you time to develop your talents.

Image: Imgur

2013

She said what every single woman thinks when she opens another. Damn. Card.

Image: Imgur

2014

She finally has a special someone this year! So what if he's plastic and doesn't talk?

Image: Imgur

This should totally become a thing. I'm going to do it next year because, let's face it, I'll probably still be single. At least Bridget will understand.

More on love and dating

Fantastic Facebook 'thank you' from a dumped boyfriend
Woman breaks the law by having extremely loud sex
15 Horrifying and real OKCupid messages

All this week, part of the SheKnows Media family — StyleCaster, Beauty High, Daily Makeover, and SheKnows.com — is teaming up to offer you seven spectacular giveaways, from designer handbags to jaw-dropping beauty sets. Each giveaway starts at noon ET, and you've only got 24 hours to enter for a chance to win! So check back every day to see the latest big prize.

Today's giveaway is all about making your kitchen appliances as chic as the rest of your home. This programmable coffee maker and toaster set from Bella's Dots 2.0 collection is as slick-looking as it is high-tech: The coffee maker has a 24-hour programmable timer with brew strength selection (so you can tailor your coffee to your palate), and the toaster features settings for toast, bagels, waffles, and even gluten-free items. Can you say breakfast in bed?

Enter to win the set — valued at nearly $80 — and give your mornings a seriously classy twist.

Curious about what you've already missed? See all of the previous giveaways.

We need to keep it a secret that the main ingredient comes right out of a can. OK, pinky swear? This hot apple pie roll is made with only three ingredients, well four if you count the canola oil. All you need is a large flour tortilla, can of apple pie filling and cinnamon. Just spoon the filling in the tortilla, sprinkle some cinnamon on it, roll it, and quickly fry it in the canola oil. And that's it for a crispy gem of a treat.

Then comes the fun part, while the apple pie roll is still hot, serve it with vanilla ice cream. Then since we're on a roll (so to speak), top with whipped topping, and sprinkle on some chopped walnuts. Last but not least, top with a cherry.

The cherry on top is so pretty and makes this dessert look like it should be framed. This hot apple pie roll is a hit every time I make it. But remember, it's our secret just how easy it is to make.

Hot apple pie rolls recipe

A quick and easy hot apple pie dessert made with just a few ingredients and served topped with ice cream, whipped cream, chopped walnuts and a cherry. It's a hit every time and no one will know it's semi-homemade.

Serves 6

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup canola oil (or more depending on the size of the pan)
• 12 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 3 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 6 maraschino cherries, stems on

Directions:

1. On a large plate, lay a tortilla.
2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling in a horizontal "line" in the middle of the tortilla about 3 inches from the side closest to you.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of the pie filling.
4. Roll the tortilla once over the filling.
5. Fold the left and right sides in toward the middle of the tortilla.
6. Roll the remaining tortilla to form the apple pie roll.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas. Reserve any leftover pie filling for garnish.
8. Heat a medium-size pan on medium heat and add the canola oil.
9. Carefully add the pie rolls with the folded side down. They may need to be cooked in batches depending on the size of the pan.
10. Using tongs, gently turn the pie roll as the bottom side turns a golden color.
11. Continue cooking until all sides of the pie rolls are a golden color. They cook fast so they need to be turned fairly quickly.
12. Remove from the pan and set on a plate with a paper towel.
13. While the pie rolls are hot, serve them in shallow bowls. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry.
14. Add any leftover apple pie filling to the serving dishes.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More apple dessert recipes

Lunchbox apple pie
Apple pie-filled cupcakes
Mini apple pie ice cream sandwich

As we read the sad headlines about Scott Stapp's alleged downward spiral into madness, we're reminded of a time when we thought Scott Stapp was hot. That's right. And then we're reminded of all the other '90s rockers who we kind of had a crush on, and we react with the same measure of embarrassment. Here are a few of the "it" rockers we may or may not have lusted after in the '90s.

More: Scott Stapp thought he was a CIA agent with a mission to kill Obama

(Proceed with caution. Some of these videos/lyrics are NSFW.)

Scott Stapp

Mock if you must, but we have two words to defend our '90s crush on Scott Stapp: That. Voice. The muscles, tattoos, smile and lyrics (about welcoming his as-yet-unborn child into the world) didn't hurt. Before you point and laugh, watch this.

Lenny Kravitz

OK, so maybe that was a little cringeworthy. This might be a good time to warn you that things might get worse before they get better. In the '90s, Lenny Kravitz was funking it up, and we were digging it — the dreads, the riffs, the high-heeled boots. We would submit that Kravitz is still kind of hot, and if he asked us, we are definitely gonna go his way. Judge if you will, but only after you watch Exhibit A.

More: Lenny Kravitz bonds with his only daughter in a unique way

Chad Kroeger

Go ahead, belly laugh — get it out of your system. Only those of us who lived through the Nickelback era can fully understand a Chad Kroeger crush. Kroeger and his Canadian bandmates formed Nickelback in 1995, so even though "How You Remind Me" wasn't released until 2001, we're putting him in this list. Was it the long hair, the gravelly voice or the intensity? It's so hard to say. These five words in my head scream, "Are we havin' fun yet?" Watch and decide for yourself.

More: Is Chad Kroeger's suckiness rubbing off on Avril Lavigne?

Fred Durst

We know, we know. Fred Durst may not be the first guy you think of when you think of '90s rocker crushes, but remember, this is a list of embarrassing '90s rocker crushes. We can't really explain why we were diggin' on Durst. We were just sort of feeling the "guy-next-door with an edge" vibe, and this song was (is) badass.

Kid Rock

So what was it about this greasy-haired, foul-mouthed "Cowboy"-singing rebel that made us want to get western? It's just one of those phenomena that defies explanation. I still remember being on the phone with my sister when we were at the height of our Kid Rock crush, asking her what she was up to that day. She answered, "Oh, I gotta do my hair and makeup. Kid Rock is going to be on TV tonight." When we went to his concert together and got VIP backstage passes, we thought we'd died and gone to redneck heaven. Alas, the backstage passes didn't pan out, and we never met KR. It wasn't meant to be. Sigh.