I’m getting into the festive mood now with so few days to Christmas. Having spotted this tag online, I thought I’d take part – lots of bits about what makes a fab festive holiday time. It’s certainly very different since having a child, there’s a lot more magic than it had for my jaded retail staffer self! I’d love to see other people’s answers to these questions. So, without further ado, here is the Christmas 2016 Tag.
1. What is/are your favourite Christmas movie/s?
Miracle on 34th St, without a doubt, the 1994 version with Mara Wilson and the late Richard Attenborough. There is just something so magical about it that even as an adult a tiny part still believes while watching it. The Muppets Christmas Carol is also essential watching at Christmas – even if only for the songs! There’s something about the last song that just fills you with the warm and fuzzies.
2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
Since childhood there has been one present Christmas Eve (Christmas Jammies, yay) and then the rest Christmas morning with the rest of the family. The last two years have been Christmas as our little family of three instead of heading back to Wexford. We’ve opened presents Christmas morning but kept one to open the night before as a nice little tradition.
3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?
4. Favourite Festive Food
Stuffing and cranberry sauce with ham, yum. Christmas coffee is also amazing, Toffee Nut Lattes from Starbucks are my personal favorites and smell amazing! You also can’t beat a nice warm mince pie with a dash of cream on the side. My poor waistline suffers at this time of year, that’s for sure.
5. Favourite Christmas Gift?
My favorite Christmas Present I ever received was a collection of Famous Five books, all 21 of them, in a wooden case. Santa knew he was dealing with a bookworm, and I adored them. I so wanted to be one of them getting up to adventures! They may not be considered PC anymore, but they’re definitely high on the list of things I’m looking forward to introducing E to as he gets older!
6. Favourite Christmas Scent?
Christmas always has a spiced apple smell for me – that or fresh ham from the oven, divine! I used to work in a smoothie chain store which sold the most amazing hot apple tea mixed with fresh apple juice and spices, absolutely loved it. They no longer do it, which is a shame, because it just gave a great festive feel.
7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
Christmas pyjamas are a must, with a movie and late to bed – in efforts to not have to get up early the following day! Opening one present and all sitting together watching a movie in the dark with just the twinkly lights on. The last two years have included praying for the child to have some sleep that night – such is life with a smallie. This year I’ll be working until 6pm, so contemplating plans which may include wandering in around the lights in town afterwards. Something to tire the small man out so he can be asleep when Santa arrives!
8. What tops your tree?
We’ve a sparkly silver star topping our tree this year, E took great pride in putting it on. It tops our very colourful tree, which won’t be winning any style awards but made this two year old VERY happy.
9. As a kid, what was the one gift you asked for but never received?
Honestly I can’t remember any – thats not to say I got everything I asked for, but clearly I didn’t want anything else so much that it stuck in my head years later! I know that with other friends Mr Frosty is a regular mention – I don’t remember ever wanting one but certainly didn’t get it!
10. What is your favourite Christmas song?
I love “Stop the Cavalry” – no way to explain it, but I just adore it. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” also has a bit of a soft spot with me. I’ve got mixed feelings on Christmas music as a result of my time in retail. I must admit listening to Christmas FM in the car does bring on the happy feelings.
11. What’s the best part of Christmas for you?
Spending time with family, and everyone is just in such a good mood around the place.
If you’re feeling festive and want to take part, comment below so I can check out yours! What traditions and memories are the happiest you associate with the season?
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