Christmas Tag Post

(Last Updated On: 29/08/2019)

Many thanks to Jo at A Rose Tinted World for tagging me in this (created by Nicole) – finally getting round to filling in my answers!

1. Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?

It’s got to be giving. I love choosing gifts for people (see my gift guides, which I loved compiling: for grandparents, for new parents and eco-friendly gifts) and each year it comes as a surprise to me that I might actually get something myself. Now that I have kids, nothing beats watching them unwrap their presents.

2. Do you make and stick to New Year’s resolutions?

No and no. I love setting goals for myself but in my opinion, January is the most miserable month so it’s hard to ditch our crutches then.

3. Have you ever made a snowman?

Last winter we had loads of snow which means we made snowmen at every available opportunity. We even made a snow Gruffalo (we’re a bit Gruffalo-obsessed…).

4. Is your Christmas tree real or fake, and what theme do you prefer?

It’s fake. One day we will start buying a real tree each year, but whilst we are still in the toddler years, we will stick with the fake tree. Our baubles are a real mish mash of ones we have collected over the years plus ones the kids have made but overall there’s a bit of a gold theme. I love the annual trip down memory lane that we take when we unpack the decorations.

5. Most memorable holiday moment?

Announcing to our families that we were expecting our first baby on Christmas day 2014. It had been a long wait for us all so it was very emotional.

6. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to this year?

We have started an annual decoration of a gingerbread house, which we will be doing this weekend.

7. What is the best Christmas present you have ever received?

When I was younger, my parents bought me a Nintendo Wii – I wanted one but never dreamed to ask for one because they were expensive. It was a genuine surprise and we had a great Christmas that year, playing Wii sports together.

8. What are your favourite holiday foods?

You can’t beat turkey and all the trimmings. The secret to a great Christmas dinner is a sensational gravy. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

9. What is your favourite Christmas film?

It’s a Wonderful Life. I remember my dad forcing me to watch it one year, back when I thought all black and white films must be terrible, and I unexpectedly loved it.

10. What is your favourite Christmas song?

‘Driving Home for Christmas’ evokes strong memories of heading down the road to my mum and dad’s house for Christmas in the years after I had moved out but before I started my own family. Work done, out of office on, a few days of relaxation and over-indulgence ahead.

11. What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

Being able to spend quality time with my family. Putting the phones away and talking and playing board games. In a word: reconnecting.

12. What would be your dream place to visit at Christmas time?

There’s no place like home when it comes to Christmas, in my opinion. When I was younger I was desperate to spend Christmas in New York (thanks, Home Alone 2…) but now I am older and wiser I don’t think I would enjoy being away from home.

13. Who do you spend Christmas with?

These days I prefer to host, whilst the kids are little – which means that we have our family plus one or sometimes even two sets of grandparents. Chaotic but fun!

14. When do you start getting excited about Christmas?

Straight after Halloween. Which might sound early, but when I was a kid I have memories of circling things in the Argos catalogue in August, so I am getting better!

15. You have one Christmas wish – what will it be?

Health and happiness for my loved ones.

I’m not going to tag anyone because I have left it so late to fill this in and I don’t want to put the pressure on anyone this close to Christmas!