You might have guessed, I’m slightly obsessed with all this Christmas this year. It’s Violet’s first Christmas, so it was going to happen! So, I was tagged by the lovely Laura to answer some festive questions and I couldn’t wait to share my answers with you.
What’s your favourite Christmas movie?
It doesn’t really feel like Christmas until I’ve watched Elf! I think I know every line, but it’s become a kind of tradition to watch it for me. As a family, we also love watching The Grinch.
Have you ever had a white Christmas?
I don’t think so – not that I can remember. To be fair, living on the south coast means it doesn’t snow very often and when it does, it’s usually very light, so I won’t hold my breathe for a white Christmas this year!
Where do you usually spend your holiday?
We don’t really have a ‘usual’ Christmas – last year V was working so I went to a friends house! But I think now that Violet has come along, our family tradition will be to spend it at home. Thats what we are doing this year.
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Ooh, so many choices, I love Christmas music and listen to Christmas music all through December! There are so many classics I love but this year I’ve been loving Sia’s new Christmas Album, especially the song ‘Candy Cane Lane‘. It’s not often I enjoy newer Christmas music but this is a fab, catchy album that’s been on repeat in our house.
Do you open any presents on Christmas eve?
I’ve never opened any presents on Christmas eve, but this year Violet has a Christmas eve box. This is a totally new tradition which I’ve not experienced myself, so we shall see how that goes.
I made a video of whats inside, if you fancy a peek!
Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Rudolph, Donner, Blitzen, Dancer, Dasher, Comet, Cupid, Prancer, Vixen (ok I totally cheated as this was already filled out by the last person) I think I probably would have got them eventually though!
What holiday traditions are you looking forward to this year?
As it’s our first as a family, we don’t really have any traditions YET, but we will be putting a mince pie and a carrot down for Santa, then putting Violet’s presents at the end of her bed once she’s asleep. We are also planning to take Violet to church on Christmas morning.
Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
We have an artificial pre-lit Christmas tree, and it looks AMAZINGLY real, plus it was so easy to put up! We’ve had so many compliments on it this year. Violet loves the twinkly lights and of course, trying to pull the baubles off it – I’ve had to move the bottom two rows up out of grabbing distance, so it’s got a bit of a bare bottom (haha ☺️) but it still looks good! We also have a gorgeous Noel Reed Diffuser from the Crabtree and Evelyn Christmas range, which honestly is like Christmas tree scent bottled. As you walk in the room it smells of beautiful festive pine, you’d think it was a real tree the scent is so real! I’m actually really pleased we went with this tree as it doesn’t drop needles, so it means there aren’t any on the floor for Violet to put in her mouth. We had a real tree once and Robbies waggly tail literally beat all the needles off, so by Christmas day it was a twig!
What’s your favourite holiday food/treat/sweet?
Where do I start? I LOVE Christmas food (who doesn’t!). Some of my favourite treats are: Mince Pies, Christmas pudding, brandy butter, Yule Log and Quality Streets! We usually do a big food shop from M&S just before Christmas to stock up on our favourites. On Christmas Day we will have roast dinner but with a Quorn roast as we are all vegetarians.
Be honest. Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?
I love both – watching peoples reactions to presents is always lovely, but opening something special and being spoilt is obviously a treat too.
What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received?
From my childhood it’s the little things I remember the most, I used to LOVE opening my stocking, feeling it on the end of my bed with my toes. It would just have little things like sweets, pens and small toys (with a clementine and a nut at the bottom, of course!) but it’s the little memories that stick with you.
What’s your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
I’d love to visit New York one year, it would be magical. You can bring Christmas joy to any destination though, the year before last we were on a cruise ship along the Nile, so I’m used to slightly unconventional Christmases!
Are you a pro present wrapper or do you fail miserably?
Hopefully a pro! Last year I went on a present wrapping course with M&S and wrapped presents for children at Great Ormond Street Hospital, from that I picked up loads of good tips and techniques which I’ll use every year.
What’s your most memorable Christmas memory?
We always had slightly unconventional Christmases so they were all different really. I remember going for a curry quite a few times on Christmas day! Not sure I’d do that now, think we are aiming more along the traditional route for bringing Violet up.
What made you realise the truth about Christmas?
Haha, my Mum still feels bad about this now. I wrote a letter to Santa and left it by the fireplace, I then caught my Mum and Dad (and their friends over at the time) looking at it, they couldn’t believe I still believed in Father Christmas. I thought they were laughing at me at the time, but looking back as an adult, they were probably just thinking it was sweet, but the cover was blown.
What makes the holidays special for you?
Spending quality time together as a family. I can’t wait to sit by the tree and watch Violet open her presents on Christmas Day morning. Her face will be a picture, although I know this year she’ll be more interested in the wrapping paper! I just love having some time to totally switch off, snuggle up by the fire and EAT LOADS!!!
And that’s it! Christmas hasn’t always been traditional for us, but now we are a family I can’t wait to create our own traditions. Here are the bloggers I’m tagging to take part, although feel free to join in, if you fancy it!
Maisie – Love, Maisie
Suzanne – And Ruby Makes Four
Rachael – Tots and Tantrums
Debbie – Hello Deborah