The Christmas Tag 2013

Hey guys,

With Christmas on the horizon, it's fair to say I'm already getting in to the Christmas spirit, so I've decided to give The Christmas Tag a go.

You've probably seen it making it's way across the Blogosphere, but it originally came from the Make Up Pixi. I actually blogged a similar tagged post of hers last Christmas, but as this one is a little different I thought there was no harm in giving this one a go, too.

1.  Do you prefer a real Christmas tree or synthetic?

I personally prefer real Christmas trees- you just can't beat the smell of them! But, we've not had a real Christmas tree since I was about ten. 

2.  You're in a coffee shop, it's December, what do you pick?

A trip to a coffee shop is a rare treat, and since I don't drink tea or coffee (shock, horror!), you'll probably find me ordering a hot chocolate from Costa (sans cream, as I'm lactose intolerant). 

3.  Whats your favourite colour scheme for decorating the tree?

Colour schemes? What are those?

We've never gone with a theme for our trees. Our tree is basically an ornamental tree-shaped  memory box adorned with ornaments in all sorts of colours and designs that we've collected over our life times. There are decorations from my childhood, my Mum's childhood and I think a few from my Nana's, and unwrapping them to hang every December always brings back good memories. We usually add a few new decorations to the collection every year, and I love that our tree is so sentimental and meaningful. I'd take that over a colour-coordinated scheme any day! 

4.  Giving or receiving?

Giving! I love to buy gifts for my family and friends, and put a huge amount of time, thought, and effort in to buying the perfect presents, and wrapping them up in pretty gift wrap. Obviously, I love to shop, but I also love to see my loved ones' faces when I've got the gift just right.

5.  To mince pie or not to?

I'll pass, thanks. I've never been a fan.

6.  What's your traditional Sunday lunch?

On Christmas Day, we have turkey with all the trimmings. That usually includes my Mum's sage and onion stuffing (it includes sausage meat and is so delicious); roast and mashed potatoes, butternut squash, parsnips, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, peas, swede, pigs in blankets etc., and various condiments. (Obviously we don't all eat a bit of everything. I would die.) Now and then we've been known to add in something different to try, like goose, gammon, or a different veggie recipe, but we always have turkey for Christmas. It's a once-a-year indulgent meal, which makes it all the more special. 

7.  Christmas day fashion

I'm usually in my pyjamas until ten or eleven am, then I like to get dressed up in a pretty dress, do my make up, and wear my swarovski earrings and a ring which I save for special occasions. They're quite a statement and dazzle when the light hits them; perfect for Christmas! 

8.  What's your favourite Christmas song?

Christmas songs are a big weakness of my mine, so I have a few faves. Let's see...

All Alone on Christmas by Darlene Love.

Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin Stevens

Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade.

A Spaceman Came Traveling by Chris de Burgh.
I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake.

Stop the Cavalry by Jona Lewie.

Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney.

Fairytale of New York by The Pogues.

Last Christmas by Wham.

It's Only Christmas by Ronan Keating.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (just about all versions from Judy Garland to Ronan Keating).

... honestly, I could continue listing all night! 

9.  What's your favourite Christmas film?

I'm not sure I can answer with just one, because I love my Christmas films. I've been known to start watching some of them in September... My favourites are definitely The Family Stone, Santa Claus The Movie, Christmas with the Kranks, Love Actually, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone 1 & 2, Miracle on 34th Street, The Snowman, and The Santa Clause.

10.  Open presents before or after lunch?

We've always opened our presents before lunch... generally at the crack of dawn! My Mum won't let us sleep past about 7am on Christmas Day and will drag us out of bed to open presents if we're not up! Now I think about it, this is probably pay back for all those years my sisters and I pestered them from about three in the morning to let us go open presents and begin Christmas until they gave in around six each year. Well played, Mum. 

We usually open presents from about 7am, beginning with our gifts to each other, and then others under the tree. My older sister and my brother in law are usually round by 12:00pm, and we exchange presents with them soon after their arrival, before we sit down for dinner around 1-2pm.

If you want to give this tag a go yourself, please check out the original post over on the Make Up Pixi's blog.