Polka Spots and Freckle Dots: Just For Fun

The Christmas Book Blogger Tag

The Amazing Christmas Tag

I've seen the Amazing Christmas Tag on a couple of blogs this week, and since I still need to take photos for a few blog posts I have planned, I've decided to give it a go, too.

There are sixteen questions and sixteen answers, and if you want to know where I'm spending Christmas this year, what colour my Christmas lights are, or what I left out for Santa when I was a kid, today is your lucky day!

1. When do your decorations go up?

I used to start decorating for Christmas on the 1st of December, but these days, it varies depending on when I can catch a good pain day. I try to do my bedroom decorations during the first week of December (although, I haven't yet this year), but the last few years, we haven't got to the main decorations until a few days before Christmas. This year? We're actually planning to tackle it today!

2. Who is the Scrooge in your family or friendship group?

It's definitely my Dad. He's not anti-Christmas, but it's more of a religious holiday to him, and he can get annoyed if the decorations go up too early, and by the excessiveness of it all. I've lost count of how many times he's jokingly told us Christmas was cancelled over the years.

3. If money were no object, how and where would you spend Christmas?

I'd love to experience Christmas in New York; in a log cabin somewhere in Scandanavia with a lot of snow and views of the Aurora Borealis; and also somewhere hot and tropical, like Australia. But, in all honesty, I think nothing would compare to celebrating Christmas at home.

4. Who do you find the hardest to buy presents for?

My Dad is a nightmare to buy presents for. He doesn't really have hobbies anymore, he can't drink because of his health, his idea of a skincare regime is soap and water, and he's diabetic, so sugar is out. And to make it worse, his birthday is a month before Christmas, so it makes it twice as hard to come up with something new that he'll actually like. I struggle with him every year.

5. What did you leave out for Santa when you were a child?

We usually left out a mince pie, and a shandy, plus sometimes a carrot for the reindeer.

6. Where did you spend last Christmas?

I just spent it at home in The Cotswolds, with my family.

7. Do you have a real or artificial Christmas tree?

We have an artificial tree in the living room, but I always get a small real tree for my bedroom, too. Best of both worlds!

8. Which celebrity would you love to spend Christmas with?

I'm not sure I'd actually want to spend Christmas with a celebrity. I'd probably be too nervous to actually enjoy myself, or they wouldn't be as nice as they appeared on TV, and it would change how I saw them.

9. How are you spending this Christmas?

I'll be spending Christmas at home with my family, like I always do. We'll do some baking, and have a family buffet on Christmas Eve, with lots of tasty nibbles. And on Christmas Day, my sister, brother-in-law, and Auntie are joining us for the day, so it'll be a low-key Christmas with all the usual things- presents, Christmas dinner, movies, games, nibbles- and should be really lovely.

10. Do you own an ugly Christmas sweater?

Ugly? My Christmas jumpers are cute, thank you very much!

11. If you could be under the mistletoe with anyone, who would it be?

I wouldn't say 'no' to Jason Momoa.

12. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Only once. We had one of the coldest winters I've ever known in 2010, with temperatures well below freezing in the day time, and icicles the length of my arm hanging from the windows. We had a few heavy snow falls before Christmas, and while it didn't snow on Christmas Day, so it's not an official white Christmas, we still had about a foot of it on the ground on Christmas morning, so I'm counting it. It was magical, and I remember my Mum buried the frozen turkey in the snow to save on freezer space! We don't get a lot of snow in south east England, so it was a real novelty, and I doubt we'll ever have a Christmas like it again.

13. Do you use coloured lights on your tree, or white?

We have coloured lights on the living room tree, and I currently use warm white lights for my bedroom tree.

14. Have you finished your holiday shopping, or are you a last-minute gift-getter?

I actually finished my Christmas shopping last week! I always pick up presents throughout the year, to spread the cost, but I'm not usually this organised already. I'm not gonna lie, it feels good! I could never leave gift-giving 'til the last minute. I feel stressed just thinking about it.

15. What's on your Christmas wish list for 2024?

My Christmas list is 90% books this year, but I also have my eye on a few dresses, Erstwilder brooches, Too Faced make up sets, and some new bookshelves. I'll be blogging my Christmas wish list this week, but if you want to see what I have my eye on, you can find my Christmas list board on Pinterest here.

16. How do you plan to spend holiday cheer in 2024?

Just by giving presents and cards to my family and friends, wishing people a Merry Christmas, posting festive content, and if I have enough money to spare, I want to donate to a food bank, and put a box of goodies together for a homeless person.

And that is the Amazing Christmas Tag.

If you want to give it a go on your own blog, consider yourself tagged! Just be sure to leave me a link to your post so that I can have a read.

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

You Might Also Like

The Christmas Songs Book Tag

The Christmas Songs Book Tag

The Christmas Book Blogger Tag

I saw the Christmas Book Blogger Tag on a couple of blogs, and thought it would be fun to jump on the band wagon, so here we are. Let's do this!

What is your favourite Christmas scene in a book?

I love the Christmas scene in Little Women when Beth is recovering from scarlet fever, and Mr. Lawrence gives her his late daughter's piano. It makes me cry every time.

Oh, and also the scene in A Court of Frost and Starlight when Azriel takes it upon himself to fix the Solstice decorations Cassian and Feyre made a drunken mess of hanging; when he gets exasperated, and gets caught downing Rhys' good wine. His reaction is hilarious!

Do you have any Christmas book traditions?

Not really. The only ones I can think of are that I try to read festive books during December, and my older sister and I usually go sale-book-shopping between Christmas and New Year. I might have to make shopping for new festive books before Christmas a thing, though.

Do you prefer to get presents of book vouchers or books?

I honestly don't have a preference. Either way, I get new books. I love receiving new books people have chosen for me or picked off my wishlist, and gift vouchers are great because I'm a pro at getting more for the money during the Boxing Day sales.

Do you give books as presents?

Yes, I do. My family are all readers, so I gift books as part of their presents almost every year. A few people will be getting books off me this year, too.

What bookish item is on your Christmas wishlist?

I'm unlikely to get them, especially as they're from international brands, but I would love the Everything Nice Reading Companion from The Quirky Cup Collective; and the Kingdom of the Wicked Favourite Sin blanket from Litjoy Crate.

What three books would you love Santa to have in his sack for you?

1. The T. Kingfisher set of The Twisted Ones, The Hollow Places, and House with Good Bones from Illumicrate.

2. The Bride of the Shadow King trilogy from Illumicrate.

3. The King of Scars Annotated Special Edition Boxset from Litjoy Crate.

Fake Christmas tree or real Christmas tree?

We always have a fake Christmas tree in the living room, and I always get a small real one for my bedroom, so I have the best of both worlds. I always thought I prefered real ones, but I think fake trees are much less hassle.

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

I particularly love seeing all the Christmas lights and decorations brightening up in the dark winter nights; giving gifts to my family and friends; and watching Christmas movies.

What Christmas book would you recommend?

I'd recommend:

♥ Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

♥ Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar.

♥ Upon a Frosted Star by M.A. Kuzniar.

♥ A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

♥ A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas.

♥ Noel Streatfield's Christmas Stories.

♥ A Merry Christmas and Other Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott.

What dish on the Christmas menu are you most looking forward to?

My brother-in-law's goose-fat roast potatoes. They're so damn good! And also my blackberry and apple trifle and my sister's Squidgy Chocolate Log, because they're both delicious.

When do you open your Christmas presents?

We open ours once everyone is up on Christmas morning. And then exchange presents with my older sister and brother-in-law when they arrive around midday.

What's your favourite Christmas song?

It's probably between Last Christmas by Wham, I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake, and It's Only Christmas by Ronan Keating.

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

I would love to have another white Christmas, as I've only ever had one (in 2010), and it was magical. It was so cold, we had snow on the ground for weeks, and icicles the length of my arm hanging from the windows! It rarely snows in Oxfordshire at the end of the year, though, so it's unlikely to happen again any time soon.

I hope you've enjoyed The Christmas Book Blogger Tag. If you want to take part, consider yourself tagged! Just make sure to leave the links to your posts in the comments so I can have a read!

What's your favourite Christmas book?

You Might Also Like

The Quarter Year Book Tag

I came across The Quarter Year Book Tag on another blog, and thought it would be fun to give it a go to think about what I've read so far this year.

It was originally created by Roison's Reading on Youtube, but I found it on The Shelf of Unread Books.

On a side note- can you believe we're already nearly a third of the way through 2024? Where has the year gone?

Anyway, let's get started.

Here's The Quarter Year Book Tag.

How many books have you read so far?

I've only finished fifteen books so far this year, and I'll be starting my sixteenth today. It's not a lot compared to a lot of readers, but at least I'm a couple of books ahead of my reading goal for the year.

Have you found a book that you think might be a 2024 favourite?

At the moment, I think it's between The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, and Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas- although, House of Flame and Shadow was also brilliant. The books were so damn good, I've become completely addicted to both series, and haven't been able to stop thinking about them since I finished them. TSATWON is kinda like The Hunger Games with vampires and a stabby, vampire-raised human FMC, and Crescent City starts as an urban romantasy, murder-mystery, with epic world-building, shocking twists and turns, emotional annihilation, lots of action, fae, angels, mer, wolf-shifters, demons, the cutest otter mail carriers, and so much more. I'll be surprised if anything tops these books this year.

Any least favourite books of the year?

Definitely In The Shadows by L. B. August. I read an ARC of this last month, and if I hadn't been obligated to write a review, I would've DNFed it early on. I hate giving bad reviews as I feel mean criticising someone's work, especially as it was a debut from a new author, but the writing was so clumsy, repetitive, and badly-written, and the MMC was insufferable. Think Chaol Westfall in Queen of Shadows without any of his redeeming qualities. It had some enjoyable moments, but it basically read like a YA fanfic, which was weird since it had a fair amount of spice. I really had to force myself to get through it, and only awarded it 2.5 stars in the end.

Most read genre?

Definitely fantasy. In fact, I think everything I've read so far this year has been some kind of fantasy. I really need to mix it up with some other genres again, but I seem to be lost down a fantasy rabbit hole right now. Sorry, not sorry.

A book that surprised me?

I was surprised by House of Sky and Breath, and how slow-paced it was. With the way everybody raves about it, I thought it was going to be another explosive, fast-paced read that would blow my mind, like House of Earth and Blood. In reality? Even though I really enjoyed it, I actually found parts of it super slow and incredibly boring- especially the whole Thunderbird storyline. And any time Ithan opened his mouth. I enjoyed Hunt and Bryce, and Ruhn and Lidia's storylines, but it wasn't until the last quarter that it really started to get exciting. The finale was amazing, though- especially the very last chapter!

A book that came out in 2024 that I haven't read yet?

Bride by Ali Hazelwood, but it only came out in February and I only got myself a copy last week, so it's not exactly shameful behaviour. I keep hearing good things about it, though, so I can't wait to read it.

One goal you made that you're succeeding at?

I'm currently ahead on my 2024 reading goal by a couple of books, so I feel like that's off to a successful start.

One goal that you need to focus on?

I've fallen a little behind with writing book reviews in my reading journal, mostly as I'm still playing catch-up on writing reviews for books I read last year. I had hoped to keep up with them and add them after finishing each book, so I need to work harder at it. I've almost caught-up now, so hopefully once I have, I'll stand a better chance at keeping it up to date.

And that's The Quarter Year Book Tag.

I never know who to tag in these things, so if you see this and want to take part, consider yourself tagged.

If you decide to give it a go, remember to leave a link to your post so I can have a read!

What's the best book you've read so far this year?

You Might Also Like

The A-Z Bookish Survey

The Goodreads Book Tag

The Autumn Reading Tag

20 Questions Book Tag

The Christmas Songs Book Tag 2023

I've seen The Christmas Songs Book Tag doing the rounds on a couple of blogs this Christmas, so I'm here to give it a go, too.

There are ten bookish questions based on Christmas songs, and if you want to know who my favourite bookish couples are, what books I love to read over the holidays, and which books I'm looking forward to, keep reading!

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You: Favourite Bookish Couple.

I have so many favourite bookish couples and don't think I can pick just one. I love Cassian and Nesta from ACOTAR; Lorcan and Elide, and Rowan and Aelin from Throne of Glass (and all the other TOG couples- there are so many good ones); Jacks and Evangeline from Once Upon a Broken Heart; Violet and Xaden from Fourth Wing; Casteel and Poppy (and Kieran) from the Blood and Ash books; Jude and Cardan from The Folk of the Air; Nikolai and Zoya from King of Scars; the Crows couples; and... okay, I'll stop now; I could easily keep listing all day!

2. I'll Be Home For Christmas: Name a Book Where a Character is Away From Home (School, Vacation etc).

Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar. It's a retelling of The Nutcracker, about a young woman who escapes through a portal in a grandfather clock on Christmas Eve, and finds herself in a magical snow-draped world filled with gingerbread houses, moose-drawn sleighs, and miniature reindeer. Things quickly turn less magical when she's taken prisoner by the cruel king, and is forced to dance day after day until he tires of her. She has to find a way to escape his abuse, but things get complicated when she grows closer to the captain of the guard who is risking his life to keep her safe. It's a magical festive read, so I'd highly recommend it for over the holidays. You can find my review of it here.

3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Name Your Favourite Little Book (Children's story, short story, novella etc).

I really love How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black from The Folk of the Air Series. It's an illustrated book full of short stories telling several poignant scenes from The Cruel Prince from Cardan's POV, as well as some from his childhood, and a couple after The Queen of Nothing, too. It's such a fun collection of stories, and I love getting the insight into why Cardan did some of the things he did during the series, like forcing Jude and Taryn into the pond, cornering Jude after the warrior trials, and drunkenly riding a horse through the school. It's cute seeing him exploring the mortal world with Jude, too.

I also love The Assassin's Blade novellas from the Throne of Glass series- especially The Assassin and the Healer, which tells the story of how Celaena and Yrene first met, and The Assassin and the Empire, which painfully counts down to Sam's tragic death, and Celaena being betrayed and sentenced to slavery in the salt mines. I wrote a review of it here.

4. Santa Claus is Coming to Town: What Book(s) Do You Hope Santa Brings You This Year?

I have so many books on my wish list, but I would be especially thrilled to find the Illumicrate Olivie Blake duo of Masters of Death and One For My Enemy under my tree, because they look stunning. I'm also dying to get my hands on the gorgeous new Hunger Games deluxe box set which seems to be sold out everywhere, the Owlcrate edition of Fall of Ruin and Wrath, and the Barnes and Nobles exclusives of Jennifer L Armentrout's Fire in the Flesh series.

5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: Which Book Turned Your Nose Red (Made You Cry)?

I sobbed my heart out during the aftermath of Sam's death in The Assassin's Blade (one of the saddest deaths ever), and through most of Kingdom of Ash- especially the torture and death scenes. I also bawled my eyes out at the end of The Ballad of Never After, and when a beloved character died in Fourth Wing (I'm never getting over it).

6. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Your Favourite Book / Kind of Book to Read During the Holidays.

I love to read festive-themed books during the holidays to get me in the mood for Christmas. I often return to Christmas classics like A Christmas Carol and Little Women, but I've discovered some great fantasy books in the last year that I think will be reread during future Christmases from now on, like Midnight in Everwood and Upon a Frosted Star by M. A. Kuzniar, and A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas.

7. We Three Kings: Your Favourite trilogy.

I'm finding it hard to choose between The Folk of the Air, Shadow and Bone, Once Upon a Broken Heart, and The Hunger Games.

8. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow: A Character You'd Love to be Snowed in With.

I wouldn't say 'no' to being snowed in with Cassian from ACOTAR. Although, it would also be a lot of fun to be snowed in with Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn from A Court of Silver Flames- especially in The House of Wind, so we could have a fun grown up sleepover in a library with miniature pegasuses and play dress up in bathtubs full of bubbles but no water. Their sleepover scene was so whimsical, and I loved it!

9. Last Christmas: A Book That Seriously Let You Down.

The only book I can really think of from recent years is Femlandia by Christina Dalcher. I usually love her books and was looking forward to it for ages, but it was no where near as good as the others. It was about a sinister women-only feminist commune and the extreme ways they went about ensuring they only had female babies, and it was pretty disturbing. And dull. And the man-hating was too much to be enjoyable, even as a piece of fiction. Would not recommend it.

10. White Christmas: An Upcoming Release You're Dreaming About.

I'm really looking forward to the sequel to The Stolen Heir, The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black, which comes out in March. And also Crescent City three, House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas, which is set to be released next month. I haven't even read the first two books yet (I'm planning to after Christmas), but I can't wait for the ACOTAR cross over!

And that's The Christmas Songs Book Tag!

If you're reading this and want to take part in the tag on your own blog, consider yourself tagged. Be sure to leave me a link to your post in the comments so I can read your answers!

What's your favourite book to read over the holidays?

You Might Also Like

The Christmas Day Tag

I've come across the The Christmas Day Tag, which was created by Nina Louise Law and Becc4, on a few blogs lately, and thought it would be fun to give it a go myself.

This tag is all about this year's Christmas plans, so if you'd like to know how I'll be spending Christmas day, what I'll be eating for Christmas dinner, and what Christmas films I'll be watching, today is your lucky day.

Introducing The Christmas Tag:

What time do you wake up?

These days, I'm usually up around 8-9am on Christmas Day. I'm too old for that 6am Christmas morning excitement, but I also don't like to sleep in too late and miss too much of the day.

Where will you be spending the day?

I'll just be spending Christmas at home with my family.

What will you be wearing?

I haven't got my outfit picked out yet, but most likely a Lady Vintage Lyra dress with leggings (and Erstwilder Christmas accessories!) because those dresses make it look like I've made the effort, while also being super comfortable and able to accommodate all that extra food.

What games will you be playing?

If we can be bothered to play any games together, it will probably be a good ol' game of Monopoly, or maybe Rummikub, if we want something more non-committal. I'll almost certainly be logging on to Animal Crossing to enjoy the festivities on my island some time during the day, too.

What will you be eating?

We always have a turkey roast with all the trimmings on Christmas Day. That's generally made up of turkey, sage and onion stuffing (made with sausage meat), roast and mashed potatoes, parsnips, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, swede, and Yorkshire puddings, and whatever extras my sister and brother-in-law decide to bring this year. For dessert, we'll likely have the choice of my blackberry and apple trifle, my sister's Squidgy chocolate log (a lighter-than-air chocolate swiss roll filled with cream and chocolate mousse), and my Mum's apple pie. There'll also be plenty of nibbles like chocolates, biscuits, and nuts to snack on during the day, and if, by some miracle, we're hungry in the evening, we usually have turkey sandwiches for a late dinner.

What will you be drinking?

I'm not really supposed to drink on my painkillers, so I'll probably just be sticking to soft drinks again this year.

What will you be watching?

You'll find us watching whatever good festive films are on TV over Christmas- Santa Claus the Movie and The Muppets Christmas Carol are favourites with everyone in our house- and we almost always watch whatever Disney film is on on BBC1 in the afternoon after Christmas dinner. Or any classics like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Mary Poppins. In the evening, I might watch whatever festive drama is on TV or curl up with another Christmas movie or two, like The Holiday or Love Actually.

What do you hope to find under the tree on Christmas Day?

I would be thrilled to get some pretty new books (especially the Illumicrate Olivie Blake set and the new Hunger Games deluxe boxset), a new TV for my room, or this Loungefly Lady and the Tramp backpack.

Who will you be spending the day with?

I'll be spending the day with my parents, sisters, and brother-in-law. As well as my dog, Rosie, and my sister's dog, Mia.

When will you be opening your presents?

We usually open our presents together when everyone's up- around 9am these days, and then exchange presents with my older sister and brother-in-law when they arrive around midday.

And that's The Christmas Tag.

If you're reading this post and want to have a go at The Christmas Tag on your own blog or socials, consider yourself tagged! Be sure to leave me a link to your post if you take part so that I can read your answers!

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

You Might Also Like

The Ultimate Christmas Tag

I love a good tag post, and today I have a fun, festive one for you called The Ultimate Christmas Tag.

If you want to know what my favourite Christmas films are, which Christmas songs I'd sing at karaoke, or what my favourite Christmas memory is, keep reading to find out.

Introducing, The Ultimate Christmas Tag:

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

I'm torn between seeing all the pretty lights and decorations everywhere, giving presents to my family and friends, and enjoying Christmas dinner with my family, as we only sit around a table together a couple of times a year,

Do you have any Christmas traditions you CANNOT forget about each year?

We don't really have any big Christmas traditions in my family, just little ones like we always have to have a tin of Cadbury Roses in the house, we never put up the family Christmas tree without listening to an old Christmas album called 100% Christmas (which we've been decorating trees with since 1994), and certain desserts have to be made. I always make an apple and blackberry trifle, my sister has to make her chocolate squidgy log (old Delia recipe), and my Mum must make an apple pie- or Christmas is ruined. We need some new traditions!

Is there a song that just gets you in to the Christmas spirit?

Last Christmas by Wham never fails to make me feel festive. I think it's because it was always one of the first songs we'd listen to when decorating the tree for Christmas, so it brings up those nostalgic Christmas feelings.

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

I can't choose between Santa Claus the Movie and The Muppets Christmas Carol. They're both amazing, and have been my favourites since childhood.

What food is your must have at Christmas time?

Forget Christmas cake and mince pies; it wouldn't be Christmas in our house without a tub of Cadbury Roses, some turkey sandwiches, all the desserts I mentioned earlier, and my brother-in-law's goose-fat roast potatoes.

If you had to choose between Michael Buble's Christmas album and Justin Bieber's Christmas album, which one would you choose and why?

Personally, I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than listen to either, but if I had to choose, I guess Michael Buble's would be the lesser of two forms of torture. For the record, I didn't mind his when it first came out, but it's become so inescapable that I've come to hate it.

What is your favourite memory about Christmas?

When I was little, I was so excited for Christmas, I woke around 3am on Christmas morning, and couldn't get back to sleep. My older sister was awake in the next room, so I crawled in to bed with her, and we came up with a plan to get Christmas morning to start earlier. Our 'brilliant' plan was to turn the clock forward a few hours, and I was sent to wake up our parents with the evidence that it was clearly morning, and time to open presents. Of course, their alarm clocks betrayed us, and they weren't fooled, but they gave in and let us get up at 6am, an hour earlier than they'd usually let us on Christmas Day. It's probably sounds really boring to you, but I just remember us both laughing a lot, and the memory still makes me smile.

When do you start decorating your place for Christmas?

We start decorating our home for Christmas from the 1st of December, although, in recent years, everyone's been so tired, and busy, sometimes we haven't get around to decorating downstairs until a few days before Christmas. I think this year might be one of those years as we haven't even started yet! I'm hoping to put decorations up in my bedroom over the next couple of days, though, as I finally picked up a little tree this morning.

If you were at Christmas karaoke, which 5 songs would you play?

Let's be clear; you won't ever catch me doing karaoke, so if you ever do, I must be very, very drunk or an imposter. Send for help. I can't sing to save my life, and I hate having all eyes on me. But, if someone held a gun to my head and forced me to sing, I would probably go with:

Last Christmas by Wham.

Undcrneath the Tree by Kelly Clarkson.

Step in to Christmas by Elton John.

All Alone on Christmas by Darlene Love.

Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney.

What are your top 4 Christmas movies?

Probably:

Santa Claus the Movie

The Muppets Christmas Carol

Little Women (1994)

and...

either The Family Stone / The Holiday / The Santa Clause / Home Alone. Can't choose!

What does Christmas really mean to you?

Spending some quality time with my family, and having a good excuse to spoil everyone with presents.

How old were you when you started asking questions about Father Christmas?

Questions? Why would I ask questions about Santa? Oh, you mean, what kind of cookies he likes? I was six or seven.

What do you think makes Christmas so magical?

I think it's a bit of everything; the twinkling decorations, the childhood Christmas Eve / Christmas morning excitement, families and friends coming together, the way it brings out kindness and generosity in most people... It always seems to transform the world in to a happier, kinder place for a month or two, and never fails to brighten up the dark winter days, and if that's not magical, I don't know what is.

Share your favourite photos from a previous Christmas.

I love this one of my dog, Rosie, taken on her first Christmas in 2016, when we dressed her up for the first time. (The hair bows were only added briefly as a joke). The poor pupper was so confused by it all, but she looked adorable.

And that's The Ultimate Christmas Tag.

I tag... anyone who wants to take part.

If you decide to give the tag a go on your own blog, do send me the link to your post so I can have a read!

What's your favourite thing about Christmas time?

You Might Also Like

Puffin Classics A Christmas Carol Book Review

The Festive Christmas Book Tag

I found this fun bookish Christmas tag post a couple of years ago, and it's been sat in my drafts ever since, so I think it's time I gave it a go. There are eight festive book-related questions, and it was originally created by the Booktuber GirlReading.

1. A fictional family you would like to spend Christmas dinner with.

I think it would be so much fun to spend Christmas with the Weasely family at The Burrow, although, Christmas with the March family at Orchard House would be lovely, too.

2. A bookish item you would like to receive as a gift

Sprayed-edged books, bookmarks inspired by my favourite books, or custom Funko Pops of Jacks the Prince of Hearts or Nikolai Lantsov would go down very well with me. Or, y'know, just a big stack of new books.

3. A fictional character you think would make a perfect Christmas elf.

Trying to avoid saying the obvious one- 'Dobby', I think Nikolai Lantsov from the Shadow and Bone / King of Scars books would make an excellent Christmas elf. He loves to invent and build things, the demon inside him could help keep kids in line around Santa, and let's face it, he'd look adorable adjusting his lapels in an elf suit.

4. Match a book to its perfect Christmas song

I think Every Christmas Eve from the Santa Claus the Movie soundtrack would go perfectly with the first Christmas Eve scene in Little Women, when Marmee and the girls all settle around the fire to read the letter from Mr March, and are trying not to be sad that they're poor and not together.

5. Bah humbug! A book or fictional character you've been disappointed in and should be put on the naughty list.

Apollo from The Ballad of Never After. Considering what he did at the end of the book, he deserves to be be pelted with coal, and force-fed Brussels sprouts until the end of time. As should Stratt from Project Hail Mary for what she did to Ryland Grace.

6. A book or fictional character you think deserves more love and appreciation and deserves to be put on the nice list.

Jacks the Prince of Hearts from the Caraval and Once upon a Broken Hearts books. Yes, he can kill people with his kiss, and manipulates people to get what he wants, but underneath, he's got a gentle side, and doesn't hesitate to put himself in danger to save people he cares about. The poor guy has been through so much, and just wants to be loved, but he can't have it because his (supposed) one-true-love- the only girl he can't kill with his kiss- chose another, and his kiss will kill the girl he actually loves. (He definitely loves her, don't try to convince me otherwise). And after what happened at the end of The Ballad of Never After, I think he could do with a hug, and some presents. Maybe a gift card for some therapy, or a cure for his curses so he can go get his girl?

7. Red, gold, and green. A book cover that has a wonderfully Christmassy feel to it.

I have a beautiful soft-green hardback of The Way Past Winter by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (this one), and it looks so wintry and festive.

8. A book or series you loved so much, you want everyone to find under their Christmas tree this year so they can read it, and love it, too?

I've read so many great books this year, so this is a tough one. I can't pick just one.

For people who love a good fantasy series, I'd tell Santa to bring them the Shadow and Bone / Six of Crows / King of Scars books by Leigh Bardugo, which are all fantastic fantasy trilogies or duologies set in the same magical world. I loved them all so much, that I devoured all seven books in under two months, and became completely obsessed- especially with Nikolai, who is one of the best book characters ever. There's now a graphic novel prequel called The Demon in the Wood, and the two companion books are worth reading, as well.

For those who prefer stand-alone books, I'd gift Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, or The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber. They're easily four of my favourite reads of 2022, and you need to read them.

And that's The Festive Christmas Book Tag.

Feel free to have a go at the tag on your own blog. If you do, remember to send me the link to your post so I can read your answers!

Which book(s) do you love so much you'd gift it to everyone this Christmas?

You Might Also Like

A Literary Christmas: An Anthology Book Review

Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories Book Review

Christmas to Color by Mary Tanana: Adult Christmas Colouring Book Review

The Winter Tag

As I've ran out of photos for the other festive posts I have planned, and I haven't felt well enough to take any these last few days, I thought it would be fun to do another Christmas tag post to fill the void while I get myself organised.

Today, I'm giving The Winter Tag a go. If you'd like to know what my favourite holiday tradition is, if I love or hate snow, or where I prefer to spend the holidays, this is the day you'll find out.

1. What is your favourite holiday tradition?

I think it's probably sitting down to Christmas lunch with my family on Christmas Day. We only have a meal around the table together two or three times a year, so it always feels pretty special. The food is always delicious, and we always end up laughing about something random until someone almost chokes on a Brussels sprout. What's not to love?

2. What is your favourite winter scent?

I love the smell of turkey and sage and onion stuffing roasting in the oven on Christmas morning, and apple and cinnamon always smells amazing.

3. What is your favourite winter go-to fashion trend?

With so many Christmas presents to buy, I rarely have much money to spend on my wardrobe during the winter, so I usually just layer cardigans over dresses, and wear them with leggings and ankle boots. Then add cosy gloves and a scarf, if I'm cold. I don't think there's any trends involved!

4. What is your all time favourite holiday movie?

It's a tie between Santa Claus the Movie and The Muppets Christmas Carol. I grew up watching them every year, and it wouldn't be Christmas without watching them both multiple times.

5. What is your favourite all-time holiday tune?

I don't think I've got one favourite Christmas song. As I've said before, there are so many Christmas songs I love, and consider favourites. Some of those include (but aren't limited to):

Last Christmas by Wham.

I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake.

Step in to Christmas by Elton John.

A Spaceman Came Travelling by Chris de Burgh.

It's Only Christmas by Ronan Keating.

Underneath the Tree by Kelly Clarkson.

6. Do you prefer to travel or stay at home for the holidays?

I've always preferred to stay at home for Christmas. Celebrating anywhere else just wouldn't be the same. You can't beat your own traditions in your own home where you can relax and crawl in to your own bed at the end of the day. I would love to experience Christmas in New York one day, though.

7. What's your favourite winter activity?

Before chronic pain, it was probably going for walks in the snow, but now I can't really do that anymore, I'm going to say... doing Christmas cross stitching or curling up under a cosy blanket and reading for a few hours.

8. Do you love or hate the snow?

I've always loved snow, and hope for it every winter. The deeper, the better. I guess I'm just a big kid at heart.

9. What is one item on your wish list this year?

I'm not actually wishing for much at the moment. I found it really difficult to put together a wish list this year (post here) as I'm happy with what I have. I would love to get the Vendula London Flower Shop backpack, but it's been out of stock in the UK for a while, and I doubt I'll be lucky enough to ever get my hands on it.

10. What is your favourite holiday treat?

I've never been a fan of traditional Christmas treats like Christmas cake and mince pies, but I love our Christmas dinner (especially the roast potatoes), and the desserts my family make. And you can't beat a few Cadbury Roses. Ever since I was little, we've always had a tin or tub in the house at Christmas time, and it wouldn't be Christmas without some.

And that's The Winter Tag.

I tag... anyone who wants to give this tag a go! If you decide to take part, make sure you send me a link to your post so I can read your answers!

What's your favourite Christmas tradition?

You Might Also Like

The Winterlicious Tag