I’ve been writing my blog for over 4 years now and I’m finding it difficult this year to create a new Christmas post, my decorations are similar to previous years, as are the events we’ve been too and I’ve written in detail about these in the past.  I have been doing a weekly update on Tommy’s hiding places and the #littleloves posts have been highlighting some of our favourite things we’ve done this Christmas.  A few days ago, I read Kimberley’s Christmas Tag at 

https://ohjustmylittleblog.com/blogmas/the-christmas-tag-2/

so have chosen to use this as a model for a Christmas post this year whilst I try to work out a few new ideas for Christmas 2018.  Thanks to Kimberley for sharing ..

What’s your favourite Christmas Movie? 

Whilst there are so many great Christmas films, my favourite is the Muppet Christmas Carol.  Its brilliant, true to the original book, funny and has some great songs in it too. 

Have you ever had a white Christmas?  

I don’t think I’ve ever had a white Christmas.  On the children’s first Christmas in 2010 we had heavy snow the week before Christmas but it melted after a few days to leave a bright, dry Christmas day.  I can’t remember any childhood white Christmases.  

 

Where do you usually spend your holiday? 

I think its a little contentious with extended family, but we have often gone away for Christmas.  As a teacher I always have a two week break and as Mr S is self employed, Christmas is also a good time for him to have time off too.  We’re not skiers so the breaks have tended to be to hot, sunny places and we’ve had Christmases in Australia, the Caribbean and we’ve had UK breaks too.  Even with the children we’ve had Christmas holidays, one year we did Christmas at Butlins which was lots of fun and last year we were in Lanzarote.  Santa arriving on a camel was memorable! If we’re not on holiday then we always have Christmas at our house.  

 

 

What’s your favourite Christmas song? 

I love Christmas songs and its difficult to pick just one favourite, I have done a post here on my favourite Christmas songs 

https://seasidesparkles.net/2015/12/22/christmas-songs/

but to be honest all Christmas songs make me happy as long as they are played from December 1st, I’m a bit bah humbug until that date!  This year, I have really liked Stevie Wonder’s That’s What Christmas Means to Me, its been played a few times in the Sparkles household.  I also really like Christmas carols and some classical pieces at this time of year.  

Do you open any presents on Christmas eve? 

No and I wouldn’t even be tempted.  I love the excitement of Christmas morning. 

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? 

Yes because when I was in junior school we had to learn by heart Twas the Night Before Christmas in which they are all named and I can still recite it from memory, a useful party piece at this time of you, so thank you Mrs Williams! 

What holiday traditions are you looking forward to this Christmas? 

As our family, we have developed our own little traditions over the past seven Christmases.  Tommy our elf on the shelf, is probably my favourite tradition as the children love him so much.  He hides every evening but he isn’t a mischievous elf and writes a letter every day to tell the children of all the positive things he saw them doing the day before.  I love hiding him and am so grateful for all the magic he has created.  Other family traditions are going to the town’s Christmas market and then having a fish and chip lunch, doing a tour of Christmas lights, making gingerbread decorations, visiting the Christmas tree festival and the children wearing new pyjamas on Christmas eve.   

Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

This year its fake, we bought it last year for when we were going to be away as we still wanted to decorate the house.  Its a really nice tree and I was happy to use it again this year.  In the past, we have had real trees so I’m sure we’ll have a discussion next year on whether to have a real or fake tree.  

 What’s your favourite holiday food/sweet/treat?

Chestnuts, Christmas cake, cheese with fruits.  Normally I have a really sweet tooth but I like the savoury dishes at Christmas.  

Be honest, do you prefer the giving or receiving of gifts?

Definitely giving.  I try to give very thoughtful gifts and am always on the look out for original and personal gifts.  This year I bought my first in May as I saw something I just knew would be perfect for my cousin.  I have a little Christmas notebook where I jot down ideas, purchases etc.. throughout the year.  

What’s the best Christmas present you ever received?

Tickets to go to my first ever concert Aha at the Albert Hall, a lilac bike Candy, a clarinet, a music stereo, an engagement ring.  

What’s your dream place to visit for the holiday season?

I would LOVE to go to New York in the run up to Christmas for the shopping, sights and shows.  

Are you a pro present wrapper or do you fail miserably?

I am very coordinated with paper, bows and labels and try to present my gifts as neatly as I can.  I do find some shapes very tricky to wrap and may use tissue and gift bags.  

Most memorable Christmas memory?

The children’s first Christmas with us in 2010.  It took us 7 years to have the family we had dreamed of and in those 7 years, Christmas was very, very difficult and a period simply to get through.  From 2010, it has become the most magical time of the year and we cherish every single moment.  

What made you realise the truth about Santa?

I think it was probably from children at school.  However my mum had this rule that if we didn’t believe we wouldn’t get presents so in our family we all still believe!

What makes the holidays special for you?

I genuinely enjoy the preparation and anticipation of Christmas, the concerts, special events etc…  Christmas is about being in the moment, taking time to be with those you love and thinking of those who can’t be with you.  Its relaxed times, good food, lovely music and sparkly lights.