Christmas Tag

If I were in The Grinch, I’d be one of the Whos: I love everything about Christmas. (Aside from the sprouts, that is.) I love the horrendous jokes in the crackers, the seasonal treats and the nippy weather. Most of all, I love spending time with my family and friends. Merci beaucoup to Bola for nominating me for this tag (my favourite yet), and let’s crack on with the Q&A . . .

1 | What is your favourite Christmas film?

I’m a HUGE fan of Love Actually. Who isn’t? Rowan Atkinson’s gift wrapping scene is arguably the best bit, closely followed by Hugh Grant dancing down the stairs of 10 Downing Street.

2 | Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

We’ve always had a real one at home, bedecked with flashing fairy lights, copious amounts of tinsel and heaps of baubles. (That said, I do also have a small fake tree in my bedroom, which I bought from Woolworths yonks ago.)

Having a tree-mendous time choosing a tree at Tarvin Sands Reindeer Centre

3 | What is your favourite Christmas song?

I’ll listen to almost anything, but I never did get the fuss about Bublé’s covers of the classics. Carols always go down a treat (my favourite being ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’) and when it comes to the modern-ish stuff, I like Chris Rea’s ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ and Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’.

4 | What is your favourite Christmas scent?

I love the smell of pine needles, freshly-baked gingerbread and hot apple juice with cinnamon. (Sorry, that was three!)

Reindeer at Ely Christmas Gift & Food Fair

5 | Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

Growing up, Christmas Eve was usually spent driving down the M1 (or the M6, depending on which side of the family we were visiting) and sitting in a fair bit of traffic. I’m not sure that really counts as a tradition, per se; it was simply a case of getting from A to B to spend time with family over the festive season.

6 | Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?

Whenever we spent Christmas elsewhere, we’d open most of our presents on Christmas Eve (or before) as it wasn’t particularly practical to take them with us. When we spend Christmas at home, we wait until Christmas Day. (I prefer this.)

The Octagon, Ely Cathedral

7 | What tops your Christmas tree?

A light-up, golden star fringed with tinsel. (We love tinsel in our house.) I think there might have been one year when we couldn’t find the star and had to make do with an angel, though.

8 | What is the best thing about Christmas for you?

Spending time with my family comes top, followed by cracking out the board games (not bored-games as my dad would likely joke) and munching pigs in blankets.

Admiring others’ snowmen at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

9 | What is your favourite festive food or treat?

Ooh, this is tough. I love mince pies (preferably homemade), but I’m also rather keen on stollen and gingerbread. I’m partial to a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, too – but it has to be milk chocolate. Sweets aside, I’m always up for a few pigs in blankets. (Why are these only a thing at Christmas?!)

10 | What is on the top of your Christmas wish list this year?

I haven’t given much thought to presents, to be honest. I’d just like to get home without any train delays! (Wishful thinking, I know.)

Merry Christmas, one and all

Like Bola, I’m not all that sure whether I’m supposed to be nominating others for this, so I’m going to throw it open to anyone who fancies joining in and sharing their festive favourites with the rest of us!