The Christmas Tag 2016

I was so happy to see another tag in my Bloglovin Feed this morning. People who know me, know that I love a good old tag. First I thought this is the same one I joined two years ago as there was hashtag going around with it at the time. But this one actually has different questions in it, which is really exciting.

If you would like to join in as well, feel yourself tagged.

What’s your favourite Christmas movie?

As a child I used to love watching “The Singing Tree”. It’s a German fairy tale. Since living with my hubby though, we have developed of watching “National Lampoons – Christmas Vacations” each year. This was the first movie we watched together when we first met eight years ago . (anniversary tomorrow)

Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Oh yeah for sure. When i was a child, we used to get snow all the time in Germany. I was out on my sleigh or my skis in the back yard of our house or sliding down the hill behind our house which was located beside a graveyard. It’s a shame how global warming has changed the weather. It really makes Christmas more special when it’s snowing.

Where do you usually spend your holiday?

When I still had family in Germany, I spent it over there and hubby and I spent one Christmas together in Germany with my mum too. It’s nice to spend it in your home you grew up in. This year will be our first Christmas together in the new house. Hopefully we are going to make lovely memories.

What is your favourite Christmas song?

It has to be Fairytales of New York but my second favourite Christmas song is Stop the Calvary.

Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?

Yes, we do. In Germany we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is just another day for us really. It all happens on Christmas Eve. Usually we all sit together for some tea and cake at around 3.30pm and come 5pm we start opening Christmas presents. In Ireland now we do half and half. So whatever the kids get Christmas Eve is from mummy and daddy and what’s in their sack the next morning, is from Santa.

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

I only can because I watched Santa Clause the Movie two days ago. Blitzen, Donner, Rudolph, Cupid, Prancer, Dancer, Dasher, Vixen and Comet.

Which holiday traditions are you looking forward to this year?

Baking Christmas biscuits with my oldest, listening to Christmas songs and watching Christmas movies.

Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

Our Christmas tree has been fake for the last seven years but back in Germany we ALWAYS had a real tree. We would only get it a few days before Christmas and it goes up the day before Christmas Eve.

What is your all time favourite holiday treat/food/sweet?

Potato salad with sausage. Typical German dinner that we have on Christmas Eve with eggs and gherkins in it of course. mmmhh  For the treat it has to be Stollen. I hate Christmas pudding/cake and mince pies.

Be honest, do you like giving or receiving gifts better?

To be honest, I prefer giving especially when I have surprise gifts lined up for the family that were not on the list. As a child I obviously loved receiving.

What is the best Christmas present you ever received?

That’s a hard one because I received so many lovely gifts over the last twenty years, if not even longer. One I can remember for definite is my Nintendo DS I received years ago from my mum. I got so much each Christmas, my grandparents and mum were very generous. Another present I loved getting a few years ago, is a pan set from my mum. I am still using them now. They are just brilliant and compatible with our induction hob.

What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?

New York… I love New York. I have been to New York a couple of times but never around Christmas. Hubby has and the photos looked amazing.

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

I love wrapping presents. The only thing I hate is, when you get the wrapping paper that is really thick. It’s hard to wrap it nice then.  But I use the whole lot, stickers and ribbon.

Most memorable Christmas moment?

I have a lot memories from celebrating Christmas as a child with my grandparents/mum around on the floor opening presents, handing out the present to them. I was always so excited when the time came when you open up the presents. My mum always got me amazing presents and I would have never had an idea.

What made you realise the truth about Santa?

My grandad used to dress up as Santa. I was never explained as a child whether Santa was real or not. As I got older, I suppose I figured it out myself. I remember really well each year after tea and cake, he would knock on the door and make huge noise and leave the bag of gifts sitting outside and leave. I was always too scared to go and check. haha

What makes the holidays special for you?

Being off work and spend time with the family around the Christmas tree and being able to go for a few family walks together.