taryn k.

I'm really starting to get into the Christmas spirit now, watching Youtube Vlogmas videos, Pinterest boards filled with Christmas ideas (follow me!), and seeing blogs with all their Christmas recipes and hot chocolates. Obviously it's summer in Australia, so I kind of look at everyone else's cosy Christmas countdowns with a little bit of longing - then I remember I get to spend the day in the pool drinking cocktails and I don't feel so bad.

I thought I'd try the Holly Jolly Holiday tag this year - I don't think I've done a tag in a long time, so I hope this is a bit of fun :)

1. Do you start your Christmas shopping on Black Friday or wait until the last minute?

We don't have Black Friday here in Australia, but I start Christmas shopping usually in early November (usually online shopping) and tend to still be buying right up until the week before Christmas.

2. If you could be in any Christmas movie what would it be?

Not sure if it's considered a Christmas movie, but "Look Who's Talking Now" has a whole lotta Christmas songs in it, and I love that movie, so I'd probably pick that. I'm not sure who I'd be in it mind you.

My sister used to have a Barney (that purple dinosaur) Christmas video when we were kids where they all go to the North Pole or something and I used to love that.

3. Which do you like better: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

I LOVE Christmas day. I'm usually working on Christmas Eve and it's usually a hectic, busy day, so definitely Christmas. Boxing Day gets an honourable mention too, mostly for being very chill.

4. When does your family put up your Christmas tree and who decorates it?

As a kid we used to put the tree up on or around the 1st of December. My dad used to set up the tree and the lights, mum used to pretend to let us think we did the ornaments, but really she used to fix them up when we weren't looking (I don't blame her), and then my sister and I would take turns being lifted up by dad to place the star on top.

Nowadays, I put the tree up as early as possible and leave it up all through January. I decorate the tree myself - Joe is usually there, but he is only allowed to watch. Because I've turned into my mother ;)

5. White lights or colored lights?

White lights - I like a very sleek looking tree.

6. Are you guilty of peeking at your presents or do you like the surprise?

I hate surprises. I generally demand my presents on Christmas Eve because I can't handle the suspense. As a kid, or teenager really, I found my present once and it was AWESOME and I was so excited, but I didn't tell anyone I'd seen it. Then on Christmas day I tried to act as surprised as I could, but I don't think it was good enough and I felt really bad. So, lesson learned.

7. Would you rather live in a gingerbread house or in Santa's Workshop?

Santa's Workshop. Not sure why. Doesn't a witch that eats kids live in a gingerbread house?

8. Tell us your Christmas Eve traditions!

We didn't really have any year to year traditions, but I remember always leaving cookies and milk (or a beer, Dad insisted he'd enjoy that more) for Santa as well as a carrot for Rudolf (stuff the rest of the reindeer apparently). I would always go to

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

Joe. Boring, sorry.

10. What tops your tree?

A glittery, gold star.

11. Can you name the 12 days of Christmas?

They have names?

12. Have you ever gone Christmas caroling?

Nope. I've been to Carols by Candlelight once or twice as a youngun'

13. Do you countdown to Christmas? If so, how many days are left?

Not really. I do get excited though when it get's close and I haven't realised.

14. What are some foods and treats you can count on having every holiday season?

Joe's mum always does as a full roast turkey lunch because they're Welsh and used to a winter Christmas (even after 25 years of living in Australia), but my family usually has a cooked breakfast (bacon, eggs, hashbrowns etc, droooooool) and then a BBQ for dinner.

15. How has Christmas kept its magic for you as you've grown older?

I still love it as much as I always did - guess I'm still a kid at heart. I can't wait for Baby Taylor to start to realise what Christmas is all about, to look forward to Christmas morning. That'll spark a whole new lot of magic in our household :)

How dodgy is this Santa? His beard is covering his NOSE! How awkward.