winter wonders: a christmas blog tag

good evening, friends!

well, thank you to Julie Yang @The Moonlight Wanderer for roping me into the Christmas spirit in blog-tag form. i have my yummy cappuccino and i am ready to talk christmas. here, the snow is almost completely melted & the sun is shining, but the christmas vibes are still here. so, let's get this thing started.

Guidelines:

1. Acknowledge who tagged you

2. Answer the questions

3. Tag friends & notify them

4. Have fun

Questions:

1. What are some traditions that you and your family have leading up to the holidays? And what's something new that you want to try this month?

2. What's your favorite Christmas recipe, food, or drink?

3. Every Christmas is different, and some years come with unexpected twists. But if you could have the perfect Christmas, what would the day look like for you?

4. What are some of your favorite winter activities? (e.g. caroling, sledding, drinking hot cocoa)

5. Do you decorate? How?

6. What is your favorite Christmas song or hymn? Why is it your favorite?

7. What's a gift or experience you're really wishing for this Christmas? And what's your favorite gift to give others?

8. Describe some of your favorite Christmas memories. :)

9. What is your favorite Christmas-y book? Movie?

10. List ten words to that encapsulate the feel of Christmas for you.

11. In your own words, what is the meaning of Christmas?

Answers:

1. What are some traditions that you and your family have leading up to the holidays? And what's something new that you want to try this month?

   
   

   We truly have a simple Christmas/December, and I love it. Of course, we put our tree up, which I always love (how the soft glow of light fills the entire room). This year, we put it up two days before Thanksgiving because we had friends over, and it just felt more cozy. We always have movies going - like Christmas with the Kranks (such a classic), Elf, and this year we'll watch the Christmas Story. My lil sis kept track of November, and we watched a total of sixty movies <3 I love it. We love spending money at lots of different cafés for cappuccinos (coffee is just better during the holidays), and we eat so, so much good food. Something new we did was eggnog. I found a homemade recipe and made it myself - so yummy. It's a new holiday tradition that I'm in charge of.

2. What's your favorite Christmas recipe, food, or drink?

   
   

   Oh goodness. I am a total foodie, so I could say everything, but I won't write all of it down for your sake! I absolutely adore sweet potato casserole. I know it is technically a Thanksgiving recipe, but it definitely could be a Christmas one as well, no? I also enjoy Brussels sprouts - my mom always makes them with butter and bacon. That = heaven. Then, there is eggnog. By far, my favorite drink for the month of December. You definitely cannot drink a lot, but it is so yummy and a drink to cuddle up with near a window, watching the snow fall softly. I might do a Christmas recipe post, so stay tuned.

3. Every Christmas is different, and some years come with unexpected twists. But if you could have the perfect Christmas, what would the day look like for you?

   
   

   Aw, I love this question. I would have to say starting the day off at a tiny, quaint café with a yummy cappuccino and possibly a pastry, and paired with people-watching - that is the definition of the perfect morning. Maybe do some thrifting with my family, hitting up all of the weird vintage places (weird thrift stores mean awesome sweaters). It should definitely be snowing, but just softly, maybe flurries. A nice meal, and to end the night off, staying up late watching movies. Oh, and we're going to need more eggnog and chocolate...

4. What are some of your favorite winter activities? (e.g. caroling, sledding, drinking hot cocoa)

   
   

   Oh gosh, this one is hard. I love bingeing old Christmas movies, sledding, of course, but only if it is truly worth it (why sled if you're going to go slow? Haha), and I actually do enjoy working out with my family in our basement when it's cold outside + sprints at the track. I also love journaling by the window when it's snowing, baking, walking outside bundled like an overstuffed marshmallow, and trying to leave the house when it's too icy.

5. Do you decorate? How?

   
   

   Of course, but just a bit. We have our beautiful snowy tree and a few reefs! We will probably put up a few gnomes...that's all!

6. What is your favorite Christmas song or hymn? Why?

   
   

   I love Little Drummer Boy, Jingle Bells, or Silent Night. They both feel reverent and peaceful, like everything else slows down and remembers who this season is really about.

7. What's a gift or experience you're really wishing for this Christmas? And what's your favorite gift to give others?

   
   

   Oh gosh — I’ve been thinking about this just in case my grandma asks, or anyone else corners me with the classic “So what do you want for Christmas?” question. Truthfully, I don’t really know. I’d love to make more friends this year, which feels like more of a prayer than a present, but it’s something on my heart. Maybe a good bag for workout gear — especially if I end up doing track in the spring — but honestly, I’m content. God has been good to me. Now, giving gifts? That’s a different story. I absolutely love it. Little gift baskets, tiny curated things that fit each person… it just brings me so much joy to pick out things I know someone will actually enjoy. I’d happily make gift baskets all season long!

   
   

8. Describe some of your favorite Christmas memories.

   
   

   Aw, such a sweet question. I have so many. Rewatching Christmas movies, creating the Christmas feast, all surrounding the table - hearts and tummies full, dressing up in pretty dresses when I was little; twirling in circles, dancing with my sisters, all giddy for the holidays, lighting candles for the table, giving many hugs, playing soft Christmas music, making coffees and hot cocoas at our old coffee & pizza shop before church, playing in the large mounds on the brick roads after it snowed, sledding down the large hill and having to walk back up with my tiny legs, and just being so thankful.

9. What is your favorite Christmas-y book? Movie?

   
   

   Goodness. By now, you all should know I am not much of a reader. Not at all. I'd love to be, but I just cannot sit still. But movies...now you're talking my language. I adore Christmas with the Kranks. The vibes in that movie are perfection, and every time I watch it, it reminds me of my own family. The party at the end, the desire for a vacation and something new, but sticking with our home and each other in the end is just perfect. The movie itself is just a movie, but to me, it warms my heart every time, and I cannot wait to rewatch it. My second favorite movie would be National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Same thing here. I love the big family and long to have that. The feast on the table, the chaos, the snow, the lights. It is all true Christmas perfection. Oh, and Home Alone. <3

10. List ten words that encapsulate the feel of Christmas.

    
    

    Pine trees

    Christ

    Eggnog

    Family

    Snowfall

    Ginger

    Warmth

    Coffee

    Movies

    Sparkling lights

11. In your own words, what is the meaning of Christmas?

    
    

    People have taken the meaning out of Christmas for so many years, and it is truly disheartening. They replace Christ with presents, with food, with selfish things. But Christmas has always been about one thing: Jesus Christ. His birth. His story. What He has done for us, and what is to come for those who believe. It is about His miracles and wonders, His greatness, His power. Him. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, who will come again for His elect, and we will be with Him for eternity. What a glorious thing to celebrate. Christmas reminds us of what Jesus truly did for us. Yes, He blessed us with the food, the beautiful shift in the season, the sweets, the eggnog, the snow, and the movies - but those are just bonuses. The heart of it all is Him, and I need to know and remind myself of that always. Enjoy your sweet families, rejoice, and celebrate the Lord of all. Take in everything He has blessed you with - His stars, the lights, the people you surround yourself with. Partake in His celebration.

That's all for tonight. I loved doing this oh, so much. Thank you, @Moonlight Wanderer.

I don't know many other bloggers, but here are a few.

Merry Christmas! <3

Tags:

• E.G. Runyan from It's All About Perspective

• Pearl Christine from pearlchristine.com (I know I don't know you very well, but I thought I'd tag you! I love your blog <3)

xoxo,

bylilyjohanna