On the 13th Day of December…..my 200th post

I can’t quite believe I have made it to 200 posts! Thanks for joining me to celebrate.

On the 13th day of December I have decided to share this Christmas meme (for my non-bloggering friends this is a term for an “All about Me” post that bloggers use).

I have seen versions of this on a number of blogs, but as usual I can’t find the links.

1. Wrapping or gift bags?

A mixture – depends on the shape and size of the gift.

2. Real or artificial tree?

Artificial – we have 2 trees, and neither have ever seen a forest!
3. When do you put up the tree?

The weekend before our middle daughter’s birthday which is 8 December.
4. When do you take the tree down?

As late as possible (or as soon as possible if you are my husband). We usually compromise on after New Years Day 5. Most memorable Christmas.
Our first child was born 4 weeks premature, and we brought her home from the hospital on Christmas Eve, 1997. An unexpected early Christmas present. As anxious first time parents, that Christmas is a bit of a blur, but the image of her asleep beside the Christmas tree will always stay with me.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?

A homemade dolls house made for me by Mr Ward.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes, lots! Here are just a few


8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

I was once given lovely ear-rings, and I have never had my ears pierced.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Nearly all posted, but a few will be emails this year for far away friends.

10. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Miracle on 34th Street (the original version)

11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

As soon as possible.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Has to be the full traditional Turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce…… Also mini mince pies.

13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

Clear 100%. My kids dream of coloured lights, but we tell them they can have them when they leave home!

14. Favorite Christmas song?

Silent Night
15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

We usually stay at home, and I cook the traditional dinner. Family usually come to us, and our kids are happiest not dragged from their toys.

16. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

Yes (though it might take me a while). Don’t forget Olive! (As in “Olive, the other reindeer…” 🙂 (I copied this from another forgotten blog – so don’t blame me!)
17. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Always a star
18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

We ley the kids chose one small gift from under the tree on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas morning.

19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

The crowds in the supermarkets on Christmas Eve, fighting for their turkeys and sprouts. I avoid it if at all possible.
20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?

My/our tree white lights with a cream/natural/gold theme in the living room.

The other/kids tree white lights (sorry kids, I know it is yours, but the lights are still white) with red/green and all the kids handmade decorations and really anything goes (except tinsel).
21. What do you leave for Santa?

Mince pie and glass of port for Santa, carrots for the reindeer and some glittery reindeer food (oats and glitter) on the fire place and outside too.
22. Least favorite holiday song?

The Little Drummer Boy

23. Favorite ornament?

Could not possible choose – love so many. I do love my collection of mini trees, santas and now nesting (like Russian dolls) Santas.

24. Family tradition?

We have a few:

We light our nativity advent chrismas pyramid on the 4 sundays before Christmas and sing carols as a family. We go to the Belfast Continental Christmas Market one evening to sample the sights, sounds and tastes.

On Christmas Eve we go out for a walk to look at christmas lights, then come home and watch a Christmas film and read “Twas the night before Christmas”.

25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?

The year we lived in Bristol we attend the midnight carol service at Christchurch in Clifton – very moving and beautiful. Here, due to babysitting logistics my husband tends to go to Christmas Eve communion at our church, and I try to go to the candlelit Carol Service the sunday before.

Today my daughter and I had fun shopping/playing in the Bead Shop, buying some beads etc to do a craft at her birthday party next week. I have also spent the evening wrapping christmas presents, while watching Strictly Come Dancing Semi-Final and X-factor final with Simon Cowell.

Okay, that is your lot for today. Coming soon will be BooMama’s Christmas Home tour. It was lots of fun last year, so I am really looking forward to it.

Please leave a comment – you know you want to!
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15 Comments

  1. 200 posts! Congratulations!

    I loved reading this meme, it was great to learn more about your holiday! The first Christmas you brought your new daughter home on Christas Eve and her sleeping by the tree conjurs up a beautiful image!

  2. Thanks for visiting my page. I love your blog in Ireland. I am a subscriber and get it that way. I always look forward to it when my inbox shows something from JanMary. Merry Christmas!

  3. Love your blog and ideas. You’ve inspited me to “get with it” today and finish the decorating. Merry Christmas to you!

  4. Hi there,
    Just popping over from Boomama..my first year participating in the Christmas Home Tour, how exciting! 🙂 I am amazed at your creativity! I’m barely beginning to scratch the surface of digi scrapping and am also tip toeing into photography. How fabulous it is to peak at blogs like yours for inspiration. One can only hope to be as creative as Janmary! Merry Christmas to you. See you on the tour. I’ll be the one in fuzzy slippers. 🙂

  5. Love your meme! Love reading about holiday traditions in other places of the world (I live in Norway if you wondered):-)

  6. LOL – don’t know HOW you do it JM, I’d have to start my Christmas post in June if I were to get it together like you have it. I’m sure glad you have, though as I’m enjoying your blog as a stop and have a coffee moment each day.

    Your Christmas sounds like something which will grow sweet, warm memories for generations to come. Isn’t it amazing to realize – just closing your eyes and knowing that one day you’ll watch this all played out with your grandchildren? Thats a pretty special thought.

    I think the nativity thing with the candles and the propellers is very cool. I remember my Mom bringing one with her from England that us kids all loved. It was brass, I believe and it had little candles and somehow when it rotated it would tinkle. The brighter the candle burned, the more it tinkled. Have not seen one since.

    Can’t wait to see your dd’s beaded crafts.

    Wishing you a peaceful Sunday. Thank you for sharing your traditions. I too, will look forward to the homes tour.

  7. Congratulations on 200 posts. I’ve never heard of the Christmas Home Tour but I’m looking forward to seeing it now.

    I have plenty of decorations for Christmas but somehow when I’m finished it doesn’t look the way I imagined it would. I’m looking forward to some new ideas.

    I’ve stood my ground the last ten years and only had white lights on the tree, but I caved this year.

    They ganged up on me.

  8. this was an awesome post. Loved reading about your Christmas treasures. And your daughter coming home on Christmas Eve…what a Christmas blessing.Oh and I’ve got a button coming to you-so check your email!

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