The Christmas Tag!

Season greetings!

I was tagged by Kaitlin from Kaitlin Versus Le Monde to do the Christmas Tag! A current TAPIF-er in Nancy, she writes about her life teaching abroad in France and the great adventures while traveling. I enjoy reading her posts, and I recommend that you check out her blog!

Since Christmas is in a few days, what better way to celebrate it than by doing a tag on it? Although the holiday itself has become less of a big deal as I get older, I still enjoy the warm, festive atmosphere that it brings to the winter season, while also gathering friends, family, and loved ones together. Without further ado, here are the questions!

1. What Is Your Favorite Christmas Film?

While technically not a “Christmas film,” Last Holiday nevertheless takes place during the holiday season. Granted, it’s a bit corny and sappy at times, but I love it. Queen Latifah absolutely shines in the film, and the carpe diem theme throughout is really inspirational to the traveler that I am. Plus, the film introduced me to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, and now it’s on my bucket list to go…perhaps this winter!

2. Is Your Christmas Tree Real Or Fake?

Like other assistants/lecteurs, I don’t have a Christmas tree in my flat (can’t afford it…). Back in the States, though, my family and I always put up a fake tree every year– although not very authentic, it was practical and we didn’t have to deal with cleaning pine needles whenever they shed every day.

3. What Is Your Favorite Christmas Song?

Since high school when it first came out, Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” has held a dear place in my heart. While the song itself is rather somber about a lost love on Christmas Day, its melody is still hopeful, even uplifting, to get anyone into the festive cheer.

4. What Is Your Favorite Christmas Scent?

Christmas or not, fresh pine on a cold winter’s morning is one of the best scents out there. Although I do appreciate the “traditional” holiday scents like cinnamon and vanilla, I find them cloying in high doses, so something like pine offers a more-subtle touch to the nose.

5. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

Nothing too distinctive: my family and I just turn on the lights on the Christmas tree and put presents underneath it.

6. Do You Open Any Presents On Christmas Eve?

Not at all! Got to wait until Christmas Day itself!

7. What Tops Your Christmas Tree?

An angel, although ours is quite old and is at risk of breaking apart from using it so much.

8. What Is The Best Thing About Christmas For You?

Getting cozy at home with my family– simple, but satisfying!

9. What Is Your Favorite Festive Food Or Treat?

I really love rum cake– back when my mom used to work, she had a co-worker who would always make rum cake during the holiday season, and I would gobble that up before anyone else could get a slice! Moist and sweet, sometimes with nut pieces for texture, rum cake was #christmasgoals. I’ve also made it before and would love to make it again!

10. What Is On The Top Of Your Christmas Wish List This Year?

Well, my parents have already sent me a “care package” (i.e. more clothes and items I can’t get in France) when I met up with them last week, since we’re traveling Europe together for the holidays this year. I guess if we’re thinking otherwise, I’d love to receive messages from loved ones abroad, all the while send messages to them, too. Living abroad these past few years has taught me the importance of keeping things simple, so I don’t have the desire for material items so much as I did when I lived in the States.

 

That’s all for me! I tag Lauren, Kenny, and Haley to do this! Have a wonderful holiday season, whether at home or abroad!

 

— Rebecca