This time of year there are so many holidays and celebrations that overlap, which is why it is called Holiday Season.

1. What will you be celebrating? If it isn’t a commonly known holiday or celebration (i.e., Christmas, winter solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa) briefly tell us about it.

My family typically celebrates Christmas, just…without the Christianity. We used to do lights, a tree, presents, stockings, etc. Things have changed a bit as I’ve grown up but we still celebrate, just often without the lights and such. My parents are getting a bit too old to put in the effort every year.

2. What’s your favorite Christmas or holiday tune?

I’m not a huge fan of holiday music because it gets so overplayed. I think my favourite though is “Carol of the Bells” because I spent years and years waiting to sing it as part of my choir background. I also love “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” because of the beautiful tune. I was lucky enough to sing it in six parts while caroling with my freshman year college choir.

3. If you are giving or receiving gifts this holiday season:
- What’s the gift you most want?
- What do you think is the best gift you are giving?

This year is a bit odd. Since we’re visiting my brother and sister-in-law, a lot of the gift-giving has gone out the window because of traveling along with my parents and me being rather poor. Mum and Dad are getting me a flatscreen TV for my apartment to replace my external monitor, which I’m really excited about because I’ll actually be able to see the damn thing. Dad says it’s because I’m paying for my own car insurance and saving him a ton of money. I’m not giving much this year, but I got my mum some beautiful coloured dice to play Yahtzee, and I think those are fantastic.

4. If you could spend this December holiday season anywhere, where would that be?

My parents’ house (sometimes called Home). We’re going to NYC though, so I’ll have to deal with it.

5. Your family has announced that the holiday celebration & get-together will be at your home. You think to yourself:

a. Yes! Finally…the more the merrier.
b. I don’t have enough room for all of you, but let’s rent a hall and you all get hotel rooms.
c. Over my dead body, I don’t want you freaks in my house.
d. Hmm…I wonder if it’s too late to book a flight to anywhere, leaving on Christmas eve?

6. Have you ever given a fruit cake as a Christmas gift or a gift at all? Do you even like fruit cake?

I don’t do American fruit cake (it often has cinnamon in). Mum makes Dundee Cake though and I love it all year round!

Bonus:  Share with us one of your holiday traditions.

Leaving out mince pies and sherry for Santa.