I think they're cute but they'd better stay away from my birdfeeders!

Do you play any instruments?  If so, which ones?

I used to be able to play Yankee Doodle on the piano... so, basically, no, I do not play instrument at this time.

When do you start listening to Christmas music?

The 1st of December, in theory at least... I try not to do anything too Christmassy before that day. That's also when my favourite radio station, Classic FM, starts playing Christmas carols. But in reality I'm having to rehearse a couple of Christmas carols for friendly Christmas concerts and gatherings, so I have already started on the Christmas music before December!

Have you ever starred in a Nativity play at school or church?

Nope!

Do you usually have an advent calendar as part of your Christmas tradition?

I didn't have that sort of thing while growing up, but in recent years I've discovered a UK-based company, Meaningful Chocolate, that produces "The Real Advent Calendar" every year — one that includes the Christmas story as well as a chocolate for each day, unlike 99% of Advent calendars on the market. So I always buy that one every year and enjoy it day by day. (They do a "Real Easter Egg" with an Easter story booklet each year too, and all their chocolate is Fairtrade and they support charitable projects in developing countries as well.) 

Do you have a particular favourite Christmas decoration at home (maybe something you made yourself, or that came from someone special), and if so, what's the story behind it?

Not really, I don't think.

Did you do/are you doing anything special for Christmas?

We Skype with a bunch of family members at the same which is hilarious.

Do you stay up for New Year's?

I don't usually, no.

Have you set any goals or plans for next year?

I stopped doing that because my plans always change as the year goes on.  

What was your favorite thing about 2021?

I unexpectedly got a new job (and a new home) where I'm happier than I have been for a long time!

What is your favourite thing about winter?

Snow, cold weather, hot drinks, Christmas, I like it all.  

What did you do for New Year's Eve? 

Slept. I had an early shift at work the next morning!!  

What books are you planning to read (or re-read) some time this year?

I have a stack of library books out I need to finish (mostly non-fiction WWII), a set of books that someone loaned me (some animal, some history), and then a shelf of books that I own and haven't read but I should probably make progress on - and then there are all the other interesting-looking books I will find and read this year.

Do you like to watch or read new releases as soon as they come out?

I can wait a while, but I prefer at least to watch or read them before someone spoils them for me . For some people, spoilers make them want to read or watch something more, but for me they typically cause me to lose interest and/or excitement.

Do you like going barefoot (either around the house or outside), or do you prefer to wear shoes and/or socks?

Barefoot, inside and out. 🙂 

Have you ever read a book by George MacDonald?