Festive Fun with... Sarah

Today it's my pleasure to welcome regular blog follower Sarah to the blog for the next Festive Fun with... feature. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
I am 48, I grew up in Nantwich but have lived in Crewe, Cheshire since '93.

I always wanted to be an Air Hostess but I wasn't tall enough so I became a Hairdresser instead.

My children are grown up and they keep me going, along with my precious 6 Grandchildren. And not forgetting my furbaby girl, Angel.

I have always enjoyed books and it grew from when my Nanna and Great-Aunty bought them for me, weekly, and they always read to me.

I love anything Paranormal and love hearing peoples experiences even though I haven't experienced anything myself!

What are you most looking forward to this Christmas? 
I am looking forward to (hopefully) seeing my family. Family time is so precious, making new memories, and my grandchildren give me so much joy. 

Also, reading and watching some Christmas Films. I do prefer the older films to cartoon types.

I always used to watch and LOVE 'Digby The Biggest Dog in the world', with Jim Dale and Spike Milligan. Watching that every year made my Christmas complete.

Do you have any favourite family Christmas traditions? 
Not so much now my children are grown up. We have open houses and are welcome at any time, but when I was younger we would all gather at ours or my Aunty's houses and open our presents to each other after we'd eaten our Christmas dinner.

I miss those times, playing games together and sitting on my Great-Aunties and Uncles knees whilst they played cards for coppers, the winnings divided between me and my brother. Also, having a sip of their Sherry! 😂

What is your best Christmas memory? 
My best Christmas memory is bittersweet.

Christmas 1981, my Nanna stayed over at our house and slept in my bedroom with me. She wouldn't have had any sleep as I was so excited and kept asking her if Father Christmas had been yet. 

It was one of my best Christmases, having her stay at our house and the extra time I got to spend with her meant a lot to me then but means even more to me now.

Two months later she passed away from Cancer. Obviously I had no idea at the time that she was so very ill and yet she still made the effort for us. 

Describe your ideal Christmas 
I would love to spend Christmas on the Cornish Coast, in an old Cottage high up on a cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic. I love the beach but the sea even more.

If you could choose one person, dead or alive, to celebrate a one time special Christmas with, who would you choose and why? 
Definitely my Nanna.

I didn't have her in my life for long enough and I miss her every day.

What is your favourite festive book of all-time? 
Now you're asking! 🤔 There are so many! But I am choosing I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, by Milly Johnson. It's a new favourite that will be for many years to come.

What Christmas book would you like to see turned into a film? 
One More Christmas at the Castle by Trisha Ashley. I'd love to see Plum the dog come to life 🐶😁 

This is another of my favourite Christmas books.

If you could spend Christmas with any fictional character, who would you choose and why? 
It might sound a bit odd, but DCI Tom Barnaby! Jim Nettles is a bit of alright and I love watching Midsomer Murders and guessing who's done it. I'd love to solve a crime with him and talk about a case of Christmas Dinner 😂 

Do you have a favourite Christmassy cover? 
Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland by Heidi Swain.

Do you have any Christmas book traditions? 
To read and enjoy at least a few new Christmas themed books - read cuddling my furbaby, drinking hot chocolate with a festive Vanilla scented Candle lit. 

What 3 books would you love Santa to have in his sack for you? 
Anything as long as it isn't Sci-Fi!

I'm looking forward to Kitty Neale's next book, A Family Secret, and also Lorna Cook's, The Dressmaker's Secret, but I do tend to snap up books that I want as soon as they're released and unfortunately that doesn't help anyone wishing to gift me books 😆

What is your favourite Christmas song? 
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday by Wizzard

What is your favourite Christmas film? 
The Holiday

And finally, what are your hopes for 2022?
 For my friends and family to be happy and healthy and especially my Dad.

Quick-fire questions

Roses or Quality Street? Roses but also Quality Street Strawberry and Orange Creams 
Mince pies/Christmas cake or Yule log? Mince Pies 
Turkey or ham? Turkey 
Brussel sprouts or roast parsnips? Brussels Sprouts 
Gravy or cranberry sauce? Gravy 
Fake or real Christmas tree? Real 
White or coloured lights? White 
Giving or receiving presents? Giving

Twitter: @angel_s_lizziee