#not sure if what we've got going right now compares in snowfall

[deanobanion]

Surreal Snow Scenes from the Blizzard of 1978

[historian-in-pearls]

OK, so we've established that I'm a curious George, so for the Winter ask-thingy: All of them! 😘 (It was impossible to just choose a few!) ❄⛄☃🎄✨

Oh my stars, you are amazing 😂👏🏻 Buckle up, everyone!!

Anorak - do you have a winter staple coat?

I actually just ordered a CAPE, which has a dramatic aspect to it that is very much my aesthetic. I also have a red puffy coat with a dramatic collar that's perfect for really cold weather.

Arctic - do you like the cold weather?

YES. Despite the fact that I run cold generally, I'm definitely a cold weather person.

Aesthetic - describe your ideal winter aesthetic.

Twinkling lights, candles, pastel knit scarves

Black Friday - do you like going Black Friday shopping?

I do not. Crowds aren't my favorite thing.

Blizzard - have you ever gotten caught in a snowstorm?

No, because while I adore snow I have a mortal terror of black ice on the roads, so I monitor the weather like a hawk.

Balaclava - do you like wearing hats? what’s your go-to?

I do! I like knit caps and berets.

Brrr - do you like playing in the snow?

Yes!! Especially skating and sledding.

Celebrate - what’s your favorite holiday this time of year?

Christmas. I love everything about Christmas.

Champagne - do you do anything special for New Year’s Eve?

Not usually. Lately my sister and I just watch movies and order food.

Cold - what is the best movie marathon?

Either Classic Hollywood (30s/40s) or Marvel.

Cuddles - how you like to stay warm on a cold day?

I layer up if I go outside, and inside, I'm all about flannel PJs, Ugg slippers, and fluffy blankets on the couch.

Curling - what’s your favorite winter sport?

Skating!!! Fun fact, though: outdoor ice is usually substantially rougher than indoor ice (especially compared to club ice).

Dance - what’s your favorite winter or Christmas song?

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" or "Silent Night". I also adore "In the Bleak Midwinter".

Episode - what’s your favorite holiday episode of your favorite show?

I don't know, but nothing is so hilariously terrible as the Christmas episode from season two of Full House.

Evergreen - describe your ideal winter day?

Lazy morning in bed with coffee, skating during a light snowfall, hot dinner, movies & cocoa at night.

Family - are you close to your family?

I am. It took many years and a lot of therapy, but we're great now.

Festive - how do you get into the spirit?

Music is my go-to, but for Christmas, I'm always there already.

Fireplace - do you like a nice crackling fire?

Yes! A fireplace is on my must-have list when I buy a house.

Frozen - do you have a favorite Christmas movie?

Christmas in Connecticut, Home Alone, Holiday Inn, The Holiday

Gifted - what’s the best gift you’ve gotten or received?

My best friend is a writer, and one year for my birthday she gave me a notebook full of goodies about a series of hers I adore. That's way up there for sure. Also the pearls I got for my 25th birthday.

Gingerbread - do you like baking?

I never did, but I think I'm starting to!

Glow - Early Bird or Night Owl?

Neither. I'm bad at sleeping; I'd rather do something else.

Green - what are some green flags when it comes to a partner?

Kindness to strangers, kids, & animals; loyalty; sense of humor

Growth - what are you looking forward to in the new year?

Turning 35. I think it's going to be a fresh chapter.

Hallelujah - when is the right time to break out the Christmas music?

Beginning of November, though I start before then, usually.

Hallmark - do you like cheesy holiday movies?

YES. I'm a sucker for the Hallmark Christmas films.

Hoodie - do you prefer hoodies or sweaters?

Both!! I just love being cozy.

Hugs - what is your love language?

Words of affirmation.

Ice - do you like going skiing or snowboarding?

I've not tried either, but I'd be open!

Ideal - you enjoy spending time by yourself?

Very much so. I need a lot of alone time; it's how I recharge.

Joy - what’s your favorite part about this time of year?

The cozy feeling. Warm lights, togetherness, joy.

Jolly - how do you take time out for yourself this time of year?

I try to intentionally celebrate Advent, so I like vigils in the chapel of the Carmelite convent by my house.

Knit - how do you keep warm?

Layers outside, UGG slippers (basic, yeah) and blankets inside.

Lessons Learned - what’s your biggest take away this year?

That life isn't going to be what you expect, and that's still okay.

Lights - do you like decorating?

I love, love, love decorating!! The brighter, the better. I have several Christmas trees, for example.

Loved - no question, just remember that you’re loved!

Why, thank you :)))

Mail Call - do you send cards out for the holidays?

No. I always mean to, and then I don't. Whoops.

Mistletoe - have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe?

No, actually!

Magic - favorite mythical creature?

I was going to say narwhals, but they're real. I don't know!

Merry - what makes you happy?

My faith, my family, friends, books, coffee

Naughty - what are your turn ons?

Ooh...intelligence, most of all. Kindness and a bit of authority.

Nice - describe your ideal partner.

Smart, loyal, kind, funny, grounded, steady, patient.

Nog - what’s your opinion on egg nog?

Delicious, especially with freshly ground nutmeg.

Nutcracker - do you have a crush on anyone?

Sadly, no, there's no one I fancy at the moment.

Obstacle - what is something you overcame this year?

I made a career change while going through a mental health crisis! That counts, I think.

Ornament - do you wear make-up?

Since I have to be masked at work, I just do my eyes these days--mascara, eyeliner, and a bit of shadow. Dior is my favorite.

Polar - what’s your favorite animal?

Cats and giraffes.

Quiet - what’s your favorite part of the festive season?

The warm, cozy evenings watching Christmas movies with family, especially when the trees are up.

Read - what’s your favorite book you’ve read this year?

That's a hard one!! I read so much. But it's A Giant Among Men by @maiden-of-asgard for sure.

Reflect - what’s your favorite thing about yourself?

I think I'm a kind & empathetic person. I try, anyway.

Scarf - you like wearing scarves, if so do you have a favorite?

A blush pink woven one I got at a little store in London years ago.

Secret - if you could get your ideal gift, what would it be?

A safe, illness-free holiday to see loved ones.

Seasonal - favorite winter beverage?

Either my mom's hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha.

Simple - what are the small things that you enjoy?

Coffee, books, a lazy morning in bed to enjoy both.

Skate - do you enjoy ice skating?

Love. I did figure skating when I was younger and it's still one of my favorite things to do.

Snow - what’s your ideal snow day?

Not having to go anywhere. Pajamas, movies, candles.

Sugarplum - do you have a favorite holiday time dessert?

I love pumpkin cheesecake!! So good!

Sequin - do you like to go out all for the holidays or prefer lowkey holidays?

I like things relaxed, but I make everything festive.

Tree - do you put up a Christmas Tree? If so, when do you set it up?

At my house: the Disney tree is set up beginning of November, the big tree after Thanksgiving. My parents': first weekend of December.

Travel - if you could travel anywhere for the holidays were would you go?

Nowhere! I just want to be home for the holidays.

Warmth - how do you stay connected to your loved ones?

I like texting, actually; it's easy for me with my hearing loss and it's so portable. But I love snail mail too.

Weather - what’s the winter like where you live?

Ups and downs. It gets pretty cold and it does snow, but there are also random stretches of 60-degree days. We had a tornado on New Year's Eve not long ago.

Winter Wonderland - do you like the snow?

ADORE. Snow is magical. Snow is love.

Year’s End - how was this year for you?

A mixed bag, but I think it's going to finish very well indeed.

Zero Degrees - what’s the coldest weather you’ve ever experienced?

Temperature-wise, I'm not 100% sure, but it was probably during that Polar Vortex thing a few years ago.