it's my girls' world

Today, we're talking Christmas with Emily from Martinis & Bikinis! Emily was born in Trinidad (like me) but lives in Florida. Her life reminds a bit of ours BC- Before Children in this case. Now, I'll just live vicariously through her weekend getaways, day trips and warm Florida weather. Oh and her shopping and fashion posts are awesome too!

What's your best childhood holiday memory?

I always loved that we were allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve night and then I remember always being too excited to fall asleep that night but somehow I never spotted Santa.

At holiday parties, I sip on...

Most likely a festive cocktail. I like eggnog but one or two glasses throughout the season will do.

(me too girlie, a half glass totally fills me up)

What's your ideal host/hostess gift?

I like to make a festive dish to bring to holiday parties. I usually try different dishes but the Holiday Cheese Ball I made last year was a hit!

(I'll have to try it soon!)

Do you entertain over the holiday season?

I rarely host during the holidays because K and I almost always travel to my family in Trinidad or his family so I just help out in the kitchen. We do usually go to a few holiday parties hosted by friends throughout the season but Easter dinner is when I host everyone over at our house.

(helping out is huge. I love it when I get some help in the kitchen when guests are over)

What are your holiday decorating secrets/tips?

HA! I'm a novice. Can you share your tips with me?

(sure... more is best at this time of year #reallynotreally)

What's your current favourite holiday tradition?

The holidays were very traditional growing up. It was always hosted by my grandmother who went all out with decorating, gifts, and Christmas dinner. With my granny being deceased, we are creating a new tradition this year and my parents and sister are coming to spend Christmas with us in Florida!

(sounds lovely and they get to spend it in your new home as well)

What's Christmas Eve and Christmas Day like in your house?

If we go to K's family it's usually very chaotic because he has a huge extended family. On Christmas Eve we get together to read the Christmas story, do a white elephant gift exchange, and have some nibbles. On Christmas morning we open gifts at my in-laws house and then head over to K's aunt's house for a Christmas feast around lunchtime.

This year is going to be fairly quiet with just the 5 of us but I'm planning to recreate some of our family traditions like making Granny's famous sugar cookies and having holiday party crackers at the dinner table (the fun kind, not the edible ones).

(I bought crackers this year too! Sounds like you will have a very special holiday season)

Thanks for guest posting, Emily! So fun getting to know more about you!

You can also read Deena's, Beth's and my answers to similar questions.

Happy Thursday!