What is your routine on Christmas morning?
I always spend it with my parents and it’s always quite casual and relaxed in the morning. The three of us tend to get up at different times. One or two presents may be opened. There’s usually some kind of box of chocolates that gets opened first thing, followed by elements of a fry. We’re usually always eating breakfast around the counter or sitting on the floor.
Your favourite Christmas song?
Last Christmas, by Wham! because it’s the best Christmas song ever written.
What Christmas song would you happily never hear again?
Feliz Navidad, by José Feliciano, has always wrecked my head. Also, Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You ironically just makes me think of capitalism and greed.
[ ‘It’s timeee!’ for a celebration of Mariah Carey, the ultimate Queen of ChristmasOpens in new window ]
How do you like to decorate?
My parents have always been great at decorating. There was never anything gaudy or too tinselled in our house, so I have definitely inherited a selective and slightly contemporary approach to Christmas decor. That said, I will always want a real tree.
Best Christmas memory?
Gosh, I have lots of great memories of Christmas. My dad is amazing at wrapping – I remember the first year I was able to comprehend presents as a thing and being in awe of the paper, bows and all that stuff. It was really magical.
Is religion an important aspect of Christmas for you?
I think religion plays a part in some kind of trans-generational aspect – remembering the past, thinking about family and things like that. My granny was always very religious but my dad has always identified as atheist and that was something I understood from a young age. Generally, Christmas makes me sad now for a multitude of reasons, including the dominance and persecution at the hands of religious orders and the capitalistic side to it all. I miss how it used to make me feel and at times I kind of long for that ignorance back.
What’s on your Christmas wish list?
Seeing as many friends and family as possible. I’ve moved away for a while so it will be great to get home and see everyone.
What is your favourite Christmas movie?
Tim Allen’s The Santa Clause was always my favourite film growing up. I still watch it every year. That or The Muppet Christmas Carol.
What kind of Christmas shopper are you – organised or last-minute?
Both. I get lulled into a false sense of security because I do a bit early on and then I end up scrambling for the last few bits a couple of days out.
[ Real or fake Christmas tree – what’s better for the environment?Opens in new window ]
Money for Christmas presents – do you splash out or spend wisely?
I have a reputation for overdoing it. I splash out. It’s not in my control.
Who’s on your naughty list?
Naughty list doesn’t really cover it, but anyone committing acts of genocide and hate.
And finally, what do you really, really want for Christmas this year – peace, harmony and goodwill for all mankind or something completely self-indulgent like a brilliantly wrapped present under the tree?
I feel like I have to say peace harmony and goodwill, don’t I? I’d love if A Christmas Carol actually happened to a few key political figures. That, and I would also love a real break from social media for Christmas. I’ll take the giant present under the tree as well.
Soda Blonde play Vicar Street, Dublin, on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th. sodablonde.com
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