What's in the Snow Scavenger Hunt

Hey guys! I am excited to be part of the What's in the Snow scavenger hunt. This is a fun blog event hosted by Read Books and Live Green & Reviews Abound. Make sure to check out their intro posts for the huge giveaways, as well as the list of all the blogs participating so you can visit them as well!

So without further ado, today I have...

So I know you celebrate Chanukah. Can you tell us a little bit about it, for those of us not as familiar with it?

Of course! Chanukah commemorates the end of the Maccabees’ battle against religious intolerance in ancient Israel. The story goes that, when the Maccabees finally won the ability to go back into the Temple, they only found enough purified oil to light the menorah for one night – but a miracle happened, and the oil lasted for eight nights instead.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions from your childhood?

A few weeks before the holiday, we would always bring out the books corresponding to that holiday to sort of “gear up” for what was to come. The same books came out every year, and it was like seeing old friends after a long time apart. I still do the same thing with my kids (and of course we add a couple – or ten – books each year. 

What are some new traditions you are trying to start with your kids?

Oooh, good question! I’m a serious introvert, so entertaining is tough for me, but I want the kids to  have the memories that come along with sharing their holidays with their friends. So this year we had an ice cream party for Sukkot (a harvest festival) and a Chanukah party, too. 

Favorite holiday memory?

Over winter break, staying in pajamas and watching TV with my siblings all day, and cuddling up together in one big bed (usually mine) and chatting late into the night. 

Worst holiday memory? (You don’t have to get too personal here. Maybe just something humorous or light that happened.)

Haha thanks for the leeway! It has to be the year I tried to host my sister and brother-in-law for Chanukah at our brand-new house. I was trying my hand at frying latkes for the first time ever and had no clue what I was doing. I should have read a tutorial, but I didn’t. Long story short, the house filled up with smoke quicker than I ever imagined it could, we had fire alarms going off and doors open in the frigid cold, trying to get rid of the smoke. 

And I think I got about eight latkes out of the ordeal. They were burned on the outside and raw on the inside. 

We ordered pizza.

You have four kids, which means the holidays must get insane. Craziest thing that has happened (so far)?

Yes! Last year my daughter caught her pigtails on fire with the Chanukah candles. Twice.

{Speed Round}

Favorite winter scent? Cinnamon!

Favorite winter drink? Peppermint or Caramel hot chocolate.

Favorite winter food? Donuts! (I mean, that’s my favorite food always, but Chanukah gives me a religious excuse to eat them.)

Favorite holiday desert? My family’s sugar cookie recipe from Germany.

Most worn winter item of clothing?  My scribbling suit! A humungous ugly knit sweater coat I wear for writing. It makes me look like a hermit (which I kind of am.)

Favorite nail color to wear in winter? Gold, with subtle sparkles.

What is winter like where you live? Honestly? It’s a toss up. We’ve had winters where it stays mostly in the 50s, and others where it’s nothing but snow, ice, and frigid temperatures.

Favorite winter activity? Sitting inside under an electric blanket.

Favorite winter TV show? Is a movie okay? Love Actually.

Favorite winter song? Sleigh Ride! It’s a long story that involves high school showchoir.

Favorite book to snuggle up with? Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Quickest answer in the bunch. 

Leigh Ann has been kind enough to provide 1 winner with copies of all three of her books: One, Two, and Solving for Ex. Huge thank you to Leigh Ann for taking the time to answer these questions, as well as have this giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh wait. You guys are just here for the clue? Fine. Use this clue to get more entries into the big giveaway over at either Read Books and Live Green or Reviews Abound!

Clue #1

Don't forget to visit every stop in the scavenger hunt for more blog-specific giveaways, as well as the clues for the big giveaways. Happy holidays!