J. L. Willow

It’s that wonderful time of year — the holiday season! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or are just along for the ride, there’s no denying there’s something special about the last couple days of the year. In honor of the season, I’ve decided to do something special. I’ve done a few writing tags in the past, but now I’ve decided to make my own! So here’s the new, never-before-seen, Holiday Writing Tag! Enjoy!

What’s your favorite holiday beverage to enjoy while writing?

For me, it’s absolutely a cup of steamy holiday tea. I only drink it in December and it’s amazing. It always puts me in the Christmas spirit. Curling up with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and my laptop is an amazing way to spend an evening (at anytime of year, but especially in December). 

What traditions do you have for the holiday season? 

You may not realize it, but my family loves skiing and snowboarding. We always take a family trip over winter break up to a big ski resort  and spend some quality time together. I’ve been skiing since I could walk, so I can navigate pretty much any terrain. My brothers usually try to go on the hardest trails possible (double-black diamonds), but I prefer taking it a little slower and enjoying the scenery. Hands-down, though, the best part of being out on the slopes is the Waffle Shack! Nothing can beat those sugar-coated treats after a day on the mountain 🙂 

Do you plan on getting any writing done over the break? 

A little bit! I plan on spending some quality time planning for my next work, maybe attempting to flesh out a couple of ideas and seeing what sticks. I’m also thinking about opening up my Nano doc, which has been sitting, untouched, in my document folder since November 30th. To be honest, I’m a little scared to see what I came up with during all those frantic hours of writing. But I’ve got to start editing sometime! 

What’s your favorite holiday story? 

I don’t even have to think about it. It’s gotta be “A Christmas Carol.” Whether it’s the original text or watching the Muppets performing it, I love everything about it. It’s endured the test of time and continues to be relevant in each and every one of our lives. People young and old can relate to it, and it does a great job of capturing the holiday spirit. 

What’s your go-to holiday song? 

Gotta be an oldie but a goodie — “Mary, Did You Know?” It’s such a beautiful piece, and really never gets old. Pentatonix did a great cover of it and I always make it part of my annual playlist. 

What makes the holiday special for you? 

It might seem cliche, but my whole family coming together. I have family members around the world, and it’s extremely rare that we’re all together under one roof. I really enjoy those moments that we spend together. It absolutely makes all that holiday stress and chaos worth it. We may get on each other’s nerves — but we’re still, and always will be, family. That’s what matters most, and that’s what shines through every Christmas season. And now, I challenge Jordan from Just Write and Franny Marie to complete the Holiday Writing Tag! I wish you all the happiest of holidays and a very merry Christmas!! Enjoy the wonderful season 🙂

— J. L. Willow