Christmas Q&A With Janelle Arthur

What is your current single and/or album? Hand Me Downs (ft. Dolly Parton)

What was a typical Thanksgiving meal look like for your family? Fried Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Pecan Pie, and my favorite Apricot casserole.

What were your Thanksgiving traditions when you were younger? We always got together at my aunt’s house to eat. After our meal we would play music and sing together.

How has your Thanksgiving celebration changed since you have become an adult? It’s pretty much the same. Not much has changed other than some family members are no longer with us and we miss them.

Do you prefer artificial Christmas trees or real trees? Artificial because I’m allergic to real trees.

When do you decorate your Christmas tree? Typically sometime in November. I prefer before Thanksgiving because I like to get in the Christmas spirit early.

What is your favorite Christmas song? What makes it your favorite? I don’t have a favorite Christmas song. I just love Christmas music and the nostalgia that it brings every year.

What is your go-to holiday drink? My aunt Janie’s sweet tea. It’s the best sweet tea in the world and it’s caffeine-free.

What is your favorite Christmas present that you have ever received? My first karaoke machine.

What were your Christmas traditions when you were younger? I woke up at my house on Christmas morning. Later, we would go to my grandparents’ house to open gifts and eat.

How have your Christmas celebrations changed since becoming an adult? On Christmas Eve I celebrate Christmas with my in-laws. Then we drive to East Tennessee to be with my family for our family Christmas dinner on Christmas day. After we eat, we sit around the living room playing musical instruments and singing together.

What is your favorite Christmas memory? I loved when my parents would take me to Dollywood to see the lights and the shows every Christmas season.

How do you spend the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day? I typically take it easy and spend time with friends and family.

How do you spend New Year’s Eve? When I was growing up, this would always be our last show of the year at Country Tonite Theatre. We would stop the show and do the countdown to the New Year. Now, I’m just trying to stay up till midnight!

What do you typically eat on New Year’s Day? I’m not superstitious, so I just eat whatever I want.

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution for 2022? I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions, I just try to evaluate what I need to improve on in my life.