What is the best Christmas present you have received?
I think the best Christmas present I remember being so excited to get was my Irish dancing shoes. Me and my sisters had just seen Riverdance and Jean Butler became my hero. I remember learning how to tie the laces and getting the big white socks, I was so excited to start classes. I ended up winning a bunch of trophies. Maybe I should pick it up again.
And the worst Christmas present?
The worst I ever got was a microwave from a boyfriend who said: “You always wanted one of these.” No, I literally didn’t.
What do you like least about Christmas?
I dislike seeing Christmas food and gifts in shops in September. Just let us have autumn and Halloween.
Is religion an important aspect of Christmas for you?
Although I was raised Catholic I’m not religious now, but I appreciate the community it gave my family. Many of the Irish Catholics I grew up with are still in my life and are some of my closest friends. I know I could tell them anything and I also know I could call them at 3am and ask for help. Catholicism is about judgment and shame and guilt, but I find people my age who were raised Catholic to be some of the least judgmental people I know.
What is your favourite Christmas movie?
I’ll always take Die Hard because a barefoot, bare-chested Bruce Willis is the best way to kick off the season. Home Alone is my favourite, though, because the music alone can make me cry. It’s such a great storyline and there’s a beautiful message in there about how we see old people and single people. Oh, also The Snowman. I watched it last year and cried.
Do you pass on unwanted Christmas presents? Tell the truth
Of course. I keep them for a year out of guilt and then drop them at a charity shop.
Christmas jumper and/or pyjamas – yes or no? And if yes, describe
Red tartan is classic for a PJ set. I’m interested in gingerbread men on socks and Christmas trees on jumpers, and I also support glitter and a lot of sparkle.
Favourite Christmas food and drink?
Roast potatoes and gravy. I also love a salted KP nut. I don’t drink alcohol any more but I love a non-alcoholic beer, maybe a Lucky Saint, or a kombucha. I’m also not against experimenting with non-alcoholic wines. And fancy coffees. Many, many fancy coffees will be drunk.
What’s on your Christmas wish list?
I don’t have a wish list for gifts any more because I’m trying to have less stuff, in general. My wish list is just to have quality time with my family and my partner. I appreciate it so much, especially as my job takes me away from home a lot and I am often in anxiety-planning-ahead mode. It’s nice to switch off and I love that the industry switches off too. That said, I will be angry if I don’t get a decent vegan mince pie, and I want a Christmas tree on stage at my shows in Belfast and Dublin.
Kate Nash performs at The Limelight, Belfast, on December 17th; and The Academy, Dublin, on December 18th. Her latest album, 9 Sad Symphonies, is available on the usual streaming platforms and via katenash.com
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