Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. I blame the election. After having so many thoughts and opinions for so long, now that it's over I don't seem to have any thoughts or opinions anymore. I'm totally drained. It's kind of relaxing actually. I'm just going to let that feeling prevail until well after Christmas. Then it's back to having thoughts and opinions again, only they'll be stretched out over the next few years instead of months. I'm watching you Obama!
Anywho, I was thinking about posting some pictures of our new house all decorated for Christmas, just for something ANYTHING different to put on my blog. Then I read my sister-in-law's tag about Christmas and I decided I could do both! So here it goes.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? They both have a purpose, although I probably lean on gift bags too much. If my gift is square (book, dvd, box) and I use a gift bag, I know I'm slacking.
2. Real tree or artificial tree? Artificial. We had a real tree once growing up and it quickly became a fire hazard so I have no misplaced nostalgia regarding real trees. However, I can see why some might have strong feelings on this issue. As for me, my evergreen scented candle is enough for me!
3.
When do you put up your tree? The first available day after the 1st of December. I put up all the decorations on December 1st and the tree goes up when we're all there to help. Often as a family night activity or on a Saturday. This year I thought of putting it up right after Thanksgiving since it was so close to December and Jaaromy was home, but it we still ended up putting it up for family night on December 1st.
4. When do you take the tree down? January 1st. I like my holidays neatly wrapped into one month. Plus it works out because Jaaromy has the day off so he can help.
5. Do you like eggnog? I LOVE eggnog! I just learned a few years ago that the rest of the world puts lots of liquor in eggnog. Weird. I like Sprite in mine. Totally different, I know.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I don't know if favorite is the word, but I do have a lot of memorable ones. I remember getting my Make-It and Bake-It machine. I asked for it two years in a row and the second time was the charm! Alas, I wish I could say the same about the Classic Convertible I wanted, that did
not work after the second time. I also remember when I got my daybed and when I got a roll of border paper for my room symbolizing the gift of a non-Winnie the Pooh decorated room.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Honestly, anyone who doesn't live in my house is hard. Nieces and nephews, Grandparents, and to a lesser degree, parents.
8. Favorite Christmas Memory? Christmas has always been fun for me. I don't have a specific favorite, but every year seemed to have the same favorite elements. One memory is of all of us kids waiting at the top of the stairs for my parents to make sure Santa had come and then all of us running down as fast as we can to see our presents. Good times!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I have three. I love nativity scenes and I can't wait to collect them from all over the world, you know, once we actually get a chance to travel.
10. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? I like regular old mailed ones. I like to tape the ones I get to my front door and if they're picture cards, after Christmas I cut off the greeting and put them in my little photo book I keep in my purse. I don't blame those who do e-mail cards, it is easier and cheaper. I have a friend who did that and I just saved the pictures to their family file in my pictures folder.
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? I don't really have a tradition of watching Christmas movies, but I suppose my favorite would be A Christmas Story, but only because it's funny and I've seen it the most.
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually sometime after Thanksgiving. But I never go out on the day after Christmas. Some things just aren't worth it.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but I plan to. Just waiting for the perfect time.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Hands down, my mom's cinnamon rolls.
15. Lights on the tree? Is there someone who
doesn't put lights on the tree? Maybe people who buy real trees...
16. Favorite Christmas songs? O Holy Night, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, The First Noel
17. Travel or stay home? I've always been close to family so I've never had to travel. I hope I never do.
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph.
19. Angel on the top of the tree or a star? My mom had the cutest angel on her tree and I tried for a long time to find one like it, but all the angels are a little too gothic looking so I decided to try and find a star. Last year I found the perfect star for my tree. I love it.
20. Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Both, we've always opened at least one present the night before. Growing up it was the sibling presents. Now, it's the present from us to the kids.
21. The most annoying thing about this time of year? The cold. I'm not saying it would be better in the summer or anything, merely that the cold is my least favorite part about Christmas.
22. Favorite ornament theme and color? Several years ago I decided to buy an ornament set and I found a music one that I liked. I also got a hand-me-down santa ornament set from my mom. So over the years I have, quite by accident, developed a gold and red theme. Turns out, I really like it!
23. Favorite Christmas Dinner? Traditional Christmas food, I guess. One year we had enchiladas and, while I like them just fine, it was weird. So I guess I don't have a favorite but I do have certain expectations.
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I already got my present this year. Jaaromy took me to see The Christmas Sweater. It was great!
25. Favorite Christmas Tradition? The Nativity play. It started out with my oldest sister and brother and worked it's way down and now the grandkids all do it. Never a dull moment.
Wow, that was long. I thought about cutting out some of the questions, but then I realized that there probably 25 for a reason. I don't mind if any of you do this tag, in fact, I would love to read it but I will warn you that 25 questions is a LOT of questions. So many, in fact, that I've decided to put the pictures in another post. It's too long as it is. For all I know I'm talking into the void at this point. I almost gave up, I wouldn't be surprised if anyone else did too. So, for those of you who are still here, thanks for reading and have a very Merry Christmas!
