Christmas Tag

I wasn't tagged, but I read this on Hilary's blog, "My Own Little Circus" and thought it would be fun and easy--it was!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bag? I love wrapping paper and ribbons, but when time is short-the bag will have to do.

2. When do you put the tree up? Ryan has a birthday in early December, so we usually wait until after that and begin Christmas decorations..so usually the 8th or 9th. We put it up on the 14th this year.

3. When do you take the tree down? Since we are late putting it up, we have waited until January 5th or 6th. Logan has a birthday soon after that, so we try and get decorations put away before his celebrations.

4. Eggnog?? Love, love, love it. The hips? Not so much.

5. Favorite gift received as a child? I remember getting a Tender Love doll that I loved ( I am dating myself!), a Barbie bedroom fold-out carry box and a stereo with cassette player (hehe) in seventh grade.

6. Hardest person to buy for?? Parents. We have been getting them regional foods and gifts because they are quite happy with what they have at the moment.

7. Easiest person to buy for? Lauren. She has a great list----And an alternative list.

8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes-three of them. I have one that my mom gave me from my childhood, a Little Pe@ple one, and a handmade one from a Polish Christian Mission. I love them.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? I have honestly been so irresponsible in this department the past few years. I used the "Baby due" and "moving excuse"in past years. This year I am going for the "trying to update addresses" and "procrastination" excuse. I will get them out-it is a matter of when. I love getting pictures and updates from others though.

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? Hmmm.. I remember an itchy nightshirt from my Mema when I was little.

11. Favorite Christmas movie? The Holiday, National Lampoon Christmas (is that the name?), Love Actually.

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I like to get things here and there throughout the year, but the bulk of it is done October through December.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Hmmm...don't remember. If I did, hopefully someone didn't notice it?!?

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? We make decorated sugar cookies every year. I also loove chocolate covered pretzels.

15. Lights on the tree? Yes. Lots and lots of white ones-no twinkling allowed. :)

16. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night (Celene Dion-oh my...brings tears to my eyes every time), Do You Hear What I Hear, What Child is This, Carol of the Bells, Little Drummer Boy (love the movie).

17. Least favorite Christmas song? A Wonderful Christmas Time, the George Michael one that I hear every year.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? No family here=no traveling. I'm sure we will have lots of catching up to do in several years. Next year we really want to go somewhere and have a simple holiday. Switzerland or Garmisch, Germany come to mind as choices.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Always.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A homemade angel doll with ribons cascading from her feet down the tree.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We have been known to open pajamas on Christmas Eve before church, but I haven't bought any this year!?! Hmmm....

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The days are short and so is my patience. I want this to be a special time for my kids. I have fond memories of this season, and want the same for them.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have British history theme--Henry VIII, his wives, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Scottish crown and Prince Albert and Victoria ornaments intermingled with other traditional ornaments. The past two years we had the "pretty tree" with snowflakes, pearl ornaments, red jewel garland....but this year I let the kids add some more of their ornaments that we have collected over the years. I think I want two trees every year-one pretty and one sentimental/kid friendly.

24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Spiral ham with Shannon's mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots and baked bread. Some kind of apple cobbler is a bonus.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A drama free, kids-listening, calm and loving day/evening.