Christmas MeMe

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Usually wrapping paper. I like the anticipation that it builds because the person has to unwrap the gift rather than just pulling it out of a bag. I have used gift bags for last-minute gifts.

2. Real tree or Artificial tree? Artificial. I’ve never had a real Christmas tree (not really possible in Australia) and I’m not sure I want to deal with it.

3. When do you put up the tree? On the weekend closest to December 1st. This year I actually put it up right after Thanksgiving because it fell so close.

4. When do you take the tree down? First weekend in January.

5. Do you like eggnog? I actually don’t think I’ve ever had eggnog.

6. Favorite gift(s) received as a child? One year my dad took us all to the toy store and we got to pick out our own present. I picked out a Rainbow Bright doll and a doll of one of her friends (the star, but can’t remember his name.)

7. Hardest person to buy/make for? My husband!

8. Easiest person to buy/make for? My best friend Jo-Anna. If all else fails I can give her a book or a gift card to a bookstore because I know she’ll love it.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I always mail cards. This year I didn’t mail as many because even though it’s the thought that counts, it makes me sad that others don’t bother to send me one!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A Barbie Doll when I was about 13 years old. I was WAY to old for it and never really played with them anyway.

12. When do you start shopping/making gifts? I try to start as early as possible but the last couple of years have seen Christmas sneak up on me. I like to make gifts but don’t think about it until it’s too late to accomplish anything. Maybe next year I’ll get a jump on things.

13. Favorite Christmas Movie? Every year I watch Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer cartoons. They are my favorite Christmas movies (odd since I grew up in Australia.) I also like How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carey version, not cartoon) and Elf.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I think I re-gifted a candle set once because the scent was mistletoe or something like that which was too strong for me.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Custard.

16. Favorite thing on the tree? Lights and tinsel. I love the sparkle and how the light bounces off the other ornaments.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Don’t really have one. Although Luther Vandross’ version on Come all ye Faithful moves me to tears.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We normally stay home but usually spend the day at a friends house for the meal. This year we will be celebrating with some new friends.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s? I don’t think so.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? This year it is a star because I’m not happy with our angel. Growing up we had an angel that my dad would stick a light up so that it’s face lit up. I’ve never been able to find an angel that I can do that with. I’m going to keep my eye out for a handmade one maybe so that it can become a family heirloom.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Christmas music playing WAY before December. Too many people in the shops and rudeness. Come on people, it’s Christmas – try to show some cheer and generosity.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I don’t follow a theme.

24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Roast beef, roast veggies, and peas. For dessert, custard.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Material-wise, I want a WII. But mostly I want the coming year to be a good one, to have some things in my life sorted out and improved, and just to be happy.