Christmas Tag

I thought this one looked like fun...join in if you'd like!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Both--I reuse my bags from year to year, or buy plain ones and decorate. I know this sounds crazy, but I almost prefer the wrapping part to the buying!

2. Real tree or Artificial?
I love the smell of a real tree, but with little ones in the house, it's not the most practical. For now we use a nice artificial one.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually right after Thanksgiving. I'm typically the one to decorate it, and I always like to have my favorite Christmas albums playing in the background. This year I anticipate a little girl will want to "help".

4. When do you take the tree down?
Usually the tree and decorations disappear sometime after New Year's, but I like to keep the white outdoor lights we string around our deck railing a bit longer.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Not really...the thought of the egg in it grosses me out. Oddly, that's not the case in cookie dough, but I digress. To warm up at this time of year I prefer hot cocoa, coffee/tea, or a glass of wine.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Well, since my birthday is so close to Christmas there were years that I received a bigger combo gift. One very special gift was the doll house my dad and mom made for me when I was around 5 yrs. old. My dad is an excellent carpenter and the detailed work that both he and my mom put into this gift is still being enjoyed to this day by the grandkids. Individual shingles, wooden siding, etched window panes, homemade curtains, furniture and plant-hangers...

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My husband (he doesn't give many ideas and always says that he doesn't need anything)

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My daughter (at this age she's constantly growing out of things)

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
I finally found one that is more "ethnically" accurate than most--well, I did change the hair color of Mary and baby Jesus. I especially liked that the wise men in this set truly resembled men from the East. And of course I found it for a great price at a yard sale--still in it's original packaging.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I like to send a photo card and/or yearly letter, but because of the cost and having a blog now I think I'm going to go the email route for most on my list...except for non-computing great-grandparents and a few overseas relatives of course.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I wouldn't say "worst", because I don't think I've ever received a gift in which to use that term. But I do remember being not so thrilled about receiving gloves or some such "practical" thing when an older child. Now I actually appreciate practical gifts I give suggestions for MORE than surprises since I rarely buy things I don't immediately "need".

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
It's not really a "Christmas" movie, but I love the overall Christmasy feeling when watching "Little Women".

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
As soon as we figure out how much we're spending and get a few suggestions. (Usually it's not earlier than October/November though.) I usually do all of the shopping and wrapping.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Only for a "now you have it now you don't" type of exchange.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I have to narrow it down to one thing?!?!? Sorry, can't do that.
(My mom's gourmet mashed potatoes, my mother-in-law's duck, Polish Vegetable Salad, all of the delicious cookies...)

16. Lights on the tree?
YES! Lots of white ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Again, how do I pick one? "Mary Did You Know?", "Carol of the Bells", and "O Come O Come Emmanuel" are among my favorites.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Now that we're closer to family we just make short trips--soooooo nice!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
I think so...Santa was never a part of Christmas in our household so I'd say it's only been in recent years that I could say so.

20. Angel , star, or other tree topper?
We've used both an angel and a star in past years. Now, I mostly use the handmade straw star that goes with the other straw ornaments often found on trees in Polish households. I really like the way these ornaments look with the ribbon, glass balls, and beaded fruit I also use.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas Eve is the traditional Polish time to have a meal, go to mass and open gifts, so we usually spend that night with my inlaw(s). Christmas Day is always spent with my side of the family. This year will be spontaneous no doubt--maybe even in a hospital room!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Static electricity and dry air in the house, getting the flu, stressed out people/drivers...

23. Favorite ornament, theme or color?
My favorites are those that are non-gawdy; in other words, natural, organic colors and materials

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
I already answered that...oops! Instead I'll say that the BEST GIFT I received (technically it was on my birthday, the 31st) was holding my baby girl for the first time. She was 4 days old and in the NICU at University of Maryland Med. Center awaiting heart surgery. Can't believe that was nearly 3 years ago and now I'll have another sweet-smelling Christmas bundle!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
To not still be pregnant! Sleep! (Hmmm...probably won't get both, will I?)