The Christmas Questionnaire

Oh, I was so motivated this morning....got all my little household and animal chores done and was going to just step into the office for a few minutes....but my first email was this, sent to me by one of my most favorite people in the world, so of course I HAD to acquiesce~ (and I DO love these things anyway):


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I like to wrap gifts if I have enough time

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial; are you kidding, here in the desert a real tree???
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually as soon as my husband leaves after Thanksgiving; sort of depends on how motivated I am!
4. When do you take the tree down? Anytime between just before New Year's or the week following it. Depends on if I'm entertaining for New Year's Eve or not and if I am, it still depends on the mood I want as to whether it stays up or not.

5. Do you like eggnog? I've always loved eggnog, especially with brandy in it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Do you really want to hear about my damned bike again, LOL?

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad~ what do you get someone who's got everything?

8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom~ she's got everything, but she's always so thrilled with anything she gets.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but have been thinking about one for the last couple of years. Don't really have anywhere to put it at the moment though.

10. Best Christmas gift you ever received? Being with my family and friends last year at Christmas time; it really meant a lot to me.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I feel terrible for saying this b/c I know my parents TRIED to get me what I wanted, but one year I wanted some really cool knee high black boots~ they got me some black fake leather, fake fur-lined boots that came about to mid-shin and looked more like Santa Clause boots than anything. I HATED those boots! But you know how you have to pretend that they're just exactly what you wanted? UGH. I was so disappointed, LOL.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie or Movies? Hmmm...so many good ones; I love Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Carol; for funny ones I loved Home for the Holidays with Holly Hunter and Robert Downey Jr. in it.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The few weeks before Christmas. I love being part of the Christmas bustle.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?? No, I can usually find a use for just about everything.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Oh, I love our traditions! If we're entertaining on Christmas Eve, I make 3 different kinds of enchiladas; if we arent', it's oyster stew. On Christmas Day, Prime Rib with all the trimmings.

16. Lights on the tree? All white; although I enjoy seeing the colored ones on other people's trees.

17. Favorite Christmas song? I'm a Gemini, so I get to pick two of everything, LOL....Carol of the Bells and Silver Bells.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We usually travel up to N. CA, but this year we're staying HOME. I know I'm going to regret it by the time it's too late probably

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? As anyone who knows me will tell you, I can recite the entire 'Twas the Night Before Christmas book, so yes, I know all their names.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? To be honest, I really don't remember what I put on the top of the tree; I think maybe a big bow b/c it's too high to really get to. I know it's not an angel though.

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

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Not so much annoying as sad; I remember when we were REALLY well behaved during the holidays because we thought Santa was watching us; now it seems like kids are given carte blanche to be as bratty and squally as they can possibly be.

23. What do you want for Christmas this year? Health, happiness, love and prosperity for all my friends and family and just to be with my little doggies. Anything else would be icing on the cake.