Christmas Tag

My sweet sister in law tagged me for a little Christmas game- she must know what a sucker I am for little survey things like this! Since Kenna is still sleeping (for now) I have a quick minute to actually participate!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

I love wrapping presents- cutting the paper, making sure the corners are just perfect, tying ribbon in the square thing around the package, and picking out something to decorate the top and the perfect gift tag to attach... but that is a lot of work for each present, and admittedly, sometimes I just pop it in a gift bag. Also, gift bags are much easier to store, and I too "regift" the gift bags people give us!

2. Real tree or Artificial?

The tree isn't quite right without the smell of a real Christmas tree. However, as a kid I never realized you have to water the thing and vacuum up needles all the time (especially when the dog runs under it) and that it can leave a three foot wide dark green stain on your cream colored carpet (this actually happened to us our first year married). So we have an artificial pre-lit tree that stores away in sections and is the easiest thing in the world to put together. Plus, you can't beat pre-lit, it's SOOO much easier than untangling lights.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Not until after my birthday (November 29th)... usually not until it's officially December. This year it wouldn't have gotten put up at all except that Matt was on the ball and did it for me (he even put the ornaments on!)

4. When do you take the tree down?

No later than New Years, usually.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Not so much. I never reached a verdict on whether or not it has raw eggs in it, which scares me. I prefer hot apple cider or coffee.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Two American Girl dolls, and a little pink trunk that held their clothes (most of which my Mom had made). That was the year I remember Christmas being "big." We came down the stairs and there were just presents everywhere... the stuff for our stockings were so big that they were sitting on the couch. I think Jason got a camping tent in his stocking, and it was all set up in the living room.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

Hmm... everybody is hard in their own way sometimes. Everyone has so much stuff these days, I really try hard to get things that I have heard the person mention wanting at some point throughout the year. And I am horrible at thinking of what to say when somebody asks what I want for Christmas so I know I'm probably hard to shop for too!

8. Easiest person to buy for?

It used to be my Mom by far. I still see things everywhere that immediately make me think of her. Now it's the little kids- we buy toys that look so fun we would want to play with them (usually Uncle Matt takes on that job!)

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

No. My Mom had this huge one that she painted in a college art class. I remember it always being a big deal when she took each piece out, unwrapped it, and put it on the mantel just so.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Mail! I love non-bill or junk mail. It's crazy how expensive postage is getting though.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

That's a tough one. There's always something that kind of makes me wonder if the person knows me at all, but I don't think I'd be willing to designate one as the absolute worst ever.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Love Actually. I also like Elf and the Charlie Brown Christmas.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

If I see something during the year that's perfect for someone, I'll buy it and try not to lose it. Or try not to give it to them before Christmas. But usually I do most of it in late November, early December.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Possibly... not that I specifically remember.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Christmas sugar cookies with icing, paninis, and Honey Baked Ham.

16. Lights on the tree?

White! I'm not a big fan of colored lights unless it's for a really colorful kids' tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

O Holy Night. If that song is playing at Christmas, I'm probably tearing up.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

I like to stay home, but I don't mind traveling. I like that "over the river and through the woods... " feeling of traveling to the grandparents, especially knowing how excited Kenna will be about that as she gets older.

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

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, on Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid, on Donner, on Blitzen. and Rudolph

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
A star. But I also like ribbon bows.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Definitely Christmas morning. I'd like to start the tradition of opening special Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve with Kenna though.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Alisa summed it up- crowds, traffic, and rain, especially if it is warm and rainy. It must be cold at Christmas, and snow at Christmas is always ideal.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

I like red and white trees. I think it's so clean and classy. But it's special too to unpack all the different ornaments and bring them out one by one to put them on the tree.

24. Favorite Christmas dinner?
I like ham. Growing up it was always turkey for Thanksgiving, ham for Christmas. But who are we kidding, I'll eat anything especially if I don't have to cook it!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

To snuggle my brand new baby daughter under the tree late at night on Christmas Eve in her tiny red footed Christmas jammies.

And now it is my duty to tag:

-Beth Anne
-Mrs. C
-Mandy
-Tara