Christmas-y

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?  Wrapping paper.  I just sponge-stamped some yesterday for a party and I think I’ll do more of that.  I like the extra anticipation of having to undo all the wrapping as opposed to pulling something out of a bag.  But don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the convenience of the gift bag.

2. Real tree or Artificial?  I've always been a real-tree kinda girl, but I got a fake this year from my friend Tina, and will probably use it for a couple years till the girls are older and we can take them to a 'chop down your own’ place.  I don’t think David knows I ever intend to make him chop down a tree.  Um, baby?  Anyway, as a child picking out the tree at Constitution Square with Dad was always fun.

3. When do you put up the tree?  First or second week of December.  This year we did it too early and I was displeased.

4. When do you take the tree down?  Pretty quick after Christmas.  When it's done, it's done.

5. Do you like eggnog?  Nope.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?  The year 'Santa' made a house visit, looking remarkably like my father, and using the front door to enter and exit, I got an Annie towel monogrammed in my Nanny's script.  Suspicious, but I loved it.

7. Hardest person to buy for?  My father. (probably already bought it for himself).  And my brother-in-law (ditto).

8. Easiest person to buy for?  My mother.  Jewelry.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?  Mail.  I love Christmas cards.

11. Worst Christmas gift ever? Not a present, but worst memory is the year my in-laws decided at the last minute to move on Christmas Eve, leaving me with a 22-pound turkey, a husband who had to work, and no one to spend the holiday with.  I stuck the turkey in the oven and went to see a movie.  Alone.


12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf.  And the Family Stone.  I also like Love, Actually.

13. When to start shopping?  November.  But usually not before Thanksgiving.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so.  Not that I can remember.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My Nanny's dressing.  And more of Nanny's dressing, please.

16. Lights on the tree?  Either white or the big, fat colored ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Sleigh Ride.  And Band-Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas."  And Run-DMC's "Christmas in Hollis".  Oh, and U2 "Baby Please Come Home."  And Santa Baby.  And No Place like Home for the Holidays.  I REALLY like Christmas music.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?  We've always traveled, but we are staying put this year and the family is coming to us.  See post below.  I am SO excited.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?  Uhhhh... probably if I felt like it.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?  Right now we have a gaudy multi-colored star on top, to go with my gaudy, colorful tree.   

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Yes, please.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?  Too many slow walkers at the mall. I avoid it like the plague.

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? The popcorn ornament that plugs into the lights and looks and sounds like it’s actually popping popcorn. I got it for my grandfather when I was about 10 because he loved to sit and eat popcorn while he watched baseball.

24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner?  Turkey and the aforementioned dressing, and a dessert sampler of pumpkin and pecan pies.  Although this year, since I am hosting, I plan to do a standing rib roast and pumpkin cheesecake, among other things.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?  David Mast is making a headboard for our bed, and is going to paint bedroom soon.  That’s my highly-anticipated gift from him.  Thanks, baby!