Tag, You're It! - Christmas Questionaire

My friend, Davina , tagged me to answer these questions so here goes:

1.  What kind of tree do you have?

A beautiful 7 foot artificial tree with pine cones on it.  I think it's gorgeous, but am ready for a pre-lit tree.  My arms look like I've been attacked by several angry cats after putting the lights on the tree!  I've been working for years to decorate it entirely in Teddy Bear ornaments and Jingle Bells and am getting very close.  Of course, I have to add the ornaments that the girls have made over the years or the special ones that friends and family have given us, so it will always be a bit of a hodge-podge, but I like it that way!

2.  What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I've enjoyed "A Charlie Brown Christmas" since childhood so that has to be my sentimental favorite.  The best scene is when Linus is reciting the Christmas story.  Love it!!!  My favorite goofy Christmas move is "Christmas Vacation" with Chevy Chase and we also like "Elf" with Will Ferrell.  I could name many more!  I'm kind of a sucker for Christmas movies.

3.  What is your favorite Christmas holiday food?

Another toughie since I really love to eat!  Again, I'll go back to a sentimental favorite and say the fudge that my grandmother used to make and the peanut brittle that Stephen's grandmother makes.  Yummy!  I also love Christmas dinner with a big ham and mashed potatoes and all the other delicious side dishes.  (Boy!  I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!)

4.  Do you use wrapping paper or gift bags?

I have to completely agree with Davina on this one!  I love packages under the tree, so I wrap as many as possible.  But odd shaped gifts just have to go in the bags.  (I also have a huge collection of gift bags that I just can't seem to get rid of.  I try to let my girls use them for the gifts they give their friends.)  : )

5.  Do you have a nativity scene in your house?

Yes.  I have a Precious Moments nativity scene that Stephen got me one Christmas.  I leave it out all year long, but sometimes put it in a more prominent spot during the Christmas season.  The story of Jesus coming to earth with angels announcing the good news just gives me goosebumps and I love to be reminded of it every day.  I love the season when the whole world is reflecting on it!

6.  What is your favorite Christmas song?

This one is totally impossible to answer!  So, again, I'll just start with my sentimental favorite and say the entire "Beach Boys Christmas Album".  My parents gave this to me (on vinyl) when I was a pre-teen and I've owned it in every form since (cassette, CD and MP3)!  Suffice it to say that it is hard to find a Christmas song I don't like!  Some favorites are "Carol of the Bells", "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", "O Holy Night", "Welcome To Our World" and "Deck The Halls" just to name a few.

7.  What is the most memorable gift you ever received as a child?

One Christmas my little sister and brother sent me in to see if Santa had come.  When I snuck into our living room VERY early that morning, I saw the tree all lit up and our "big presents" weren't wrapped.  They were all assembled and sitting under the tree for us to find.  A huge Barbie doll house, a bike, a Hot Wheels racetrack all just waiting to be played with.  It was magical!  I bet my parents were exhausted, but it is one of my favorite Christmas memories.

8.  What was the worst gift you ever received?

A hideous black lacquer Oriental-style painting.  (If you've ever seen my house, you know there is nothing Oriental about it!)  It went straight to the Goodwill box!  (Gee, I hope the person who gave it to me doesn't read this.  I'm sure someone else is enjoying it very much.)  ; )

9.  Most annoying thing about this time of year?

The stress and the crowds!

10.  Favorite thing about this time of year?

I love the festive decorations, the music and giving gifts.  I love that it's a time of year when we make time to spend with friends and family laughing, playing games, eating and just enjoying being together.  I also love that the whole world is remembering that Jesus left Heaven and came to Earth for us.

Thanks, Davina.  That was fun!  I'd love to hear your comments and now I'll tag Neena and Amber.