Susanna tagged me for a Christmas meme. I haven’t been tagged for a meme in oh so long, so I thought I’d join in. Besides, it gives me something to blog about.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Throughout the year I usually do gift bags, but at Christmas I like paper. And I spend a lot of time picking out just what I want.

2. Real tree or artificial?

Well, my tree is different. I guess it’s artificial. It’s made from grapevines and a tomato cage and it’s just lovely. It’s also very small and fits nicely in our tiny house. And it goes on top of a table…which is great for the baby. She can’t reach it!

3. When do you put up the tree?

The weekend after Thanksgiving. It’s easier then because I’m usually off work. This year that was too early, as the holly we stuck in it now needs to be replaced because it’s looking whithered. Thanksgiving was early this year!

4. When do you take the tree down?

Usually right after the new year. But we go back to school on Jan.2 (I’m protesting!! Too early!!) so we may do it sooner. I don’t get a lot done when I’m working and if I don’t take it down before work it may have to wait until Spring Break!

5. Do you like eggnog?

Gag me. No. Not much.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

A trampoline! Boing! Boing!

7. Do you have a Nativity scene?

No. Sob. I want one…but I’m afraid I have hopelessly expensive taste. I’d like this one if anyone would love to treat me!

8. Hardest person to buy for?

My brother-in-laws. And I only have three!!They are so computer nerdy. Which, since the hubby is too you think might be easy…but I don’t budget as much for their gifts as I do his. Do any of you have suggestions for cheap techy gifts? That’s okay…I didn’t think so.

9. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Maybe I’ve blocked it out, but I don’t remember receiving anything too horrendous. Not as real gifts anyway. I’ve had some interesting teacher gifts!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Oh drat. I knew I forgot something. I always mean to mail Christmas cards….

11. Favorite Christmas Movie?

It’s a tie. White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life. Terribly predictable, I’m afraid, but I don’t care. Those movies rock and I’ve been known to watch them in the middle of July.

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

It varies. Some years I do it all year (when I’m being smart) and other years, I start after December. I’m not very structured like that.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Well, if you call it that. Call me tacky if you like. One year, we had four parties that were going to play Sneaky Santa (Dirty Santa, whatever). We bought gifts for the first one and then used what we got at it for the next and so on. It can get pricey if everywhere you go people want to play that game. I like the game, but hello, we have six kids! And lots of brothers and sisters and nephews….you get the picture.

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

My mother always grills steaks and bakes potatoes for Christmas night. That’s why my husband married me.

15. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

Clear. I’m traditional. Greenery, clear lights and red ribbons. Candles. That’s the kind of decorating l like.

16. Favorite Christmas song?

O Holy Night, What Child is This, Mary Did You Know, Breath of Heaven, White Christmas…these are all my favorite!

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

We start at home, open presents, eat breakfast, go to the in-laws, open presents, eat lunch, go to my parents, open presents, eat dinner. We are busy, but we like seeing everyone. It’s fun. And exhausting, but mostly fun.

18. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

Yes. Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen. And Rudolph. I think. I’m not gonna Google and see if I’m right. You can if you want to check me.

19. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Okay. This is sad. Neither. I have a frog kinda near the top of my tree. I actually want an angel. I like angels. But I haven’t found the perfect one yet. My mother makes these gorgeous handkerchief angels and I need to put in a request for one.

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas morning! I like the idea of doing the pajamas present on Christmas Eve, but that takes planning! Maybe I’ll start planning that for next year.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

I want-itis. It drives me nuts. Also, the lack of focus on the real meaning of Christmas, which I’m sure is connected.

I think since I waited until two days before Christmas to do this, I’m gonna skip on tagging anyone. If you do it, or have done it, I’d love to read it, so leave me a comment.

And Merry Christmas to you all!