I just saw this Meme over at By Sun and Candlelight. I thought it would be fun to give it a shot:
Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Christmas is the one time of year I use wrapping paper… Although, even then, I still do use a few gift bags! This year, I think I may even try making a couple of Violet’s Oragmi Boxes to use for a few gifts… Check them out, they are so cute!
Real tree or artificial?
Real! We have considered in the past purchasing an artificial tree, but the real tree wins every year. My Aunt Bridget, Uncle Shawn & Hubby just took the boys up to the mountains this past weekend and cut down a beautiful 10 foot (at least) Fir Tree. I absolutely love it! And for only $5–the cost of the tree permit–you really can’t beat that!
When do you put up the tree?
We usually wait till the Sunday before Christmas… But since they went with Auntie, we got it early this year. We will still wait to put the ornaments on till Christmas Eve (or the day before).
When do you take the tree down?
We try to leave it up at least till Epiphany. Allthough, one year, our fire alarm went off on New Year’s day, causing my hubby to toss it out the door, ornaments and all! 🙂
(That was an absolutely crazy New Years, resulting with us being evacutaed from our home when we lost our power, which stayed out for 3 days, since part of the house was not insulated due to our addition and so the temperature dropped to 30 degrees INSIDE because our woodstove was messed up by the people that cleaned it, causing the alarm to go off and the house fill with smoke; AND we were unable to get out of our driveway since our road was the last to be plowed 3 days later after a huge –NOT normal for here–snowstorm… And to top it all off I got broncitis and the kids were all sick! It was a New Years to remember, or NOT!)
Favorite holiday theme?
This one is hard for me… Our theme is just Christmas, and very Catholic 🙂
Favorite gift received as a child?
Books! I loved to read, and LOVED getting books. I especially remember the year I received Nancy Drew books from my Grandmother, and The Little House on the Prairie set from my parents. I was in heaven!
Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes – we have a few. One that goes on top of our entertainment center, another for the school room. This year, I ordered one for the children to play with from a friend who sells these great Blessed Toys.
Hardest person to buy for?
I would have to say my dad… Although, every once in awhile, I get lucky!
Easiest person to buy for?
My Kids!
Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Honestly, I can’t think of one.
Mail or email cards?
Mail. I just love sending (and receiving) Christmas Cards! We usually send out a photo card… I still haven’t had them made for this year… It is on my list of things to try and get done this week! Yikes, I am running out of time!
Favorite Christmas movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas.
When do you start shopping for Christmas?
In the past I would start in the fall, and try to be done by Thanksgiving… This year, that is not the case, I still have quite a bit more to do.
Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I don’t think so.
Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Baklava and Fudge
White lights or colored on the tree?
White, definitely!
Favorite Christmas song?
I have always LOVED The Little Drummer Boy; Sleigh Ride; And Away in a Manger, to name a few!
Travel for Christmas or stay at home?
We use to go to my hubby’s parents every other Christmas (20+ hour drive), but now, with all the kids, we stay home. We miss them though, and wish it wasn’t so FAR! Where we end up being seems to vary every year… And, as the years go on, and more kids arrive, we end up staying home more and more. This year, we will stay home Christmas Morning, and then probably drive out to my parents for the evening … We’ll see 🙂
Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s?
No… I can NEVER remember one of them… Is it Donner or Donder? Something like that 🙂
Angel on the tree top or a star?
Angel
Open the presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
The kids all get new pajamas Christmas Eve, other than that it is always Christmas Day (except for the couple times we went to my In-laws for Christmas, then we waited till my Brother-in-laws, who were coming from the seminary to arrive a day or two after Christmas–All Christmas week is considered Christmas though… So it was still Christmas!).
Most annoying thing about this time of year?
I totally agree with Dawn “Commercialism. Disrespect. The mall.” To that I have to add the Traffic!
What I love most about Christmas?
I LOVE Midnight Mass, although, it has gotten much harder to be out that late with 5 little ones, we still try! I also love seeing the anticipation and excitement in my children! It’s just so precious.
NOW…I am going to tag:
Amy at Knit Together in Love
Regina, cause I know she will just LOVE it! 😉
Trina at Merry Menagerie
and my cousin Margaret (are you ready for another one!)
Oh Boy! Ok, I will get on this soon!