Kathi's Answers to Christmas Survey
by Kathi MacNaughton
Christmas Tree Real Christmas tree or artificial? ONLY real; otherwise, what's the point? I have to have the real smell (not a canned perfume) and the needles all over the floor and the house are just part of Christmas. When do you put up your Xmas tree? Usually about 2 weeks before Christmas. What is your favorite ornament on the tree? Honestly, I can't pick just one. My ornaments are my most treasured Christmas decorations. I've had a tradition for more than 30 years of buying a new Hallmark ornament each year... but I usually buy 2 or 3 other cheaper ones each year too! I love those that look hand-crafted and those that remind me of the ones my parents and grandmothers had. I have several Christmas birds that clip onto branches that I love. My ornaments MUST be Christmas-y, no cartoon characters or trendy themes. Clear lights or colored lights on the tree? I prefer colored lights. I had the big ones for years, but now I use mini-lights that are eco-friendly. They're not as pretty, but they ARE better for the environment. Angel on the tree top or a star? I have an angel I made many years ago, but I like stars too. Outside Decorations How do you decorate outside the house? Sadly, I don't do as much outdoor decorating as I used to when my kids were little and living with me. Nowadays, it's mostly a couple of wreaths on the doors. Gifts Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? When my kids lived at home, we always opened one gift (chosen by me) on Christmas Eve, with the rest very early on Christmas morning. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I might buy a few things ahead of time, but most of my shopping is usually done between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Best, most creative, most thoughtful, gift ever received? There have been many over the years, but the ones from my daughter, Jenn, were probably the most creative and thoughtful. She is crafty and loves to give gifts that are meaningful. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope! Do you use wrapping paper or gift bags? I use both. How many Christmas cards do you mail? Less than 25 usually, these days. Christmas Day, Christmas Eve... Do you travel at Christmas or stay home? It varies from year to year. When my parents lived far away and my kids were growing up, we usually took turns going to each others' houses... but usually after Christmas, as I like to be home on Christmas morning. These days, I sometimes spend Christmas with my girls, who live in a different state. Do you go to church on Christmas or Christmas Eve? Not often. Christmas Food Favorite food(s) to eat at Christmas? Fresh-baked cookies, of course, as this is pretty much the only time of year I bake them! And then, our holiday dinner. Favorite Christmas cookie(s)? I like chocolate snickerdoodles and oatmeal raisin, along with 7-layers. Do you like eggnog? Yes, and it's my tradition to drink it while decorating the Christmas tree. Sadly, I'm the only one in the family who really likes it, so I always have to drink up a whole quart myself, or end up dumping half of it. :( Christmas Entertainment Favorite Christmas song? What Child Is This? Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas! Ever attended the Nutcracker ballet? Yes, a couple of times. Joy or Stress Do you feel the JOY of Christmas or mostly STRESS? Mostly joy, except maybe at the very end, when I'm always struggling to finish making all the ambitious gifts I plan. :) Most annoying thing about this time of year? I don't like that all the Christmas ads start earlier each year. I don't think we should start talking Christmas until Thanksgiving weekend. Santa Do you have a special/funny memory of Santa Claus? Yes, one year driving home from Christmas Eve church service as a child, I saw Santa entering a house. I was frantic to get home and in bed before he arrived at our house! Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Grin! I think... Prancer, Dancer, Vixen, Dasher, Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid & Rudolph, of course. I Love Christmas because: of the wonderful & warm, giving and loving feelings it evokes. It's a time for family. To me, it will always be magical |
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