Christmas fun...

My friend, Kristen tagged me awhile ago and since I have a minute, I think I will try to answer these fun Christmas questions. Thanks, Kristen!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
I only like Egg Nog while we are decorating the tree. That along with my favorite Oreo cookies covered in white chocolate. It's a family tradition. Normally I love Hot Chocolate better...especially Peppermint Hot Chocolate at this time of year.

2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
He didn't wrap the big things. Now he does and he separates them and puts them on a chair with the person's stocking.

3. Colored lights on house/tree or white?
White all the way with me. My husband and I have gone back and forth on this one and I think he's finally coming my way. He usually likes colored or all blue lights and he likes a white tree. I like a traditional green tree. We've started to use an artificial one these past few years. I know, that's probably against the rules.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No... but I do wear Rosy Mistletoe-sies toenail polish. Does that count?

5.When do you put your decorations up?
I don't have any set time. I would like to put them up the day after Thanksgiving, but my daughter and I go shopping because we love chaos. So, it's usually the following weekend.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
It has been our Crabmeat Appetizers. Ask me if you want the recipe.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
Cutting down our Christmas tree. I have an old video to remember. I wish I could post it here. It would have made "Funniest Home Videos" for sure! This is an adult memory... My sister knew I wasn't into "country" decorations when they were "in" and she gave me a (tacky) plaque that said, "Beary Christmas". It has been passed back and forth from family members for years! I wanted to put in her casket when she passed away, but somehow couldn't do it. Now I treasure it!

8.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I have no idea. I don't remember!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, and ironically it is ALWAYS pajamas!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
I love all of the ornaments from memories we've made and especially the ones the kids made.

11. Snow. Love it or dread it?
Love the first snow. It really is beautiful. I start dreading it soon after Christmas. I wish I were a snow bird and fly south for the Winter. I need sunlight!

12. Can you ice skate?
Since you asked... I am pretty good. Don't ask me to show off or I'll hurt myself! I will never forget when we lived on a lake and my dad made us the BEST skating rinks ever! You'd be jealous if you saw them. SO much fun!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
My favorite gifts were when my kids were in high school in a media class. They made a video for us with pictures, video clips and they talked and told us how much they loved us. They gave it to their dad and me and I've never cried so much in my life!

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you?
Keeping our focus on Jesus and the real meaning! Going to church, being with family and of course sharing a meal together!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
I love Peanut Butter Buckeyes. I need to make some soon!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Going to church together on Christmas Eve and coming back to my house for Cabbage Rolls. Don't tell my mom, but I don't love them, I just love the tradition and the smell in the house.

17. What tops your Christmas tree?
An angel.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
I love to give presents but I have an insecurity problem with wanting to find the perfect gift. I stress out too much. I'd lie if I didn't tell you I also like to receive gifts. Oh, this is a good time to tell the whole world that I really don't like the "white elephant" game. I hate to hurt the person's feelings if I don't want their gift. It's all about stealing someone's gift if you are the last to choose. I hate trying to pretend I like something when it is just plain weird! Sometimes I wonder if people buy the gifts for shock value. "Let's see how excited she gets over this Pet Rock!" Not really. Most are very nice gifts. I just don't like the whole stealing thing. I'd like it better if we choose, keep and say, "Thank You"!

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Too hard to choose. I love "The Gift" by Garth Brooks. I also love "The Lord's Prayer" by Johnny Mathis. It was the first Christmas album I ever owned. I also love "Silent Night". I don't know. I love all of them. Never heard one I didn't like! Wait... that's not true... I don't like The Hippo Song.

20. Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck?
Yum! I like to have one every year just for old time's sake.

21. What do you want for Christmas?
I want to give money to someone whose children believe in Santa, yet their parents can't afford to buy them anything.

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party?
Yes, we have several annual parties. We are so blessed! I feel badly for people who don't have any to look forward to. By the last one, I admit I am ready to be done with them. Our New Year's are often very quiet.

23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's?
Hmmm... I try to look nice for the Christmas Eve service, then come home and get comfy!

24. Do you own a Santa hat?
Nope.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
Christmas Eve with my family. Christmas Day we spend with my husband's family every other year. This is a good time to tell you that I STILL don't like to share Christmas Day with my kids' dad. I don't like when they leave after we open gifts. It's still hard after all of these years. I get this uncomfortable feeling in my stomach and I just don't like it.

What song do you want to add to the end of this post?





"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

Now I get to tag 5 people...
I don't want to stress anyone out, so do it if you have time!
Love you all,
Angie xoxo