The Xmas thread

[Nephythys]

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate- I always try Nog but always come away disappointed.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Wrap- we also have a tradition called the ACP: After Christmas Present; where gifts without tags will appear under the tree long after the main gift wrap shredding is done- usually contains some special gift for the family or individuals. Last year I wanted a Time Turner- so bad- and I did not get one. Then late on Christmas day an extra gift appeared- and it turns out Santa did heed my wish (Mom got the thing overnighted like 2 days before Christmas)

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Colored- no lights on the house. Can't find a $@*&@ outlet!!! Colored lights up the banister too. I have an angel and Santa in the window with lit (lightbulb) candles.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No- I have it but have never hung it.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
The weekend after Thanksgiving- this year I was so psyched about a house of my own it went up the day after Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert.)
Excluding? Oh gosh- I have no idea. Including- FUDGE! and yummy cookies.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
Too many to mention really- the creation of the ACP comes to mind. I wanted a Hairy Spider (glove puppet- anyone else recall them?) and he was not in any of my gifts- later in the day while cleaning up I found a box that was heavy- inside was my spider. Santa surprise.
One as an adult stands out- anyone seen Polar Express? Rose loved the bell thing so much that we got her a bell- put it in a box and my Mom wrote a note to Rose in pretty script from "Mr C"- we hid it under the tree with the ACP's- she loved it.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
What truth? Are you implying something about Santa?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
My family opens gifts on Christmas Eve- stockings and other gifts Christmas morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Disney. I subscribed to a Disney ornament club and collected a bunch of them- colored lights, red tinsel, Disney ornaments (including a new one this year from GC ) and a red and green tree skirt. I used to have a train going around the tree- but it's not going out this year. I think I am going to sign back up- just send back the ones I already have.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Hate to go out in it- love to look at it from the warmth of my home.

12. Can you ice skate?
Yes, but only in circles.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Gosh no- my family was so good at giving us things that delighted. I am most currently fond of the Time Turner- but there have been many over the years.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Family- delighting and surprising them with Christmas surprises- not just gifts.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Fudge and cookies

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
The ACP, the time we spend together during the holidays. This year is going to be different-the BF's family is going out of state, I have not been in touch with my brother for months, and will only be visiting my parents briefly- this Christmas will be spent mostly at home- making new traditions.

17. What tops your tree?
A white lit star

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving?
Giving. I like getting gifts but I look forward to the reactions to the gifts I give so much more-

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
O Holy Night (and most any other Christmas songs- love Christmas music) Oh, and Christmas Eve Sarajevo (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
As a last resort


Gifts-
For me? I want a Nintendo DS with Animal Crossing- appeals to the geek and the child in me. A Kitchen Aid mixer, a kitchen remodel LOL- Farscape season 4- clothes would be nice.

The testosterone crew is getting an XBox 360- the BF knows about it though. Which is ok- he has been helping me figure out what to buy. I have to find some special thing to get for him that's a surprise now-I'm sure we will get a game or two.

Rose is getting a Coral Pink DSLite with NintenDogs.

I bought Mom the newest Spyro game. Dad is getting a flight simulator for his Mac.

BF's parents (both sets) are getting gift cards- likely his siblings are too.

Not sure what else just yet- small things- stocking fun. Candy and fun stuff-

Dinner- traditionally we have lasagna, salad, garlic bread. I love that it's different.

I love simmering cinnamon and cloves and playing Christmas music and watching my favorite Christmas movie- The Muppets Christmas Carol in the warm light of the treem cuddled up with my family. Or playing a game together-

Makes me all warm and cozy!