Christmas MeMe

Ok, I admit, I've been tagged with another MeMe but as I started writing it, it came out all Bah Humbugish. I mean, No. 1 was "Christmas is not my favorite Holiday!" So I trashed it and when I received this one today, I went for it. I hope it appeases my MeMers. An old friend in Virginia sent it to me who doesn't even know I blog. Perhaps it's time to tell her a little secret.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper for most; although I have been known to let the shop use their cute little bags and fill it with tissue also.

2. Real tree or artificial?

Real. Which this year is sitting right next to my computer. Who knew I was highly allergic to pine? I did. The kid and hub had it all decorated by the time I got back from NYC.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Whenever I get around to ordering it. I have, in the past, ordered from Williams Sonoma and then it arrives mid December. This year, I went straight to the source and ordered from the Cartner Family tree farm in North Carolina. It came in two days and is the prettiest and freshest tree ever. In Virginia, we used to go to a farm and cut our own. Those days are gone.

4. When do you take the tree down?

Normally the second week in January. We celebrate Ukrainian Christmas on January 7 (usually in NY) and we take it down the following week. Now as far and other decorations around the house, who knows. When I get utterly sick of them.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Not the real stuff. But I have had a couple of eggnog coffees from SB. I like the flavor just not the richness of the real McCoy.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Tough one. I remember receiving a portable cassette tape player/recorder. I woke up before anyone else, had to be 1973 (I was barely 13) (the brothers were already over getting up early). I opened it and proceeded to tape record WGTB's (goes way back to DC independent radio from Georgetown University--it was the best station ever) Christmas morning broadcast. I remember hearing John Prine for the first time and recorded his song Christmas in Prison. OMG. I took that recorder everywhere. I recorded everything! I even recorded an entire concert of Alice Cooper; and they let me bring it in!! Geesh. The hub and I found all of my cassettes that had been up in the attic when we cleaned mom's house out two summer's ago. I wonder if they still play. I'll save that research for another day.

7. Do you have a Nativity scene?

Yes, many, many, many! My larger on came from my honeymoon in Rome. I bought the main pieces of the set and have added to it over the years. Friends from all over the world send me little ones. I have a tiny one, would fit in a tablespoon, that came from dear friends in Mexico City. I have pewter ones, copper ones, clay ones, one on a coin, one in a paper mache flower. Well, you get my drift. I have them every where.

8. Hardest person to buy for?

Brother Jim. He has such impeccable tastes and he normally buys his own stuff all year so it's difficult. This year, after his trip here for Thanksgiving, he so enjoyed my XM, I decided that's what I was going to get him. And I did. Then my cousin bought him one for his birthday! Gee wiz. I had to go to a backup plan last minute. Boo hiss James.

9. Easiest person to buy for?

Mom. She loves clothes. I normally get her some new sleeping attire (she has always loved PJs). This year I'm going to get her some new Merrick shoes. They slip on easily and are nice and warm for her.

10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received?

My boyfriend, at the time, got me this 5 foot bear! I was, say, 19!! at the time. What in the world was I going to do with a huge stuffed bear? Well, I still have it and the boys enjoyed it while they were small. But, c'mon.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?

No. I used to but I have run out of time. Now I do New Year's cards to all my loved ones. I enjoy it so much more. There are just too many things going on at Christmastime. I still write notes in each one. I find it quite rude receiving one of those printed cards with the family's name and not as much as a signature. Not a miss you. Not a Love, so and so. Just pop that sucker in the mail and be done with it. What's the point? (See, this is how my other MeMe went.) I do, however, love receiving Christmas letters that are chock full of what families have been up to in the past year. But even those, should be signed. grin.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

It's not really a Christmas movie, but we watch The Sound of Music every Christmas Eve. It's just so wholesome. (I did like Elf though.)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Whenever. This summer, I saw something cute for my niece and just got it. I normally lose it before December, but this time I didn't! Yay! But, the bulk of my shopping is a week or two before Christmas.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

No. But I have taken something back and exchanged it. (Sorry, hub.)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Sweets. I keep them front and center throughout the season. I used to love Stollen made by two bakers in DC--Tivoli's and Watergate Bakery. But since leaving, I have given up finding anything remotely close here in Tennessee.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

As many lights as can fit of all denominations.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

I can't say that I have one. All the traditional ones bring tears to my eyes (church does too) so I enjoy the more obsucure ones. Say, Root Boy Slim's Christmas at K-Mart? (I know, I'm ghetto from way back. Root Boy was one of our local yocals.)



19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Nope

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Used to have an angel until the boys got to a certain age and vetoed it. We now have a star.


21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

One small present Christmas Eve and the rest very early Christmas morning.

22. Ever sneak and check out your presents before Christmas?

Nope, never. Honest. Although my brother Jim showed me where my parents hid all the toys--in our basement wash tub. Boo hisssssss Jim!!!

Now, anyone who wants to, go for it!

A very special thank you to Shelley who sent me a disk full of vintage graphics. The dunce kitty above is from her set. I love it!