Christmas Tag

A few weeks ago I was tagged by Carol Anne over at Long Ramblings to list some random facts about myself. Well I have plenty, but thought I would answer this Christmas Tag I've seen floating around! And then send the tag back to her to see what fun things she does with her family for Christmas :)



1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate all the way, in fact I had it every morning with 2 pieces of wheat toast for the past 3 weeks!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Both, unwrapped in the stockings, but wrapped under the tree

3. Colored lights on house/tree or white lights?
White lights on the tree and 2 strings of red holly berry lights, no outdoor lights just candles in each window

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
This was the first year we did!

5. When do you put your decorations up?
Right after my birthday, Nov 19th. Usually it's pretty close to thanksgiving but this year it felt really early!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Cheesy potato hashbrown casserole (you know with the cornflakes on top)

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
On Christmas Eve when I was about 7 years old, my Grandpa was late for our family celebration. We decided to start without him at my dad's urging. When he did arrive he only had a few small presents for my sister and I. We opened them and were really disappointed (this sounds horrible and looking back we were being brats) About an hour later my grandpa tells us he thinks he forgot something in the car. We go out and open the trunk of his van and there is a 3 story doll house completely handmade by Grandpa. He was late because he was finishing glueing on the cedar shake roof tiles. I'll never forget how bad I felt about feeling shorted that Christmas. It was the best present!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Probably 1st or 2nd grade - my sister and I found Santa's wrapping paper in my mom's closet when we were playing hide and seek

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, the presents from my dad's family

10. How do you decorate your tree?
Woodland theme: red berries, pinecones, and rustic ornaments in red and green

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Love it (I live in MinneSOWta you know!) Although this turns to dread around April. Interesting fact: it snowed on my senior prom in mid-may :)

12. Can you ice skate?
yes, I played hockey for a few years in my teens

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
An American Girl itty bitty baby (I think this is what they're called) It was like the 1st year they came out and all I wanted was the african american baby who I named Natasha

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Celebrating with my family and giving back to those who wouldn't normally get Christmas gifts

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Spritz Cookies

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
My dad still reads my sister and I "Twas the Night Before Christmas" in the big bed (my parent's) on Christmas Eve. We've only had to do it by phone 1 time. We have the same book that my dad read my on my 1st Christmas. My hubby hasn't yet joined in the party, but I can't wait to do this with my kids someday :)

17. What tops your Christmas tree?
A red wooden star

18. Which do you prefer-giving or receiving?
Giving if I feel like I've gotten the perfect gift

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
What Child Is This, Mary Do You Know, and Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant

20. Candy Canes-yum or yuck?
Yuck

21. What do you want for Christmas?
A loveseat for our living room (lofty wish!) or balloon shades

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party?
just with family

23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs?
Just casual clothes, we have a famliy hockey game before dinner

24. Do you own a Santa hat?
Nope

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
My dad's family on Christmas Eve, Immediate family on Christmas morning, Mom's family on Christmas Day