Christmas Meme

From Ruth - who got it from Jan and decided to play.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Definitely paper
2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial. So I can put it up for All Saints and keep it 'til Epiphany (or even 'til Candlemas as I did this year)
3. When do you put up the tree?
Oh I already answered that. I aim for All Saints. But this year it was well into December.
4. When do you take the tree down?
12th night - and if not then it stays up until Candlemas in February.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes, great winter treat.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
One year our Aunt made bride outfits for our dolls. All different. They were so gorgeous.
7. Hardest person to buy for?
Well - I try not to buy (Advent Conspiracy fits well with my philosophy) but I do seem to have difficulty 'getting it right' for my immediate family
8. Easiest person to buy for?
Above notwithstanding, I don't mind buying for the family member who is always appreciative of an annual undie restock.
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Several. This one set up at home, and holy family at work on my bookshelf. Plus smaller ones about the place.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Bit of both but I do prefer the tactile involvement of writing in 'real' cards.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
With a birthday just a few days later, I always felt short changed when well meaning rellies said "we got you a bigger Christmas present that will be for your birthday as well"
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Joyeux Noel, Santa Clause, I haven;t seen The Nativity yet.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
No special time
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Almond biscuits. With lemon or ginger.
16. Lights on the tree?
None this year, They died last year and I haven't replaced them.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
One???? Five CDs on the player are my faves - Blind Boys of Alabama; Jamoa Jam (I'm dreaming of an Island Christmas); Old Fashioned Christmas (from a bargain bin - has some wonderful really old stuff I'd never heard of); Carol our Christmas; Joy to the World - Scottish Festival Singers.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
A mix. We have almost always been too far from family to even attempt to visit. Last year we were at home and all the children returned to us. This year we are driving on the first 'leg' of our summer camping trip around the NSW south coast.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
No
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Angel
21. Open presents Christmas Eve or morning?
After church on Christmas Day
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Needless spending
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
Our tree declares I am an angel girl, and I also have boxes of bells (ring out good news) birds, stars, balls (to represent the world/globe) etc etc. I also love using indigenous flora of this country e.g. the Advent wreath on our table.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Picnic at the beach with chicken, salad, christmas cake and cherries (or any stone fruit really) a bottle of lemon lime and bitters and other tasty treats
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
Justice and Joy
26. What do you like most about Christmas?
Anticipation of Advent, joy of Christmas, wonder of Epiphany. And wearing my Christmas earings.

If you want to play, leave a comment here. It will be fun to read other answers.