Merry Christmas Meme

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I use both depending on the shape of the gift.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial but one Christmas when I was 7 my whole family stayed at my grandparents' farm. We all went out in the woods to pick out the perfect tree, chop it down, and drag it home. It was very snowy and fun!

3. When do you put up the tree? After Thanksgiving

4.When do you take the tree down?After New Year's

5. Do you like eggnog? It is okay. My husband and daughter love it so we drink it every year!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Donny and Marie Osmond record player with a microphone. Think along the lines of an early karaoke machine. I got the Donny and Marie Barbie dolls that year also complete with purple socks.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, we have a few. My favorite is an advent nativity that is magnetic so the kids can add to the scene and lead up to Baby Jesus on Christmas Day!

8. Easiest person to buy for?My sister

9. Hardest person to buy for?My husband. His birthday is 3 days after Christmas! It is a challenge to make sure his birthday is not over shadowed by Christmas which adds more pressure to getting the "right gift" (see # 14).

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? One piece pajamas with a flap in the back. I was 18 years old.

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? Mail. There is just something special about sending cards the old fashion way. I also look forward to receiving mail around Christmas time.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually start in the fall. I have to use my time wisely without kids.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I honestly don't remember doing this. I genuinely enjoy gift giving. I usually try to get just the right gift for the person it is intended. This has caused some trouble for my husband and me because I sometimes stress over getting just the right gift.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom used to make the best breakfast casserole.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?Usually we travel to see my side of the family but we are staying home this year. My husband has wanted a Christmas morning at home since Olivia was born. I'm looking forward to sharing this year at home with him and the girls.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? No

20. Angel on the tree top, or a star? We have an angel from my childhood that my mother made.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? We've always waited for Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Out of town traffic!!! It really takes the fun out of shopping!

23. What I love most about Christmas? Time spent with my family and the tenderness of the Christmas story.

Feel free to join in on the meme fun!