now bring us some piggy pudding

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. I love when things are all wrapped up pretty and perfect with ribbons and bows. I can't wrap that way, but I like it.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real. It is a tradition for us to go to our local tree farm and cut our own. It is one of my favorite Christmas moments!

3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime between "when we get a chance" and "when the weather allows." This year we lucked out and were free last weekend. We got the tree in before the frost and snow hit the area. Let me tell you, there is nothing like having to wait for your tree to thaw before you can decorate it!

4. When do you take the tree down? As soon as it is dropping more needles than it is holding. We got it early this year, so I don't expect it to be up much after Christmas.

5. Do you like egg nog? With a nice shot of rum, buttershots, or both thankyouverymuch. (Which may explain my bad gift wrapping?)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I don't remember being particularly excited about any certain gift, but I don't remember being disappointed by one either. My goodness - have I blocked out my childhood???

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I do. I haven't put it out yet. This weekend I'll get to it. Funny story though - when DD1 was about three or so, DH was taking out the nativity piece by piece and telling her the Christmas story. When he pulled out Joseph, his head came off! It was the most traumatic telling of the Christmas story I've ever heard! ("Um, honey? I don't quite remember the part about Joseph being beheaded, do you???") So, now we have a new set.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Any of my in-laws. I'll just say they are picky, and leave it at that. (insert eye-rolling smiley here)

9. Easiest person to buy for? My niece. I always have to cut myself off and/or return some things because I go way too overboard. Now I've added a nephew to that list. I'm in trouble.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I have been making them the past several years, but I am completely stumped this year because I didn't take many photos. Can you even imagine?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nothing comes to mind. I am usually not very picky.

12 . Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life. Isn't it though? :)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I shop all year round. I have a bin that I keep gifts in. It is always funny to open the box around now and see the treasures I have stashed away.

14 . Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I recall.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cookies. I have been dreaming of sugar cookies, and mom passed the secret family recipe to me. I have never tasted another sugar cookie recipe that is as good.

16 . Clear lights or colored on the tree? We've been doing white lights for years, but I don't think I really care one way or the other these days.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I like to stay home if I can help it. Come visit if you like, but I prefer to lounge around at home if I can help it.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Sure!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? This year it is a star. But we have an angel too. Depends on my mood at the time.

21 . Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. If you open them all on Christmas Eve, what do you do all day on Christmas?

22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? I love everything about it. I am a Christmas dork.

23. Favorite Christmas ornament? I'm going to have to go with the "Piggy Pudding." (Yes, I know it's figgy pudding, but for some reason that's just what we call it.) It is figgy pudding on a plate and you can put a light inside it so that it lights up. It cracks us up every year and always inspires singing.

24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Anything NOT ham. Roast, turkey, sandwiches, I don't really care. There's going to be chocolate and cookies, right? That's all that matters.