A Christmas Meme

I saw this cute meme at Just Mom's Musings and I loved it. But then again, I love just about anything that has to do with Christmas! So, here's a bit 'bout Christmas at Short Stop!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Depends on the gift. If it's easy to wrap with paper, I'll usually take that route. If not, it's going in a bag, baby.

2. Real tree or artificial?
It somewhat pains me to type this, but we have an artificial tree. I swore I'd never own one, until I took one look at the gorgeous 12-foot artificial tree that now graces our great room. I love it and we can use all of our ornaments each year. BUT, I insist on burning a Mistletoe Yankee Candle all day, everyday while the tree is up. It makes our house smell like our tree is real.

3. When do you put up the tree?
This year, we put it up the day after Thanksgiving. I'd like to keep that tradition!

4. When do you take the tree down?
The weekend after New Year's.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Ew, and yuck. I have never liked it, and never will. My husband's family drinks it every Christmas Eve, and I am the odd man out.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
When I was 7, I got the Playdoh Fun Factory. I will never forget how much fun I had with it!

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes. It's white porcelain and was a gift for our wedding. When I pulled out the box this year and saw Jack's eyes grow to an enormous size, I immediately took it back down to the basement! :) Maybe in a few years...

8. Hardest person to buy for?
My sweet hubby. He will love anything I get him, and for some reason, that makes it hard. I suppose it's just hard to really "wow" him. That doesn't stop me from trying...

9. Easiest person to buy for?
My sister, Anna. I know her so well that I never have any trouble finding something great for her!

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
My grandparents bought me a sweater in middle school that had the word "Sweet" written all over it...about 200 times. (Remember that, Anna?) I was in 7th grade, and Guess jeans and Forenza were the cool things to wear. I think it went to the Goodwill still in the box.

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
We mail them. And, I love getting them, too!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
How The Grinch Stole Christmas...the animated one.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I pick up little things here and there throughout the year, but they are usually not specific to a person...just cool gifts. I get specific in November and start making lists and doing fun homemade things.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Don't think so. But, I have been tempted.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Oh boy...where to begin? The first time I was introduced to Stuffed French Toast was on Christmas morning at my in-laws. It always reminds me of Christmas morning. I have loved it ever since and make it all the time now.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Clear lights. Though, every year we are tempted to get those old school, ginormous, colored lights from the 80's and put them somewhere...just for laughs! :)

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...The Carpenter's version.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Travel home? :)

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
"You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall...the most famous reindeer of all?" 'Course, that's Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
A silver star. I do have an angel with a trumpet on one of our smaller trees (Yes, we have several small trees...this year, I am loving this one!)

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
ONLY on Christmas morning. This is a strict rule in our house!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The depression that follows. It always makes me a bit sad to take down the decorations. But, this year, we'll be anticipating the birth of our little bean! That should make for an exciting January.

23. What I love most about Christmas?
Oh, there are so, so many things. I love the lights and music and family time and gift-giving and the fireplace and our stockings. I love Christmas cookie tins and ornaments and my wedding anniversary. Those are just a few.

Ok, so I never tag people for anything, but I thought this one was so fun that I'd love to see some of your answers. SO, I'm tagging Lynn, Emily, Jenni, Kristen, Earen, Renee, Diana, and Janelle. Of course, I'd love to see anyone's answers who wants to play along. You can email this out if you don't have a blog or just leave your answers in the comment section!