Tuesday, November 27, 2007

12 Questions




Anni, at Hootin' Anni's has created a Christmas meme. If you would like to participate, just click on the link where you can learn all about the meme and read Anni's wonderful answers. I found about it over at Mary's Writing Nook-I loved hearing about her family and their dinner for 40 around one table. I would love to have that table. And yes, I would love to cook for them too. Here are my answers to the 12 questions.

This is what Anni had to say:

For the holiday season, I've started a meme. "The Twelve Questions of Christmas" If you'd like to participate, I'd be honored to have you join in the fun. If you'd like, you are welcomed to use the meme header graphic!

1. Christmas is Nostalgic [fill in the blank with ONE WORD]

2. In memories, what was the best part of your Christmases past?
I loved Christmas at Grandmas house. The smell of bacon in the morning and besides the fact that we had to eat breakfast before we could open our presents--it was a very special time. Their tree was in the front room. The room you only sat in while in your Sunday best- or if you had visitors. The tree had those huge old bulbs and it was fake as far back as I can remember. But the rest of the ornaments were made by the grandchildren.
My Grandfather used to wear these long silky black socks--they became our stockings each year. Mom and Grandma would fill the bottom with nuts and a tangerine or orange. And then they would fill the socks with goodies and candy. The sock looked like it was then long enough to wear as a womans stocking. Poor Granddad. This was almost my favorite part of the morning. You always knew that once you had opened all your gifts-- there would be one more thing.
It was a good thing that we were all on a friendly basis because the stocking could have been used as lethal weapons while loaded. :)
Today Mom still does stockings for us even though we no longer have granddad's socks-she tried to stop one year and the kids had a fit. Yes, me included. Good memories.



3. Was Santa ever good to you? [describe how and what]-
No. We knew from a very early age that there was no such thing as Santa.

4. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both?
We allow the children to open one (that we pick) present on Christmas Eve and then they open the rest the next morning.
5. Is there something you make each and every year? [craft or recipe]
I usually make fudge-a no bake recipe. And usually pumpkin bread.
6. What is your favorite five[5] Christmas songs/hymns?

1. Do You Hear What I Hear? 2. O' Holy Night 3. Silent Night-------------------------I'll have to agree with Mary on all 5 of these. 4. Little Drummer Boy 5. I'll Be Home for Christmas--I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas?

7. Is there a new tradition for Christmas since your childhood days?
We put up a tree the day after Thanksgiving and take it down the day after Christmas. We open presents as soon as we get up and then eat a big breakfast afterwards.



8. Describe one of your Christmas trips. [whether it's across town or across country]
I think it was a Christmas trip. But, I was pretty young so I am not real sure. We went to visit my Dad's Dad in Michigan. It was snowing and we went tobogganing. I remember the snow flakes hitting me in the eyes. I think I loved it. Grandpa used to smoke a pipe and I loved the smell. I remember sitting on his lap watching him blow smoke rings. I still love that smell and for a short while after we got married Keith smoked a pipe just so I could smell that smell. He no longer smokes-that was years ago.
9. Do you have a special Christmas outfit to wear for the day?
Whatever is going to allow me to be the most comfortable and not look to0 bad in Christmas pictures. A good disguise for the fluctuations each year. You know-- big, small--big, small. My mouth will be sealed until Christmas because I got on the scale this afternoon. Waaaaaaaa!!!!

10. Have YOU or any of your family members sat on Santa's lap?
I am sure I probably have at one time or another. No pictures. I don't think our kids have.
11. What is/or will be on your Christmas tree this year?
Well, all of our decorations are in storage. Last year we had just torn down our house and we were living in our trailer. Interesting days. So we had a little tree in a boot that a friend gave me and I had saved out our stockings. This year we do have a normal size tree and I went and bought some white lights and some gold, red and dark red ornaments. Julia picked out an angel that is outdoorsy and has little pine cones on her dress and wings. Sounds strange but she is pretty.

12. Do you/or have you decorated your yard for Christmas?
No, we don't decorate our house or yard.


15 comments:

Mary said...

Sharon,

I loved learning about your Christmas traditions and love the photo of your fireplace. That is one thing I'd love to have, but we don't have enough room here. We're hoping to put in a natural gas stove next year.

Thanks for taking part in the meme.

Blessings,
Mary

Andrea said...

cool meme...i MAY do it -- but i've now seen 3 in the past 10 minutes that look interesting, so i'll have to see which ones i'll do!!

Kellan said...

Hi Sharon - we do the one gift on Christmas Eve also and the rest on Christmas morning - I make fudge every single year too! I loved the memories of your grandparents - the sock that were stockings! Fun answers and lovely memories. Take care. Kellan

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

thank you sharon for your sweet comments to me...i enjoy your words full of tenderness and realness and loveliness...

my daughter begged me when she was in college to blog cause she had one & I couldn't ever figure it out...but when she went overseas as a missionary, I was determined to set up my own blog so she wouldn't miss what was happening...it took me one year literally to figure out how to get on to blogger.com LOL...the rest is history...but i found people like you who bless the scoks off of me and it has ended up more being God so present in my life through bloggers like YOU, my dear...

my son is doing a community project and I'll have to tell you the post when he does it this weekend--just loved your idea...he is helping out an orphanage of 123 kids...you are inspiring...and encouraging...thanks so much

AK said...

Oh how fun! I love christmas traditions...and the stockings are just so cute. I'm not sure why exactly but I was like wow those are really cute!

Anonymous said...

What a fun meme! I may tackle this one myself! ;o)

Your Christmas memories are lovely.

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

That's a neat meme, I may just have to participate! =)hee!

So did you do Santa with your kids since you didn't do it?

Anonymous said...

Loved the Meme! BTW, I finally did make the pumpkin loaf -- it smells yummy and my family assures me that it IS yummy! I'll have to try making it gluten-free so I can have some! D

Mom Gidcumb; Dad Gidcumb said...

Of course there were a few tears but many happy memories regarding Christmas past. Isn't it wonderful that God gave us memories?

Guess you also remember how hard that sofa was in the front room. It certainly was not one to curl up on and read a good book.

Guess those stocking will be an ongoing tradition.

Love you, HONEY,
MOM

Masked Rabbit said...

Hey Sharon,

Great meme, I think I will do this tomorrow or this weekend. Made me think of some great memories! Loved to read about yours too.

Nise' said...

Loved reading about your Christmas traditions. Will be doing this one shortly!

SunnySusan said...

I like that meme..."might" do it....

Love the new color green in your background....

such memories....love old memories...

Melanie said...

I love this meme- I've seen it around a bit. I am going to do it someday. I really enjoyed reading yours.

Halfmoon Girl said...

Thanks for sharing your memories and traditions. I liked the stocking story.

Denise said...

I enjoyed this.