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.