Fun and Random Christmas Questions (aka Christmas Meme)

Sweet Renee tagged me for this Meme. It looked like a lot of fun so I thought I would give it a whirl.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Mostly wrapping paper, but when I start to go cross eyed from all the wrapping, I don't hesitate to pull out the gift bags.

2. Real tree or artificial?
When we were first married I insisted on a real tree (mostly because I had never had one) and I loved it. However, the mess and expense of a real tree eventually calculated into the decision making and when we found a very real looking fake we quite effortlessly crossed over to the dark side. I think the last real tree we had went down in the history books. I was pregnant with Richie (in the sick part) and Rich trying to be sweet bought a tree, brought it home, and set it up as a surprise for me. Poor guy didn't know what hit him when I broke down claiming it smelled like kitty litter (it really did), and insisted , "either the tree goes, or I go!".

3. When do you put up the tree?
It varies from year to year, but always AFTER Thankgiving.

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

5. Do you like eggnog?
Blech!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Apparently I was an ungrateful child because nothing stands out to me.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, we have a really cool one that was passed down from Rich's parents. Also, we have three kid friendly ones that the boys play with.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My boys...anything Star Wars for Richie and anything Lightning McQueen for Will.

9. Hardest person to buy for?
Rich. He has a long list of things I will NEVER buy for him EVER again including a watch, wallet, and briefcase. Although, I did score a couple of years ago when I bought him a Video iPod. I'm very uninspired so far this year...sorry honey.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I can't think of anything, really. My Mom and Dad always shopped off of a wish list and Rich usually does a great job.

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
Mail, although I seriously considered emailing this year to save some moola. The price of postage (and my Christmas card list) is getting out of control. By the way, I took everyone's advice and used some of favorite picture bloopers (from this post) on our card. I have to say, you all were right, it might be my favorite one ever.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?
This is a toughie. Probably favorite one ever is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I remember getting to stay up late to watch it when it was on television when I was a kid. I also love It's A Wonderful Life, and The Santa Clause.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Late, usually. I really want to be an early shopper, but it never happens.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
If I had received this by email I would have deleted this question because I didn't want to answer it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Peanut Butter Fudge and (of course) mashed potatoes...but not together because that would be sick and wrong.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
CLEAR!

17. Favorite Christmas song?
A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Usually we travel.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
No, but I learned about a new one last year from Richie. His name is Blister.

20. Angel on the tree top, or a star?
Currently, a star. We have two stars and an angel.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Growing up we always opened them on Christmas Eve because we traveled to my Grandparent's house for Christmas Day. However, now we always opens on Christmas Day.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Being an adult. Christmas was so much more fun when I was a kid and had no responsibilities.

23. What I love most about Christmas?
The music, the lights, the FOOD, the Christmas cards, the joy in my children, the bells, all of the special things that are reserved for this time of year alone, and most importantly the celebration of the most precious gift of all.

Consider yourself tagged if you have not done this meme yet and would like to!