Holiday Traditions

Crystal over at Bead Happily Ever After has invited everyone to answer some questions about holiday traditions. Why not share my Christmas habits here, too? So, here goes:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Both. I love wrapped presents, but for some items, or if I'm in a rush, a gift bag is just more practical. It's also m more environmentally friendly, since it's reusable.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Artificial. I grew up with an artificial tree because I have a younger brother with horrible, terrible allergies. Now, I'm used to the convenience of having a tree in the closet, rather than having to buy one and lug it back. I'm going to my parents' house for Christmas, though, so I probably won't even bother putting up one in my apartment.

3. When do you put up the tree?

This year, not at all. In family tradition, the weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down?

About a month after it goes up.

5. Do you like eggnog?

I love eggnog! It's terribly unhealthy, which is probably why it tastes so good. I also love eggnog flavored ice cream.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

My favorite gift was definitely the American Girl doll, Felicity. She came in a different dress when I got her, though. I loved that doll- my mother made me a bunch of dresses for her, too.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

My mother is terrible to shop for. She's a practical person who doesn't like to have anything around that she doesn't actually need. Anything impractical or dust-collecting is a no-no. She doesn't like anything scented, either.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

My grandfather. The only thing is that I don't buy for him, I knit for him- he loves anything that I make him and wears it with pride.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Nope. I used to have one when I was little; I don't know what happened to it.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

I mostly like to hand-deliver them, if possible- if not, then mail. There's just something about a tangible card.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

I really can't think of anything off the top of my head.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

For some reason, ever since I was younger, I've always loved The Year Without A Santa Claus. It's a little silly, but I still enjoy it and try to catch it when it's on TV every year. It's a classic.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I keep an eye out for stuff all year- it's a trick that my mother taught me. That way, I don't do the frantic shopping right before Christmas. As for knitted gifts, I generally start knitting them around September.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

I don't like to regift.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Christmas cookies. Definitely the Christmas cookies. Every year, my mother used to bake baskets full of them to send with my father to work- butter cookies, coconut macaroons, chocolate truffles- it was fantastic.

16. Lights on the tree?

Yes, of course! Is it really a full-decorated Christmas tree without lights?

17. Favorite Christmas song?

I've always been rather fond of The Twelve Days of Christmas- although I always get a little confused once you reach 9 or so of the order that the items go in.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Travel home to my parents.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

No, but I wish I could- it would be a helpful skill.

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

It's always been Christmas morning for us. My brother's birthday is Christmas Eve, so we've always tried to keep that a separate, non-Christmas day for him. Before he was born, though, I was always allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Traffic, traffic, traffic.

22. Favorite ornament theme or color?

I have some beaded ornaments that were made by my great grandmother. I also love glass ornaments, because you can stick them in front of a colored light and it looks really pretty shining through.

23. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Webs Interchangable Circular Needles. I'd also really like a toaster. Yes, I'm a bit practical.

24. Angel on the treetop or a star?

We've always had an angel holding a candle.

25. Favorite Christmas dinner?

I love a good honey-baked ham, as well as some crescent rolls on the side. Sometimes, if we're feeling productive, my mother or I will also make some additional, non-traditional foods as well. Past ones have included meatballs, croquetas, and a tortilla española or tortilla de patatas (yes, we like our Spanish foods).