Christmas

Split second of cuddling. And, Coranelle has finally started enjoying stuffed animals. She likes her bunny. We call him Mr. Pib. He was a gift from the Pottery Barn and has PB embroidered on his foot. He is exactly Coranelle's size right now.
Her new jean jumper from Grammadele. Very cute!
Laughing away. I love this picture!

I got the idea to do this questionnaire from Heidi's blog (www.nothingbutbluesky.blogspot.com). But, she called it a Christmas meme. And to be completely honest, I have never heard of a meme, nor do I know what it is. So, I am calling it a questionnaire. Nonetheless, I thought it was a fun idea, so here goes...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Mostly wrapping paper. It is fun to see all of the unique kinds of paper that family and friends pick out. Although, for those really awkward, hard to wrap gifts, a gift bag is okay. Especially if you are re-using them and have so many hoarded up in your basement that your husband wants you to sort through them and throw a bunch away.

2. Real or Fake Tree?
I liked our real tree as a kid, when we had one. But, we have a fake one now, and I like it just fine. We only have to spend money on it once, and saving money when we are living on one salary seems like a crucial thing. The ornaments and lights make it unique and special. And, I think Coranelle likes the one we have.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually we put it up after Thanksgiving or early December. I love turning it on at night and reading under a blanket by the twinkling lights.

4. When do you take the tree down?
After New Years, I think. It's only the second year we have had our own tree.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Not at all. Hot chocolate, apple cider, gingerbread latte, sure... but not eggnog. I once ordered a vanilla shake at McDonalds and got eggnog instead and it was a huge disappointment.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
We got a pipeworks set (I think that was what it was called) as kids. These were large, various sizes pvc type pipes and hinges, platforms, wheels, etc. We could make lifesize cars, slides, tunnels, etc. It was a great activity for the four of us to build together. It is the one toy I really remember receiving. I wish they still made them so we could get them for Coranelle some day. Does anyone else remember these?

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope. But, I used to enjoy arranging our glass nativity scene when mom was decorating for Christmas. I don't mind nativity scenes, but have thought about them differently this year after some of our recent sermons. The nativity scenes make the night of Jesus' birth seem very safe and pristine. Yet, when you think about Mary going into labor in a dark, cold, dirty cave- without a midwife, or doctor or any help, it's pretty terrifying. Soon after, Herod was calling for all infant boys to be murdered. And, the shepherds and wise men had not yet heard of Jesus' birth. I cannot imagine the fear and pain that Mary and Joseph were dealing with on that Holy night. It was pretty scary for me, and I had multiple nurses, a OBGYN, my husband, two moms, a hospital room, and modern technology aiding me. It makes me realize how humbly Jesus came into this world. I am not sure nativity scenes really capture that for me.
Hopefully, I did not just offend anyone. I am just thinking aloud.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
Steve and Rebecca. Rebecca knows what she wants and I don't often get it right. Steve rarely needs anything, and won't make requests. They're hard!

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Ryan- I listen throughout the year to little things that spike his interest and stash away ideas here and there. I have a hard time sticking to my budget.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever got?
I desperately wanted some overalls when I was in 4th grade. They were in style. My stepmom at the time picked them out for me. She didn't have any girls and she meant well, I know she did. But, the overalls didn't have a big. They just had straps like suspenders. I didn't have the heart to exchange them, even though I was very disappointed. So, I wore them to school. I got teased a lot. I felt obligated to keep wearing them because they were a gift and a nice brand. Every time I put them on, I dreaded the day ahead.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I love getting them in the mail. My mom used to hang a red ribbon on the sides of the doorway into the kitchen and pin the cards up as we got them. I loved reading the letters and looking at the pictures every day, hanging along the doorway. I still love to get them and hang them on the fridge and comment on how grown-up everyone's kids are getting.

12. Favorite Christmas Movies?
The Holiday, Love Actually, The Polar Express

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
November... or when I get inspired by a fun gift idea(which might be in June)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Don't think so

15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas?
Pepperkaka cookies, because they remind me of my Grandma Corky and of making cookies with my mom. Plus, they smell so delicious! Mom came to spend the day with us this past Friday and we made them. I enjoyed rolling them out, using fun cookie cutters, tasting the cinnamony dough and chatting with mom.
And, hot chocolate, made with milk and with whipped cream on top.

16. Colored or clear lights on the tree?
Colored. And, I love the big bulbs. But, I do have fond memories of our chili pepper lights as a kid.

17. Favorite Christmas songs?
Oh Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay at home. I love waking up and coming downstairs to open stockings and have breakfast in our flannel pj's.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Dasher, dancer, prancer, Vixen, Commet, Cupid, Donner, Blitsen, and the most famous reindeer of all- Rudolf
Not sure I spelled those right.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Whatever you have. We don't have a tree topper, and I don't mind.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas Eve with the Morks. Christmas Day with my family. Stockings Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Everyone acting as if Christmas is about buying things. I really dislike that. And, I dislike that so often, the holidays bring about stress and family tension.

23. What do you enjoy most about Christmas?
Being with my family. I like that Ryan takes time off and we can spend time together as a family. I like going to church and singing hymns. I also like getting together with friends for dinners and catching up. This year, it will be fun to have Coranelle's first Christmas. I also like the chance to step back to reflect and remember the significance of our Savior's birth.

24. How did you find out about Santa?
I think that it was at lunch, in 3rd grade. I think I knew in the back of my mind that Santa wasn't real. But, my friend Lauren started teasing me and Erin about still believing. I remember being disappointed that I could no longer pretend that he came to fill our stockings every year. I actually remember getting into a heated fight about it. Now, it brings back smiles. Love you Lauren! Do you remember that?


So, that was fun! Feel free to copy and paste your own "meme". I hope this week is full of all of the good things that Christmas beholds.