Christmas meme

Finally getting around to this one, it's not too late, really. We packed up the tree and put away decorations this morning, so I guess I feel like we've done for this Christmas, this just finishes it off.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate! Seriously, I never understood the drinking raw egg bit (BLECH!!) Although a nice chilled sparkling white is probably more appropriate on a hot Christmas day Downunder.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
definitely wrapped

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?...
On the house, all white - and no icicles or flashing stars! I've had to really put my foot down with Ray and Kate on this one LOL. This year, I bought my first set of white lights for the tree, to replace the coloured ones - now I really want a new tree, but we'd spent so much this Christmas, I couldn't bring myself to fork out more dollars even when they were half-price on Boxing Day. I'm really sick of cheap and tacky, so need to save up this year to buy a really nice one, one that will do us for at least the next ten years or so (and don't send Ray to the shops to get it, or I'll end up with one just like the last one he bought!). I've been changing over to all silver decorations (a few new ones every year), so a new tree is definitely something to shoot for.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?...
nope, it's such a noxious weed, don't want to encourage it

5. When do you put your decorations up?...
before Christmas! We don't start until December, so as not to overshadow the kids' birthdays in November

6. What is your favorite Christmas dish (not a dessert)
nothing special really, I love all the cold meats and salads that we rustle up at the family gatherings

7. Favorite Christmas memory as a child?
I really don't remember much, but I do remember on Christmas morning (before we moved to the farm), after we had unwrapped all the loot in our Santa Sacks (which were actually painted pillowslips) my sister and I would pack it back into the sacks and haul it three doors down to show our elderly neighbours, the Burlocks. Their kids were all grown up and moved away, so I think they really got a kick out of seeing our bright excited faces at some uncivilised hour on Christmas morning. At least, they said they did!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I guess I was about 7 or 8, it's hard not to when you get to school - there's always some loud-mouthed smart-alec kid wanting to shoot off about this! I know I pretended to believe for some time, afraid that I wouldn't get presents anymore if I let on that I knew. And I remember I lied to Mum about knowing on several occasions too.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
nope

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him?
we don't do that, but as a kid, we used to leave out some fruitcake and a bottle of (non-alcoholic) apple cider, and carrots for the reindeer

11. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving?
giving, although just one year, I'd love for Ray to surprise me with something really nice

12. What tops your tree?
a star (gonna get a nice silver one next year)

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
nope, but I always appreciate cash or gift vouchers (wink)

14. What's the most important thing about Christmas for you?
just being with my husband and kids, giving each other gifts and sharing the luurve

15. What is your favorite Christmas Dessert?
Ray's sister Judy makes a WICKED chocolate cheesecake, and she always decorates the top with dipped strawberries and stuff, it's a no-brainer

16. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
Probably the only ones we have created in our family - Christmas Eve carols at Church, and bacon croissants for breakfast on Christmas morning. And I love making Christmas cards and sending them out to distant family and friends, at least we stay in touch once a year!