Twenty Questions ...

While catching up on my blog-reading, I noticed a really fun post over at Danielle Gregory's Oh Happy Blog! Danielle has great ideas and finds, of which I've been quite intrigued. And today, I've decided to borrow this cute little quiz.

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? During the holidays, I'm all about egg nog. It's actually a bit obsessive of me (especially since it's so high in cholesterol and I really should not indulge). But hey ... it's only around once a year.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? "Santa," better know as yours truly, always wraps each and every gift. In fact, today I spent about 2-3 hours wrapping the gifts we've accumulated thus far. It's all about presentation with me ... I can't help it, I'm a planner!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Though I grew up with colored lights, once I became the head of my own household, it's been white lights or nothing. Trees shine and glow more with white lights, I think.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? I hung mistletoe one year, but no one seemed to be compelled to kiss under it. Haven't hung any since. Bummer.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Traditionally, I would have my decorations up no later than the first weekend of December. This year, I am running waaaay late, and nothing is up as of yet. I feel terrible about it and it's really not like me, but it took me much longer to get into the "spirit" this year.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I don't know if I have a favorite dish, but I sure enjoy the egg nog (see question #1).

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Growing up, the tradition in my family was everyone meeting for dinner at my great-aunt Bobbie's house. Each kid usually brought their favorite toy received that year, my aunt prepared a HUGE feast and everyone enjoyed laughing and talking with one another. One Christmas, my uncle surprised us kids by dressing up as Santa Claus! He jogged into the room blaring, "Ho Ho Ho ... Merry Christmas!" and we went nuts. Of course, we knew it was Uncle James, but it was so cool to pretend and sit around his feet while he handed out gifts.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I really don't remember when I learned the truth about Santa, but I'm pretty sure it was early on in my childhood. The whole Santa thing didn't make much sense to me, plus, I well knew that it was my Mommy's hardwork and love that got me everything I wanted for Christmas each year.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Just started doing this last year. A nice little tease, I think. Only when there's company over though.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Lights first ... tinsel & ribbon ... ornaments. Jewel tones and a gold star atop.

11. Snow, love it or hate it? I love it. Last week New Jersey experienced it's first real snow storm. While it made for a scary drive home, I couldn't resist gazing out of my office window as it fell and marveling at how beautiful it was.

12. Can you ice skate? Barely, but yes!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? When I was a little girl, there was a talking doll called "Cricket" on the market. Her eyes and mouth moved and she was somewhat interactive. The year she came out, this was the main thing I wanted for Christmas. Cricket was pretty expensive back then, so I knew there was a chance I might not get it, but I hoped and hoped. Christmas morning, I opened all of my gifts ... but no Cricket. I was very disappointed, however, I tried my best not to show it since I had received so many other wonderful gifts. After I went into my bedroom to sulk, I heard the doll's voice coming from the front of our apartment. I walked out there, but I didn't see the doll so I assumed my neighbor (who was only a year or two younger than me) had received it. "Great, oh well" I thought. However, when I turned around to head back to my room, my mother had the doll sitting on the couch! "Nasty trick," I thought ... but I was SO happy. In hindsight, this doll was pretty creepy, but I loved her just the same.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? For me ... reflection. In all of the hustle and bustle of the season, I always take time to reflect and respect the REAL significance behind all of this.

15.What is your favorite holiday dessert? Warm Peach Cobbler.

16. What tops your tree? A glittery, golden star. I've never been into angels at the tops of Christmas trees.

17. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? I'm a giver. I love to shop and I love to surprise my loved ones with the "perfect" gift.

18. What is your favorite Christmas song? "What Child Is This"

19. What is your favorite Christmas movie? "A Christmas Story" It's been my favorite for many, many years. Although, I really love "The Family Stone" as well.

20. What would be the best gift you could receive this year? Hope and health for the new year! 2008 bears many possibilities and I pray I am able to take advantage of them all.