A Christmas Meme!

I saw this at Lindsey's and couldn't resist!

1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?

Apple cider says "fall" to me, so I'd have to go with the hot cocoa. (Willingly of course.) :)

2. Turkey or Ham?

Ham (as in Honey of a ...) - sooo good with my mother's Delmonico potatoes!

3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?

Oh, this is a sore subject for me. For years and years it was always fresh-from-the-farm (or at least the local nursery) but last year we switched to fake. Mainly due to cats who insist on eating the greenery, children with mild allergic reactions, and a new fireplace that makes the house very dry. The tree we chose is very nice, but I really miss that pine smell!

4. Decorations on the outside of your house?

Yes, white icicle lights (like every other house in our neighborhood, lol) and white candles in the windows (which are technically inside but are part of the overall effect). Evergreen wreaths on the windows and door and ... some years garland along the front fence. Oh, and I hang a Christmas flag. I think that's it!

5. Snowball fights or sleddin'?

Sledding on a snowy day is the best. (Especially when a thermos of hot cocoa is involved!) Snowball fights are just bad news in my book. (So says the mother of three boys.) ;)

6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?

Once or twice as a novelty - just long enough to soak in the jingling, bustling atmosphere, mail our Christmas cards and maybe stop for a yummy treat - then head home before the crowds get too bad.

7. Favorite Christmas song?

Oh, it's very hard to choose. The Carol of the Bells, Sleigh Ride, and O Holy Night because my late grandfather (who had a wonderful Irish singing voice) sang it every year on Christmas eve.

8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?

I like a few - not the goofy commercial ones, though. I love It's a Wonderful Life, Polar Express and A Christmas Story. Oh and Little Women and Meet Me in St. Louis are two of my all time favorite movies (both fairly Christmas-y).

9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?

Well, it's never too early if you're in the mood! I listened back in August when I started some early planning. But in the fall, I like to wait until Thanksgiving night before breaking out all the CDs and setting the car radio to the Christmas station.

10. Stockings before or after presents?

Stockings first thing!

11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?

I would love to have some stop by and would be glad to offer them some goodies and a hot drink! This year we are going caroling with our parish!

12. Go to someone else's house or they come to you?

Mostly everyone comes here (which I love).

13. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?

Yes, all throughout the season.

14. What do you do after presents and dinner?

Sip a cup of coffee and put up my feet!

15. What is your favorite holiday smell?

Mmmm - evergreen means Christmas. I also like a mixture of cranberry, clove and orange. I just got a wonderful candle from Wild Oats called Peace that smells just like those three things!

16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?

I might do one trip to the mall just to see the decorations and pick up one or two things I can't get anywhere else. (And to drool over the Williams-Sonoma windows!)

Not a big ice skating fan, though I like the "idea" of it. If I could sit on a log by the side of the bog (as in cranberry, I would never skate on a lake) and pass out treats and hot drinks I'd be very happy. :)

17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?

The boys open one gift on Christmas eve (usually pajamas or something small) and then the rest in the morning. Growing up, my grandparents always gave me a brand new Lanz flannel nightgown and a stuffed animal on Christmas Eve.

18. Favorite Christmas memory?

Oh to choose just one? I may have to do a whole post on fond Christmas memories! One that springs to mind - the year Earlybird was born just a week before Christmas and I sat up through the night with him, watching the lights, rocking and nursing him and humming carols. That was the most peaceful, joyous night. :)

19. Favorite Part about winter?

Well, I'm a January baby so I just love snow! I also love dark afternoons, a warm kitchen filled with good smells, candles burning, watching the snow fall outside ...

20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?

I'm not telling! ;)

If you're here and reading this meme, you're tagged! Happy Almost Advent!