Christmas Questionnaire

1. Fresh or fake tree?

Fake, but pre-lit!

2. Favorite ornament?

This outrageous humongous diamond ring. Hubby bought it for me at the Houston Galleria on Black Friday in 1997. It was the day after he had The Talk with my dad about us being married, and 3 weeks before he proposed.

3. Favorite Christmas song?

"O Come All Ye Faithful". I love the invitation God gives us to come to Him in adoration and to live joyfully and triumphantly. A close second is "O Holy Night", and then a tie between "Santa Baby" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside."

4. Favorite Christmas tradition?

Up until I was married, my favorite tradition was the order in which we had Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve day with my dad's side of the family, had Christmas morning all to ourselves, and spent Christmas day with my mom's side. (That's the great thing about living in the same city as your relatives.) After we were married, we tried to alternate Christmas and Thanksgiving every year between our two families. But this year...drum roll please....we are spending Christmas in our own home. I hope to give my kids some of the same experiences I had growing up and establish a few traditions of our own.

5. Favorite gift ever received?

In 2004 my mom gave me a scrapbook that she made. She did pages of me as a baby, growing up, with my family, my activities and hobbies, my friends, my wedding, and my children. The last page is a letter she wrote to me. I pull it out every now and then when I need a boost--it's a tangible reminder that she is proud of me and loves me.

6. Favorite Christmas meal?

Steaks grilled by my dad and Grandmama rolls.

7. Favorite Christmas cookie?

Sugar with powdered sugar icing and sprinkles, like these that I made with my boys yesterday:

8. Favorite place to be?

Wherever the people I love are.

9. Favorite memory?

Gosh, there are lots. I remember Christmas Eve, circa 1982, when Cabbage Patch Kids were all the rage. I remember how badly I wanted a CPK, but it didn't seem like even Santa could pull it off. Somehow my Gran managed to find and purchase a CPK for each of her grandchildren--what a great surprise! I even remember my kid's name: Freda Elna. Loved her.

10. Favorite Christmas movie?

Elf. Hands down.