A Christmas Meme

I found this while surfing into a blog that is listed on the blog of someone who reads my blog (Oy!, my head hurts already!). This meme is original to the person who tagged me (she tagged everyone who read it), so hats off and Merry Christmas to you, Holly, out in Iowa!


Christmas Meme


What greeting of the season do you use?

Merry Christmas!

Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Christmas morning, although we let Olivia open one gift after we come home from church (and our Christmas light ride).

Did you leave out milk and cookies for Santa?

I did when I was a kid... sometimes. We do it now with Olivia. She and I make cookies before we go to church, and leave them out with milk (or egg nog) when she goes to bed. After she goes to sleep, Susan and I will eat some of them, making sure to leave at least one with a bite taken out of it.

What's one Christmas Eve tradition your family had?

We didn't really have any when I was growing up... except to stay up late and watch "A Christmas Carol" (the one with Alastair Sim).

What's your favorite Christmas song?

Well, I really love "O Come, O come Emmanuel", and "Good King Wenceslaus" is another favorite. I also love "Hark The hearld Angels Sing" (which always brings a tear to my eye (Quit laughing, or I'll hunt you down... and you know I can do it, too!). To tell the truth, there are so many it is difficult to list. Hmm... "Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas" also comes to mind, as does "Santa Claus is Coming To Town"

Addendum: I truly love "Sleigh Ride"... in all it's myriad forms and arrangements (thanks, Janet!)

What's your least favorite Christmas song?

"Jingle Bell Rock". I really hate that song. No, really hate it. Everyone who has ever recorded that song should be executed in a grisly manner. (Dis)Honorable mentions go to "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "The Little Drummer Boy"

What's your favorite Christmas movie?

I have three: A Christmas Carol (with Alastair Sim), It's A Wonderful Life, and
White Christmas

What's your favorite Christmas tv special?

Well, for me, it is How The Grinch Stole Christmas... which I think Olivia and I are going to watch tonight.

What's the best present you ever got?

I'm not sure... I get excited when I get anything from anyone. Having low expectations means rarely being disappointed.

What's the worst present you ever got?

Several years ago, my mother decided to buy gifts for S and I that were just mind boggling: A Jerry McGuire vhs tape, a really ghastly, blue sequined blouse for S, a gaudy, ugly watch for me, as well as some freakin' horrible maroon shirt... like I would wear anything maroon! Everything in the box was awful. It all went right back into the box, and stayed in the basement for two years, after which it all went to the Salvation Army.

What's the best present you ever gave?

I'll tell you next week. I think S is going to like it, though.

What's the worst present you ever gave?

I usually give good presents... but when I was away from home for my first Christmas (I was 19, stationed in Germany), I was friends with this married guy in my unit, who invited me to his apartment to spend Christmas with him and his wife & small child. I brought a gift for the family, a bottle of wine, and a small toy mouse. As soon as I gave the kid the mouse... I mean literally within 15 seconds, the mouse's tail ccame off... causing the kid to howl! I was mortified.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

When S originally asked me this, I said what I usually say: I dunno, nothing in particular. I have since recanted. I told her the other day, that I want one of those big illustrated books about the Saints... the saints of the church, kids... not the New Orleans Saints (I know someone was thinkin' about it!).

Is Christmas still a religiously significant holiday for you--in other words, do you celebrate it as the birth of the savior of humanity?

Yup. It is for me. Even though it is a time of year for family, friends, good cheer, parties, and general fun, it is still the time of year wherein we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Real or artificial Christmas tree?

Artificial. Mrs Gunfighter has allergies, and I think O has them as well. Personally, when I was growing up, we never had a live tree, so I don't see not haveing one as a problem.

I tag anyone who ever celebrated Christmas.

Merry Christmas, folks!