Getting to Know You -

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!!

(Tis the Season to be NICE!)

Change all the answers so that they apply to you. We will discover all sorts of

fun things about each other!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both ‚¬" gift paper normally but gift bags for anything going through Customs

2. Real tree or Artificial? Alas ‚¬" none ‚¬" not a good idea with 5 cats. I decorate the outside pear tree, though, - and even use a little partridge ornament

3. When do you put up the tree? When we had a tree it was a few days before Christmas ‚¬" it was always a real tree

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day

5. Do you like eggnog? Sometimes ‚¬" especially with rum ‚¬" or in an eggnog quick bread

6. Favorite gift received as a child? "Kibenfras" - a stuffed white toy cat my parents commissioned for me when we couldn't get any more new kittens since our existing cats had Feline Leukaemia - he was named after the 4 kittens we had that died of Leukaemia

7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband ‚¬" he already has what he wants and his interests are very technical

8. Easiest person to buy for? My granddaughter

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mostly mail ‚¬" but some e-mail cards are just too cute to not forward!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? An I.O.U. from the man I was dating â€" he had forgotten to get me a gift even though we were spending Christmas together.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? ‚¬"A Christmas Carol"‚¬ with Alistair Sims

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year, if I see something I know someone would like I buy it then, store it in the a bin and then go through it at Christmas to see what else I need to get

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No .

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas cake ‚¬" nice dark, real, Christmas cake ‚¬" not the store bought stuff you find around!

16. Lights on the tree? Absolutely ‚¬" set inside deep in the branches so they reflect off of everything and look magical

17. Favorite Christmas songs: Im Dreaming of a White Christmas; Carol of the Bells; O Holy Night; Little Drummer Boy.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? A little of both ‚¬" staying home this year and last but travel to family in Texas or Ontario other times.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Yes I can ‚¬" but Im not listing them here or you'll have all the answers - VBG!

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? Celebrate the Winter Solstice on the 21^st with a Solstice Party

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? We always used a star

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? All the ads on tv aimed at children telling them to buy this, buy that . . .

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Old-fashioned

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? mince pudding with rum sauce for dessert

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? For everyone to be happy

Edited November 30, 2008 by Kathryn41

[JillA 2]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real! Smells so pretty

3. When do you put up the tree? About 2 weeks before

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day

5. Do you like eggnog? No

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Dolls

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad who has everything

8. Easiest person to buy for? My husband

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A gift I had given someone the year before and then got it back hehe

12. Favorite Christmas movie? ELF with Will Ferrell

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Mid-November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Shortbread cookies

16. Lights on the tree? Of course! Beautiful

17. Favorite Christmas songs: Rudolph the red nosed reindeer

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both, depends on the year since I have family in different provinces

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? No

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? Hmmm I can't think of one

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One of Christmas eve and the rest on Christmas morning

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? How the ads and music and store displays start WAY TOO EARLY!

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? My old ornaments from childhood

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Mashed potatoes; my favourite

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Be happy with my new husband and family

[SapphireDreams 71]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift wrap, I worked as a gift wrapper at Xmas during University

2. Real tree or Artificial? I like real, but don't mind artificial either

3. When do you put up the tree? 3 weeks before usually

4. When do you take the tree down? middle of January

5. Do you like eggnog? Not really, haven't tried it in awhile, I should re-try this year

6. Favorite gift received as a child? our first computer

7. Hardest person to buy for? I guess my Dad and brother

8. Easiest person to buy for? My fiance

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but plan to get one when i have my own place

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I have never sent out my own cards... might send some out this year through the mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I have never received a bad gift... lucky me!

12. Favorite Christmas movie? That one with the clay people, I think its like the story of Christmas... I can't think of the name...

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? mid-December... I like to procrastinate

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? nope

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Calamari on Xmas eve (we don't eat meat on Xmas eve) and then turkey and stuffing on Xmas day

16. Lights on the tree? When I get my own tree, I'm having rainbow lights. I love rainbow lights but my Mom likes white.

17. Favorite Christmas songs: All I want for Christmas - Mariah Carey... so cheesy!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We go to my Grandparents on Xmas eve and they live on the next street over and then on Xmas day we have been hosting it at our place lately, which I love because my relatives all live 30+ minutes outside the city.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? If I tried hard enough probably

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? We eat only fish on Xmas eve. It's an Italian thing

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have an angel - but again when I get my own tree I think I would like a star (with rainbow lights!)

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both, we get presents from my Mom's side of the family on Xmas eve and then open gifts in the morning with eachother (siblings and parents) and then later in the evening we get presents from my Dad's side. We are pretty spoiled!

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Scrouges

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love a mis-mash - vintage looking ornaments from the 60's and 70's and various colours.

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? cucumber salad and turkey and stuffing

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? There's nothing in particular I want except some new perfume because I'm all out and some new PJs because most of mine are getting old. My big wish is to finally be with my guy and I already know I'm getting that in the new year

[MrsCat 6]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, gift bags when I'm in a rush

2. Real tree or Artificial? Prefer real (love the smell of pine) but have an artificial tree

3. When do you put up the tree? One month before Christmas

4. When do you take the tree down? After New Years

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, the fake stuff from the grocery store - I don't like the real stuff.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? She-Ra Doll and Play-Doh Barbershop

7. Hardest person to buy for? Dad

8. Easiest person to buy for? Husband

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, its a basterdized one has Inuit people as Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wise-men are a wolf, seal and polar bear.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? shot gun from my husband. he thought "we could share in an activity"

12. Favorite Christmas movie? National Lampoon Christmas Vacation

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? End of November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so. I might have though in my poor college days.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? shortbread cookies

16. Lights on the tree? Yes, clear lights only. No multi-colors.

17. Favorite Christmas songs: O Holy Night & Little Drummer Boy by BoneyM

White Christmas & Winter Wonderland by Anne Murray (double )

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Prefer to travel - would really love if the rest of the family would travel.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Nope, Donner, Blitzen, Coment, Cupid and Rudolph

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? I don't think anything.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve with my mother and Christmas Day with my father. Christmas Day with my husband.

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Whiney kids

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? jewel tone blues

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? stuffing

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? calm

[xtinab 0]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping presents is the best part of xmas! (Besides opening)

2. Real tree or Artificial? Always had a real one, this is my first artificial.

3. When do you put up the tree? We put it up last weekend (the weekend before thanksgiving) but we knew it was early:P

4. When do you take the tree down? Just after New years

5. Do you like eggnog? YEP! With rum is even better! (you said it best! Rum must be dark!)

6. Favourite gift received as a child? my rocks glasses set with the glass ice bucket, the silver martini shaker, all the other shakers and the bottle of vodka and creme de cacao that one year mmmm........... Oh wait, as a child....I cant remember that far back...thanks to all the more recent gifts

7. Hardest person to buy for? BB, for sure.

8. Easiest person to buy for? The twins (my 2 year old nieces)

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but my mom does

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? First year sending out real ones this year!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A bag of tootsie rolls, that were on sale from Halloween :S I dont even like tootsie rolls, and they were from my mom!!

12. Favourite Christmas Movie? Hmmmmmm not sure...Frosty or Miracle on 34th St

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? December....15th...ish...dec 27th?

14. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas? the mixed nuts my mom always gets..the ones you gotta crack open yourself...mmmmm walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts I believe?

15. Lights on the tree? Yes, All white.

16. Favourite Christmas song? Transiberian Orchestra's Christmas Album

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I cant, Buddy can, does that count?

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? errr..we have a mini santa hat on top of ours lol

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Eve!

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The crowds at the malls. +1

22. Favourite ornament theme or color? Red Silver and white

23. Favourite for Christmas dinner? Turkey

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Legal status in the US lol

I just did this in my email from a friend so Im copying that rather than do it all again but I missed a few. Nothing traditional that we do different than others, and on Christmas eve my mom usually just kind of makes a buffet with the typical christmas appetizers

Edited November 30, 2008 by xtinab

[~Nini~ 2]

I have to preclude this by saying that my husband's family is Jewish, so we do celebrate Hanukkah; however, us wives celebrate Christmas as well, so my answers might seem a little off. I also live with my in-laws at the moment, so we don't get to put a tree up until we move out.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

I used to do wrapping paper (and loved doing it), until a handful of years ago when my own cousins somehow wrangled me into wrapping my own presents. I don't know what it was about that, but it really just wrecked it for me after that. Nowadays, we do without since the wastefulness of wrapping paper bothers us; we try to put it in a (hopefully reusable) gift bag.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Real! If I could, I'd buy one of those potted rosemary trees they sell every year at Whole Foods and keep it year-round at work.

3. When do you put up the tree?

I'd aim for a month before Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down?

A little before New Year's would be the best time, I think.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Immensely. I would like to try making my own, but Starbucks makes a damn good eggnog latte in the meantime.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Lego.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

My husband. It should be stupidly easy to do, but it's really not.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

Me!

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Naw.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Post. I'm not sure if we're giving cards this year, as most of our recipients have already requested not to receive them.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

A makeup set in very uncomplimentary shades; it was also an obvious re-gift.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?

Bad Santa.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I start making hints two months in advance; generally I take those ideas and buy things last-minute, since I always convince myself that I have "just enough time".

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Not that I can remember, but it's incredibly likely that I have and I'm just in denial.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

I said eggnog, right? Second-favourite would have to be a tie between turkey and shortbread.

16. Lights on the tree?

Yes.

17. Favorite Christmas songs:

"What Child is This" or "Carol of the Bells". I also like "Fairytale of New York" by the Pogues.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Stay at home, since my husband's job prevents him from taking time off work during the holidays. I don't mind so much, since holiday traveling can be stressful and expensive.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers?

Rudolph counts, right?

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays?

My sister-in-law celebrates Cheesemas, which is a cheese-and-wine party at her house at the end of December; it's meant to be the lighthearted, drunken party where we invite everyone we want and let loose in ways we couldn't at family dinners.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Star.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

If Hanukkah is before Christmas Day, then we cheat.

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

People stressing out over the holidays, when it's about being together. I'd include spoiled teenagers in this, but they bug me all the time.

24. Favorite ornament theme or color?

Musical instruments.

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner?

A tie between mashed potatoes or roasted brussel sprouts. Mmmmm.

26. What do you want for Christmas this year?

An iPhone, followed by a large dose of sleep.

[to_hope 0]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Mostly wrapping paper, but gift bags for the oddly shaped/came-without-a-box gifts.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. So much simpler. For the small I just get a scented candle!

3. When do you put up the tree? First weekend in December.

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day

5. Do you like eggnog? No-- aren't there raw eggs in that?

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My dad built me a barbie house one year. I played with it until I was a tween!

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Father-in-law. He is so low maintenance that he just doesn't want anything!

8. Easiest person to buy for? My husband since I know him best.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I would like one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? One year my grandma gave me a quited vest with an actual bell on it.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? The Family Stone.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Mid-November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No .

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Stuffing!

16. Lights on the tree? Yes

17. Favorite Christmas songs: O Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? A little of both- we travel a few hours to see family for a day or two.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Nope

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? I don't know how non-traditional this is, but I always go Christmas caroling with a group at the hospital on Christmas morning.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Usually a star.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Eve

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Santa Clause. Maybe I'm a downer, but I always feel like he takes away from the true meaning of Christmas. Plus I never believed that he was real, so I can't relate to the "magic" of him... I was always scared of him as a child! haha.

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? I like the popular blue this year.

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Stuffing

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? To be with my husband

[KiminON 0]

. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both ‚¬" both - as long as the paper is recycleable

2. Real tree or Artificial? real. then they get donated for helping to create homes for fishes

3. When do you put up the tree? week before ish.

4. When do you take the tree down? 2nd or 3rd of january, or whenever hubby gets tired of it - whichever comes first.

5. Do you like eggnog? nope.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? it'd be a tie between Willie Walker and Merlin

7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband. he never 'needs' anything. but i do have plans to replace the 'duct-taped flashlight to the bike' lighting system he currently has.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Mom.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mostly email this year - trying to offset the lack of recycling around here.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a pair of really fugly pj's that were in a kids size.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? " A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life - original in B&W

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? around September.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's shortbread cookies. Yummm!

16. Lights on the tree? yes, loads and loads of them - all white.

17. Favorite Christmas songs: Springsteen's version of Santa Clause is coming to town, BNL version of Drummer boy and now hearing Sarah McLaughlan's version of Silent night on the SPCA commercial.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Staying home this year with maybe a quick trip to NOLA

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? yup

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? not one really, unless hibernating on boxing day is one.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel. The same one we have had for ages that my dad bombed in the face with fake snow that never came off.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Everyone just thinking of what they want, and not what others less fortunate truly need.

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? rather old world - not sparkly or glittery - i used strung popcorn until recently (new to me dog likes popcorn)

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Mom's stuffing

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? peace, within ourselves and the world.

[Sprailenes 47]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, depends on the gift and who I'm giving it to.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? The first weekend of December.

4. When do you take the tree down? Day after New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog? Nope.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My little pony dream castle.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My mom.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My husband and my son.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I don't do Christmas cards.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Secret Santa grade 5 some girl gave me some muppet mcdonalds toy with pen all over it.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? A Christmas story

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? December 24th

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, if I can't use it someone else will.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Yule log.

16. Lights on the tree? Yes of course.

17. Favorite Christmas songs: Carol of the bells

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both, depends on the year since I have family in different provinces

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Cupid, Comet, Blitzen...No.

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? Sticking a bra on my moms tree.... long story.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Eve the rest in the morning.

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Crowds.

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Whimsical ornaments.

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Turkey.

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? A wilton 101 piece cake decorating set with blue caddy.

[Cassie 8]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both. Wrapping paper for gifts I have to ship, mostly gift bags for those that are hand delivered

2. Real tree or Artificial? My preference is real, but my hubby is "allergic" <--- I have my suspicions!

3. When do you put up the tree? Ideally around the first of December

4. When do you take the tree down? Ideally right after New Year's.

5. Do you like eggnog? Heck no.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Strawberry Shortcake dolls

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad, who guesses everything before he opens it, or my in-laws.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Any of my nieces or nephews

9. Do you have a nativity scene? erm, i have at least 7!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Any gift of clothing that didn't fit because I was fat!

12. Favorite Christmas movie? The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (animated version please!)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I start planning what I am going to make starting around June.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's peanut butter balls, and my grandmother's plum pudding. Oh, and the "bubble ring" my mom makes to eat after Christmas Eve service.

16. Lights on the tree? Most definitely, and they have to be coloured.

17. Favorite Christmas songs: too many to list!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel, either to the in-laws or to Canada.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Yes

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? If we are at my grandparents' house for Christmas, the tree does not go up and get decorated until Christmas Eve.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Neither. My family opens our presents after Christmas lunch. Unless we are at my in-laws, where we open gifts there Christmas morning, and Jerry and I open the rest after we get home that afternoon.

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? I agree with this whole-heartedly -- How the ads and music and store displays start WAY TOO EARLY!

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Angels, homemade ornaments, traditional colours.

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? I just plain like turkey dinner with all the fixings. I only get it twice a year, so it's a treat!

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? To see our brand new nephew, and for a safe trip home to Canada.

[Aaralyn 0]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real tree or Artificial? I love the smell of real trees, but we use artificial, at least until the kids are old enough to leave it alone!

3. When do you put up the tree? First part of December

4. When do you take the tree down? After Jan 1st

5. Do you like eggnog? It's ok, but I can't drink it often

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Castle Grey Skull/ the teeny diamond ring dad bought me when I was about 10.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My parents. They never want us to get them anything.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Hubby... at least this year!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Probably email. Mailing them got too expensive when I was not working, so I got out of the habit

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A scary-looking rooster cookie jar thing. *shudder* It was EVIL.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? " National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Right after Thanksgiving, but sometimes find some great deals after Christmas too!.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I remember...

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's oyster dressing.. cooooooooookies

16. Lights on the tree? We're using my parents' fiber optic tree... lots of colorful lights and patterns!

17. Favorite Christmas songs: Sleighride, Winter Wonderland, What Child is This?

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Staying home this year, but the kids spend next Christmas with the bio father, so we might try to spend it in Canada!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? yup

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? Special breakfast Christmas morning

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel.. but she's about 12-13 years old, so we might be getting a new one soon

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Mom's side of the family Christmas Eve, then our little family/Santa presents Christmas morning, and Dad's side Christmas day

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Christmas music playing while shopping for Halloween costumes / materialism!

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? mostly mis-matched and homemade. I 'inherited' mom's old ornaments when they switched to a smaller tree, so I still have ornaments my sister and I made as children. *whispers* I cry every year when we decorate the tree.. all those memories!

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? See #15 cooooooookiiiiiieeeeeesssssss!

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Last year I spent Christmas without my kids (with their bio dad) and without my sweetie. This year we're all together, so I have everything I want.

[Jenni and Bo 0]

. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping (one of my favorite things!) unless it is a weird shape - then bag all the way

2. Real tree or Artificial? Love real, had an artificial one for my apartment in Uni (due to regulations), but home is always real

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the 1st week of December. May be a couple days late b/ we just painted.

4. When do you take the tree down? "old Christmas" - Jan 6th

5. Do you like eggnog? Mmmm Amaretto and cinnamon in it too

6. Favourite gift received as a child? Two stuffed animals called "Yawnies". Coolest 80's stuffies in my opinion!

7. Hardest person to buy for? BB, for sure.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My mother

9. Do you have a nativity scene? We have a family one

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I try to do mail ones. I will be for sure this year, that's how all my friends are getting my "change of address" papers

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly don't think I've had one

12. Favourite Christmas Movie? Oh no! There are too many! Grinch, Rudolph, Garfield, Muppets (old one), Home Alone, Charlie Brown...the list goes on...

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Meh, when I have money

14. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas? Turkey, After Eights and Filbert nuts - not deshelled

15. Lights on the tree? Yessum - multi on my parents, white on mine

16. Favourite Christmas song? Carole of the Bells, Ava Maria, O Holy Night

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? It's a mix. The last few years, due to work, it's been home, travelling to see family afterwards

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Oh yeah I wont here though

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning! LOL this year I wont even be home until 8 am from work

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Ignorant people at the mall (fighting over things)

22. Favourite ornament theme or color? Anything with history

23. Favourite for Christmas dinner? Turkey and potatos and gravy lol

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I'd love to be with my love, but in lieu of that, my interview date will suffice!!

[Wis-Can 0]

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!!

(Tis the Season to be NICE!)

Change all the answers so that they apply to you. We will discover all sorts of

fun things about each other!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, I make my own.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I put a tree in every room-artificial but one real one in the family room.

3. When do you put up the tree? December 1st

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years

5. Do you like eggnog? Homemade egg nog with rum!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie Doll House

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad, he buys what he wants when he wants it so leaves me with no ideas.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom, she loves anything homemade.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, I make my own cards.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A toaster from my ex-husband on our first Christmas as a married couple.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Miracle of 34th Street

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? December 1st

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No .

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fruit Cake

16. Lights on the tree? Definately, clear ones are my favorite.

17. Favorite Christmas songs: Leroy the Redneck Reindeer-Joe Diffie

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? A little of both

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Yes

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? We drive around Christmas Eve and pick out the tackiest decorated house! Its mean I know....one person's version of tacky is beautiful to someone else.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? I always had an angel but this year...a star.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Ignorant shoppers

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? prim country christmas

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? cranberry & potato dressing

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? To spend it with my sweetie!

[OBX 51]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? Last weekend in November. Outside Christmas lights on the house are turned on then as well.

4. When do you take the tree down? Afternoon of Jan 01 or the closest Sunday afternoon after New Year's Day because that is when hubby usually returns to the US

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, but only if it is diluted with cold milk

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie dollhouse; it was cardboard and folded up - we are going way back!

7. Hardest person to buy for? Family is easy - it's the inexpensive secret Santa gifts for co-workers that always stump me! Hard to find something under $10 -$15 that is unique but doesn't seem cheap.

8. Easiest person to buy for? My 2 boys - they have no problem telling me what they would like

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Don't do Christmas cards

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Been very lucky - can't think of one

12. Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life. Have to watch it at least once over the holidays - try to do it Christmas Eve

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Mid November - finished yesterday except for 1 gift

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Stuffing - just bread, onions, spices - no meat, raisins or anything extra!

16. Lights on the tree? Yes, not coloured, all clear

17. Favorite Christmas songs: Silver Bells (was my mother's favourite)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Chrismas Eve and dinner with my hubby, 2 sons, 1 girlfriend, maybe 1 stepson if he can make it from US, Christmas morning at ex-spouse's, rest of Christmas Day with hubby's family in Toronto.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Nope

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? See#18 It's tradition for us but some find it non-traditional. Ever since I have been divorced (over 10 years now) we have always spent Christmas Eve at my house so I wake up Christmas morning with my boys then we go over to their father's to open more gifts and spend time together before we split up to do other extended family. It works for us

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star - very tacky and crooked but that gives it its' charm

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Nothing until Christmas morn

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Local radio station that plays non-stop Christmas carols all day, every day from US Thanksging until Dec 25!

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Collected ornaments from years past - mostly representing childrens' milestones - first Christmas etc and a collection of tacky coloured balls. I pride myself on having the ugliest tree ever!

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? See #15

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? A VISA!!!

[bogartnoir 1]

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? for some reason wrapping gifts is very zen for me. throwing something in a bag is not as fun!

2. Real tree or Artificial? ALWAYS a real tree. i adore the smell!

3. When do you put up the tree? about 2 weeks before christmas

4. When do you take the tree down? when it's crispy!

5. Do you like eggnog? my family makes "tom & jerrys" it's an eggnog and bourbon drink!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? mister frumpkins, my bunny puppet

7. Hardest person to buy for? my father

8. Easiest person to buy for? me!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? my mom gave me her really neat scandanavian wooden nativity puzzle

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail. i design my own cards!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? an autobiography on tupac shakur! what like, hello? do you even know me in the least?

12. Favorite Christmas movie? a christmas story

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? i should just do it all year, but i never do and begin in november usually

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? no

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? red chili tamales and pumpkin empanadas

16. Lights on the tree? tons and tons of them

17. Favorite Christmas songs: white christmas

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? travel mostly

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? dancer, prancer, donder, blitzen, comet, cupid, rudolph...im missing some!

20. What is a non-traditional tradition you do for the holidays? festivus!

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? a beautiful glass star

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? christmas morning

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? terrifying crazy shoppers

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? i like vintage ornaments of all kind

25. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? red chili tamales, beans and fresh warm tortillas! mmm

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? i want me and my honey's k-1 visa application and interview to go quickly and easily so we can finally FINALLY be together!