A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.....

It has taken me 15 days to finally get my holiday decorations out and up, but Christmas has finally come to my humble home and my condo is now looking quite festive in a homespun kind  of way!  For a gal that keeps her Santa collection on display all year long, that is a bt of a tragedy, but thanks to being semi-snowbound for the weekend, the halls are decked!  Now I can finally link up with Fabulous In First's seasonal questionnaire!  Here goes!

 


Hot Chocolate or Eggnog? 
Hot cocoa with marshmallows and a candy cane to stir it with, or maybe even a bit of Peppermint Schnapps for a little "kick!?" 

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them underneath the tree? 
Santa always left our toys out and ready to play with on Christmas morning.  The gifts were marked with nametags and ribbon only.  The tradition continues today with adult "elves" assembling things and putting them out for display well past midnight!  It is all part of the fun!
 

Colored lights or white? 
I love multi-colored displays outside--especially blue ones, but like white lights for around my sliding door, across my mantel, and on my little tree!
 
When do you decorate? 
 
I usually start the day after Thanksgiving, but time and other commitments prevented that from happening this year.  Since I go to Florida to celebrate with my 88-year-old father and five siblings on Dec. 22nd, I have scaled back in my decorating.  I use mittens, snowmen, snowflakes, and gingerbread-themed ornaments so that they can stay up through January!
 
Real or Fake Tree? 
I have two small pre-lit trees now--a traditional one in my living room that is adorned in a gold, copper, and cranberry color scheme , and another upstairs in my college-age daughter's loft that is "very hip" and decked out in a teal, pink, green, and silver color scheme.

What Tops Your Tree?
A gold, green, and cranberry plaid bow downstairs and a silver star upstairs!
 
Favorite Christmas Memories or Traditions?
Driving through different neighborhoods to admire the holiday light displays.  Decorating our family tree on Christmas Eve while eating yummy hors'devoures (sp?) and singing carols--a tradition we still enjoy!  Our group rendition of The Little Drummer Boy is quite renowned!


Do you remember your favorite gift as a child? 
Santa brought a schnauzer puppy named Heidi when I was in the 4th grade, and a guitar when I was in the 6th grade.  My love for dogs and music continues to this day! 

Do prefer giving or receiving? 
I truly enjoy the giving.  Surprising my children, siblings or friends with something special that I've sewn or crafted is the best feeling!  'Tis the reason for the season!  I also love to wrap and am known for my color-coordinated bags, tags, tissues, wraps, and ribbons!  I always shop at JoAnn Fabric after Thanksgiving and score big on sales!  This year's collection is red-checked gingham and snowmen!  Too cute!

What are your favorite Christmas songs? 
Some Children See Him as sung by James Taylor.  Do You Hear What I Hear? as sung by Bing Crosby.  Mary Did You Know? as sung by Wynona Judd.  I'll Be Home For Christmas as sung by Josh Groban.

Candy Canes. Yuck or Yum? 
I really don't like them.  Peanut Brittle or Peppermint Patties are my favorite holiday candy choices!


Favorite Christmas Movies? 
A Christmas Story and It's A Wonderful Life!  One makes me laugh and one makes me cry!  I am also addicted to holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel.  I have watched three today while doing chores and school work!

Do you shop online or at stores?
Both! Anything I need to ship to Florida gets purchased on Amazon!  I prefer "ma and pa" shops and little boutiques for finding novel gifts.  I try to stay away from the mall, but will venture out with my Kohl's cash and coupons when necessary!

Photo Cards, Letter or Store Bought Card? 
I usually send New Year's cards.....if I find the time.  I love to receive cards from others though, and have a wall "wreath" where I display them from year-to-year!
 
Why is Christmas my favorite holiday?
It was my mother's favorite holiday.  She sewed my youngest sisters and I matching flannel nightgowns every year.  She baked Snickerdoodles and Ginger Crinkles.  She made sure Santa delivered the most special items on everyone's list.  She decorated with a great eye for color and great care......and then tolerated our tossing tinsel from a great distance onto the tree! 
 
She has been gone for almost 13 years now, and I miss her most at this time of year.  We still use her tiered Spode cookie tray and the wooden pig that holds little sausages and cheese cubes on toothpicks.  We still sing Silent Night, her favorite Christmas carol on Christmas Eve.  We still buy way too many presents for one another.  We do it all in so that we can rest assured that "Dee" is smiling down from heaven and wrapping us up in her warm spirit.....
 
May your own holiday traditions make your days merry and bright,
 
 
 
 

 

2 comments

  1. Stopping by from the linky party! I just got linked up today. Love for music and dogs...I can so relate!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Come by my blog for the party when you get a chance!
    Many Blessings,
    Rebecca

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  2. Thanks for stopping, Rebecca! May your holiday be merry and bright!
    ~Jennifer

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