Another 25- Kerry's turn

Okay, I'll bite. I'll give my 25. I'm not feeling quite so Scroogey as Tina...


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? For all the gifts at home...wrapping paper. That's part of the fun of Christmas morning as a kid- tearing open presents. For gifts I hand out to others it's usually a gift bag... more practical and easier.

2 . Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. We inherited Mom and Dad's fake tree several years ago and it has worked very well for us. Maybe some year we'll venture out and get a real one... I'm not terribly excited about the mess.... well, maybe that's Keith talking now.

3 . When do you put up the tree? Because I'm a big "believer" in Thanksgiving we wait until after Thanksgiving. It's usually within a day or two, though.

4. When do you take the tree down? This one differs from year to year. Some years I'm ready to have the space back (we have a small living room). Other years I don't mind it and get around to it a week or so after Christmas.

5. Do you like egg nog? I like it but I can't say I've ever bought it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Now I'm stuck. I do not remember any! Big blank right now. Isn't that terrible? Maybe this should be a lesson to me when I stress over what to get my girls-- they may not even remember what they got years from now. (I'm not banking on this with Kristen... she just doesn't seem to forget much)

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I'm with Tina on this one. No, but I would love one! I tend to be an idealist when it comes to nativities. I don't want a melodramatic scene with figures in bizarre positions. It kind of ruins the reality and simplicity of the story for me. Like Tina... the ones I really like are not in the budget at this time of year.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Probably my youngest child this year. Since we have 3 girls there's a challenge of treating each child uniquely without hearing about how one wants what the other got weeks later... the youngest usually inherits what the others have so buying something new and special for her is tough. I've got no ideas this year!

9. Easiest person to buy for? Usually Kristen. I think she's usually just really clear about what she likes. I always have loads of ideas for her!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Although... this year it may be email... I hope not!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't even remember the good things I got for Christmas! Hold it... I got a box of Rubbermaid one year from... well, from someone who was tired of hearing me complain about my lack of it. He thought he was doing a such a good thing for me. I remember him being so proud of himself that he had gotten me something I really wanted. Hey, I complain much more carefully now!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I'd have to say "It's a Wonderful Life" although I haven't watched it in a few years. No one ever wants to join me. I just don't watch many movies and I don't tend to get sentimental about them--maybe that's my Scrooge when it comes to Christmas.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? It's usually sometime in December. I usually have been planning it for several months, but Keith likes to be part of the process and the shopping-- so we save it until we are together. For him it's part of the season to Christmas shop close to Christmas... so we shop in December. We enjoy it!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No. I'd feel guilty for months! Couldn't do it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Does apple cider count? I know that's a "fall" thing, but I really enjoy mulled apple cider in the winter and at Christmas. Grandma Hawk made one when I was at her house once in college. I think she gave me her recipe.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear. Although I felt myself softening for the first time this year... I probably won't give in, though. I still really like the look of clear lights. But there have to be LOTS of them on the tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song? I LOVE Christmas songs. I just can't think of my favorite. Probably "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" and "O Holy Night".

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home. Keith's from Africa. Unfortunately he hasn't been home for Christmas since we moved back to the states (8 years ago). It's his dream to go home for Christmas some year. He handles it well, but Christmas means a lot to his family. My heart bleeds for him every year. Besides, an African Christmas with 80 degree weather on the beach @ his parent's home... it'd be an adjustment, but we'd manage.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? No. I grew up thinking Santa was bad and have never taken the time to get to know his reindeer now that I know he's not such a bad guy after all.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither. Like the nativity I have never invested the money. (I've never been much of an angel fan) Once again, I'm a bit of an idealist and until I find what I really want... well, we have nothing there!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. Sometimes we break down and let the girls open one on Christmas eve, but it's really best saved for Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Commercialism. Having lived overseas... well, we overdo it just a bit. It actually feels draining to me to see so much of Christmas for so long. I still love the holiday, though. Just keep it simple.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and gold bulbs with ribbon and poinsettas in the tree. It has to be a deep red, though. We switched to blue bulbs this year... we'll be going back to red next year. Just isn't the same.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? This and that. Everyone brings snack food. Great!

25 . What do you want for Christmas this year? A smaller, more portable Bible. I have a couple of study Bibles that just don't travel well because they are heavy and bulky. Something that can travel with me.

There you go! Merry Christmas all!