RUTH'S 25

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper if it's in a nice four-cornered box, then it's easier to wrap, otherwise bags are easy. You could just put a bow on it.

2 . Real tree or Artificial? A nice, artificial, Pre-lit one. Goes up easy, and comes down easy with no mess.

3 . When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving, not this year though, Jonny will certainly put it in his mouth, or pull it over.

4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever there's energy and time, usually within a week after Christmas.

5. Do you like egg nog? NO!!!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? If I had a better memory, it would be helpful, but I do not remember much (at all, let alone a Christmas gift). I do remember getting a bunk-bed, stroller and high chair for my favorite doll. I don't remember if it was all in the same year, but I remember seeing them and being very excited. I loved them and played with them for years. I still have them!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but would love one.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Ryan, whenever I have an idea for him, it never fails that he goes out and buys it for himself- Thanks alot.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Elaine

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, I like the tradition.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I have no one specific gift, nor do I want to hurt anyone's feelings, even though they don't have internet, but I have received some doozies.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's A Wonderful Life. Now I own almost the whole Christmas village of the town setting. (from Walgreens)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? No specific time. When I see something, I try to get it on sale and put it away for safe keeping.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, but only once, I think.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Rosettes. Dough, fried, shaped into snowflakes and covered in powdered sugar. You can't beat that.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear - Especially when there is a color theme. Colored lights might be alright if you have an old-fashioned hodge-podge tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song? The list is quite extensive-Typically anything "Point of Grace" does-"One King" and "Mary's Song". I love Michael W. Smith's Christmas albums. David Phelps-"Joy, Joy"

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Here comes my "Scrooginess." I would prefer to stay home b/c I don't want to fight the crowd, nor do I like to spend the money. But, we do go to WA every few years to see my parents and so the kids can be there for Christmas.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, can't everyone?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We don't usually do either, the star always falls off. It looks fine just "natural."

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve, before bed, then the family sleeps in the living room, under the tree that night. The rest get opened Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? I can't go to Wal-Mart to get diapers w/o standing in line for at least a half an hour.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I like to change the colors from year-to-year.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? In our family, we do the potluck thing; very easy, eat-as-you please.

25 . What do you want for Christmas this year? Well, that's a loaded question. I need absolutely nothing. The one thing that I think about this time of year is a nativity. I have my eye on one that you can buy in pieces, still, they are very expensive. I would like to build on it from year to year. But that is a "want", so I'm OK with when that happens. . . .and to coin a phrase--"Peace on earth." (Tina Powers)