Beginning to look a little like Christmas

The snow has yet to show itself in full force, but I'm prepared for Christmas regardless. Just a couple more small things to pick up, and I'm good to go. Also, I need to make some gift tags, the star-shaped sticky notes just aren't cutting it (though they ensure that the presents I got for people don't accidently make it to someone else).

Our tree is nothing fancy. I got it for free from an old workplace that was going to throw it out. It's probably over 20 years old, it loses so many fake pine leaves whenever you touch it that you're unsure as to how there's still a tree in the first place, but it just needs a little love. Since free is about as much as I'm willing to pay for a Christmas tree at this time, a little love is not too much to ask.

I received the following little "about me" survey in my inbox the other day, and it's unlike one that I've ever seen before... so I figured, why not?

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping presents is one of my favourite things. I'd definitely use a gift bag for anything awkwardly shaped, but wrapping is tops.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I'm not a fan of cutting down a tree (and remembering to water it and whatnot) to enjoy it for only a short time. I'd rather let those natural beauties grow in the soil, and embrace my fake tree (hey, they both leave pine needles all over the house!)

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually, last week of November/first week of December, for optimal enjoyment.

4. When do you take the tree down? After holidays and holiday parties are done.

5. Do you like eggnog? I didn't as a child, but it's one of those things that has grown on me.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably either my cabbage patch doll, or my pink barbie tent (barbie-sized, not person-sized). When you were a kid, almost everything was The. Best. Present. Ever. Besides, I don't believe I ever received the standard ugly-sweater gift.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Dad. He never wants anything, which is sweet... but we can't very well buy something for everyone else and leave him out.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Kaye. Hands down.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I love real mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? My friend Sarah, who sent this to me, had wrote "there's no such thing as a bad gift" and I was almost going to agree. However, there is one gift that I almost received that is the absolute most hilarious gift ever. Kiki, my other little sister, was notorious for telling people what she wanted for Christmas and then going out to get it herself. One year, we were making fun of her for this on Christmas day and she got so peeved at us, that she took back her "present" to each of us. She went over to our stockings and yanked out the one, individually wrapped (in tin foil) Lifesaver candy that she had put there. Lifesaver candy that we had gotten in a storybook of candy from another family Christmas. She totally ruined Christmas. Ha.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas, White Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? This year, I started early. Whenever I saw something that I knew would be perfect for someone, I picked it up. Even if it was July. By keeping a box of gifts for people in my closet, it took the stress out of holiday shopping for sure.

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

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Turkey. Turnip. Ha.

16. Lights on the tree? Yes. Even better if they are the ones built right into the tree so you don't have to fight strings of lights. I wish...

17. Favorite Christmas song? Far too many. I have multiple Christmas mixes I listen to, and I love them all.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? When I lived at home, I liked to stay there on Christmas. Now, wherever I go, traveling is pretty much in the cards.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes. Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. Also, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star this year. It was always this Mary and Baby Jesus ornament at home on the tree (until recently).

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. After breakfast is eaten and dishes are done.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People who forget about the whole spirit-of-giving, love-one-another aspect to the holidays and become selfish. Grinches.

23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? I'm not particular. I like a nice mix of big and small ornaments though.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Still turkey/turnip.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? My problem has been that I don't really "want" anything. People keep asking me and I have no idea what to tell them. I have everything I need. World peace?