The Spy Who Tagged Me

I've been tagged. Ok, I've been tagged before but didn't quite grasp the concept. So, sorry to those people who thought I was too high and mighty to reply. I was actually just stupid and confused.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Ah yes, I do like the gift-wrapped presents the best. To me they say, "I took some extra time to wrap this up nice because I love you." And, also having worked as a professional gift wrapper at Emporium back in the day, it's gift wrap all the way.

2. Tree--real or artificial? I like the real trees, but I don't like buying one, hauling it home, vacuuming out the needles in my car, setting up the stand and wiping up the sloshed water, constantly praying the house doesn't burn down and take the presents with it, revacuuming up needles on a daily basis, picking out those little spiders that creepy crawl all over it and then paying the boy scouts (although a good cause) to haul it away. When we have a house, I'll probably spring for a realistic fake tree.

3. When do you put your Christmas tree up? As soon as Thanksgiving is over.

4. When do you take the tree down? As soon as I can once Christmas is over. I try to have everything packed away before New Year's since Chad's birthday is the day after.

5. Like egg nog? I could take it or leave it. But I always have to add some milk to it, it's too think for my taste.

6. Do you have a nativity scene? I have two. I have the Willow Tree collection (the whole set) that my parents bought for us one Christmas. I was thrilled. And this year I bought Sam the Fisher Price nativity so he could play with it and not be tempted to touch my nice nativity.

7. Favorite gift received as a child? Oh how I wanted a Bingo Bear when I was a kid (the precursor to Teddy Rukspin--and far superior). My Grandma B gave me it for Christmas.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My best friend, Heather. I want to be so thoughtful because she always is.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Sam. Cars, trains and wagons. We had his shopping done before Halloween.

10. Worst Christmas gift? I can't think of one.

11. Mail or email a Christmas card? I. do neither. It adds too much stress to try to remember everyone and get their addresses straight and then get a card put together. So, bah humbug.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? A Christmas Story and White Christmas.

13. When do you start your shopping? All year round.

14. Have you ever re-gifted a Christmas present? Probably.

15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Sharon's Christmas struedel.

16. Clear or colored tree lights? Clear, to go with my glass snowflakes.

17. Favorite Christmas songs? Silent Night (auf Deutsch)

18. Travel during Christmas or stay home? Both sides of the family have been near until this year. Can't afford to travel, so we'll be home.

19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Heck yes I can.

20. Angel or star on top of the tree? I have an angel only because I won it at a family reunion like 15 years ago. But I'm not partial.

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Unbridaled avarice must wait until Christmas day.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Pushy, rude people at the stores.