T'was Lovely

It was truly a lovely Christmas. I think it was probably the most peaceful and least stressful I've had as long as I can remember. I was surrounded by the people I love the most, I had a warm roof and plenty of nourishment. Not a cross word was spoken by anyone. Gifts of love were given. The bad weather was a small glitch, but it was overcome. I have so much love in my life--I am undeservedly lucky...... The trick is to keep this feeling all year. Of course, we never succeed--we can but try.

I will be relieved to say goodbye to 2008. It has been a challenging year for me, but all of those challenges taught me such grand lessons. I'm sure 2009 will have its challenges, too. But I am hopeful that the best is yet to come.

I am now looking forward to four glorious days of "not working." I'm not sure what I'll be doing, but I'm sure puzzles will figure into the mix somewhere. They always do. I haven't even considered taking down the tree yet. That's what long, boring January is for.......

I hope all of you have a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Christmas Tag

I've been tagged--so I guess I have to post, huh? Thanks, Clodhopper, for "reminding" me to do this:

!. WRAPPING PAPER OR GIFT BAGS?
Like my dear sister, I love wrapping paper!!!! And there are degrees of wrapping paper. Some is wonderful, some is crummy. I love it when Katie comes to help me wrap here brothers presents. She's an amazing gift-wrapper (thanks ZCMI). I must say, though, that gift bags are wonderful in a pinch. And they solve some of the more difficult wrapping problems.

2. REAL TREE OR ARTIFICIAL?
I never thought I'd see the day that I would have an artificial tree. But I've learned "never to say never." I finally caved in to the convenience and practicality of the artificial tree. I was VERY particular about said artificial tree, though. I do miss the "real" tree, but I don't mess shopping for it, nor the mess it makes.

3. WHEN DO YOU PUT UP THE TREE?
I try to put it up the weekend after Thanksgiving. I'm happy to say that I was successful this year, thanks to the help of Katie, Troy and Carla. They came to the house to help. :o)

4. WHEN DO YOU TAKE THE TREE DOWN?
I hate to take the tree down. It's not the work. I just love having it up so much. It adds a warmth to the living room. When I take it down, every looks so cold and bare. I generally put it off for a couple of weeks. It usually comes down when the boys start complaining. One year it was Valentines.

5. DO YOU LIKE EGGNOG?
Actually, yes I do. I can't remember the last time I had any--it is SO INCREDIBLY BAD for you! I like eggnogg flavored salt water taffy, too.

6. FAVORITE GIFT RECEIVED AS A CHILD?
One gift stands out in my mind. I was in high school. I saw this beautiful camel colored coat with a fur collar at ZCMI. I really wanted it, but it was so expensive. I knew that it was unrealistic to think that I might get that coat for Christmas. But lo and behold, on Christmas morning there it was. Grandma and Grandpa got it for me and what a surprise it was. I still have that coat, and I believe it still fits.

7. HARDEST PERSON TO BUY FOR?
I think my sons might qualify. I have to BEG, CAJOLE AND PLEAD for ideas from them. They were actually pretty good about it this year, though. I haven't had to resort to cash or gift cards this year.

8. EASIEST PERSON TO BUY FOR?
Katie, of course. She puts her list right on her blog. I could shop for her until the cows come home.

9. DO YOU HAVE A NATIVITY SCENE?
Yes! Several, in fact. The nicest one is Katie's. It is on loan until she has a place to put it. I might have to invest in one after she claims permanent custody.

10. MAIL OR EMAIL CHRISTMAS CARDS?
I love receiving them in the mail. I must sadly admit that I haven't really sent cards in a long time. I never seem to be "together" enough to get it done. I think Easter cards would be easier. I did receive a darling email card from a friend of mine yesterday--and that was a nice surprise, too.

11. WORST CHRISTMAS GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Good grief! What a question? I don't think there is such a thing!!!!! All gifts are given with love. What more could one ask? The most amazing and memorable gift I ever received was my daughter, Katie! She was born early Christmas morning. She is definitely the gift that keeps on giving. :o)

12. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE?
Hmmmmm, I don't really have one. However, I have very fond memories of the little Muppet Christmas movie that was made for TV many, many years ago. Grandma and Grandpa recorded it and we must have watched it 100 times. The tape disappeared -- but Katie ordered a copy this year. I definitely MUST watch it over the holidays....

13. WHEN DO YOU START SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS?
I usually try to start in November. I always set a goal of being finished by December 10. I have only reached that goal once--about 10 years ago. I plan to finish everything today.

14. HAVE YOU EVER RECYCLED A CHRISTMAS PRESENT?
I'm ashamed to admit that I have, sort of. I had a gift card for Bath and Body Works. There is a long, dramatic story about where the card came from, so I felt funny about spending it. I was making some Christmas purchases at the store one day and remembered the card--so I used it. Does that count?

15. FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT CHRISTMAS?
Oh my goodness, how can I choose? EVERYTHING!!! I especially love those little butter cookies that grandma makes in her cookie press. You can pop them in your mouth--they're as easy to eat as popcorn. I also love to make ROLO cookies and soft caramel popcorn. And then there's the sweet Vidalia onion salsa from Pirate O's. Oh my, the list is endless.......

16. LIGHTS ON THE TREE?
YES! Lots of white ones, permanently affixed. Did I mention that's another reason I love an artificial tree? I don't have to put lights on it.

17. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?
It's Christmas Through Your Eyes by Gloria Estefan. I've had some real humbug years, and that song really hit home. I am happy to say that this has been a wonderful Christmas season and I'm enjoying it immensely.

18. TRAVEL AT CHRISTMAS OR STAY HOME?
Well, silly question. You know me and travelling. Given the opportunity, I would love to travel ANYTIME. However, I like being home at Christmas enjoying my dear family and friends. I can't imagine being away.....

19. CAN YOU NAME ALL OF SANTA'S REINDEER?
Of course I can.

20. ANGEL ON THE TREE TOP OR A STAR?
Funny you'd ask. I have a gold star on the top of the tree, but with a "twist." Superman is riding the star. I'll have to take a picture and figure out how to post it. Superman always shows up in interesting places on my tree. I also have a cute little metal biplane with a Star Wars creature wingwalking. Guess you just have to be there.............

21. OPEN THE PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE OR MORNING?
In the morning as soon as we can pry the boys out of bed. I never thought I'd see the day......

22. MOST ANNOYING THING ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR?
Two things, actually. The cold weather puts a damper on it. I'm jealous of my Arizona family. I'd love to be shopping without a heavy coat and sliding all over the road. The other thing is that people are so grumpy. It makes me very sad. So, I try to be cheerful enough to make up for them. And that probably shows up on THEIR list of annoying things....... hahahaha

23. FAVORITE ORNAMENT THEME OR COLOR?
No theme tree for me! We have an amazing variety of ornaments, and nearly every one of them has a story, face or memory attached to it. I love to look for unique, off-beat ornaments. We have a lot of jungle animals, ethnic baubles, a pickle, and of course Superman......

24. FAVORITE TIME FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER?
Anytime it's ready!!!! :o) Usually early afternoon. That gives you plenty of time to work it off, sleeping or working a puzzle.

25. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR?
Just peace--in the world, in my family, in my life. That's all.......

All the people I would tag have already been tagged..........