0 Congratulations Ellen - this is the first time I've played tag!

Here is another "Survey" with a Christmas Twist

1. Wrapping paper or gift bag? Wrapping paper with bows and ribbons

2. Real tree or artificial? I love the smell of a real tree, but I like to have mine up for a long time, so mine is artificial. It is a one piece, pre-lite with while twinkle lights AND fiber optic lights that can shimmer white or rainbow. It is beautiful!

3. When do you put up your tree? My birthday, which usually falls a few days before Thanksgiving. In fact, when I was away for my first year of college my mother asked me what I wanted for my birthday. When she refused, but wonderful sisters pitched in and bought my dream gift: my first artificial Christmas tree. Thanks girls!

4. When do you take down your tree? Dido Ellen: "I hate when it has to come down, usually after new years." Nate really gets on me about this. He wants it gone the day after Christmas.

5. Do you like eggnog? I'm anti-milk (lactose really), so I've never wanted to try it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? There is NO way I can possibly answer this one. Too many to choose from.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Two: one is a delicate cute ceramic one with a home on a high shelf. The other might not count, since it is a set of felt puppets I made with my sisters a few years back. They are Allie's favs right now. I've tried to tell her the story, but didn't think she was listening...till she started telling Nate all about each puppet when he came home from work yesterday. It was amazing!

8. Hardest person to buy for? I agree with Ellen that fathers (& father-in-laws) are HARD, but not nearly as hard as my husband. I always struggle. But this year, surprisingly, Kylie has been pretty tough, too.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Allie! I'm having to restrain myself. She is in such a fun stage.

10. Worst Christmas gift you've ever received? Can't think of anything right now. I'll try to come back. Hum, still nothing.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. I'm just not that formal I guess. or rude?

12. Favorite Christmas movie? The Christmas Story & Christmas Vacation are 'classics', but I do enjoy the Charlie Brown special.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I actually bought a few things BEFORE Thanksgiving this year, but usually it is Black Friday.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, but I refrain from dispensing the details. Ya never know who's reading this.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Everything. But eat up, because the day after Christmas it's all 'tumble weeds' - LOL

16. White or colored lights? White and lots of them, everywhere.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Sleigh Ride - from playing it so much in orchestra, but I'm LOVING Josh Groban's new holiday album 'Noel'. If you don't have it - GO GET IT!

18. Traveling for Christmas or stay home? Historically we alternate in-laws, but I think thoes days are in the past as our families are just getting to big. Logistics ya know. This year we will be at home. I'm kind of excited to have our little family traditions started.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Only since I just read what Ellen wrote.

20. Angel or Star on top of tree? Star. It is hard to find just the right one, but I like the one I have now.

21. Open presents Christmas Eve or Morning? I quote Ellen again: "The tradition is that we open one on Christmas Eve, the rest in the morning as soon as everyone will let me wake them up." The Christmas Eve gift was usually new PJs, which is a great idea 'cause then everyone is wearing new Jammies for all the pictures the next morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Having to keep working. I just want to make gifts, bake, ect.

23. What I love most about Christmas? Being together with family.

24. What is your family's favorite tradition over the Christmas holiday? SO many to choose from. There is the advent calender, drawing names, doing the 12-days of Christmas as a kid...the list goes on, but mostly just being together more as a family.

25. What do you want to do different next year? Start making home-made-gifts earlier. I feel rushed right now to get all my wish-list projects done.