The Stories of our Lives

In the spirit of the holiday season, blog filler! in the form of the Christmas Quiz Tal put up.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping if the gift allows. Admit it: it’s more fun to tear some paper wrapping than just remove silk paper and uncover the surprise right away. Bags for the small odd shapes.

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial. My parent’s Christmas gift from a couple of years ago was a beautiful artificial tree loaded with fake snow. That snow litters the floor and drives me crazy each December – and the cats got sick a small couple of times from stupidly eating the stuff – but the effect is so lovely.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Often somewhere around my sister’s birthday, Nov.22, although this year it was just last week. Usually, I LOVE to put up decorations all around the house, but this year I’ve been a little swamped and tired and, as I might not be hosting anything, I think the tree and the lights outside will have to do it. I look forward to when the kids will be old enough so that we can all decorate the house together.

4. When do you take the tree down?
As soon as the holidays are over, the decorations have got to go. It drove me crazy that they were up until January 7 or so last year. Like I said, I really LOVE decorating for Christmas, but past January 1st, I need to take it all down.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Eggnog’s not really a tradition around here, so I haven’t tasted the stuff yet.

6. Favourite gift received as a child?
Hum. I don’t know… I remember getting Barbie’s motor home, which was awesome and included its own detaching vehicle, so I think I’ll have to go with that.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes (long story). It’s a really beautiful thing, too, with hand painted characters made of metal. I also have a wooden stable/shelter that my grandfather made for the scene.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
Everyone, at times. Notable perplexity each year for Frank’s sister and maybe my parents.

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Gah… depends on inspiration, I guess. This year it will be Frank’s brother.

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received?
Tough one. I received some bath products some many years ago that I didn’t make much use of, not being one to take baths, really, but other than that I’ve been doing OK on the receiving end.

11. Mail or email Christmas card?
Last year I mailed a scrapbook card with family pictures to a LOT of relatives around – it was Xavier’s first Christmas with us! – but this year I’m pretty busy and just skipped sending cards at all.

12. Favourite Christmas Movie?
Every year, Frank and I (and our kids in the years to come, I hope) watch Anastasia (the Dreamworks animated version) on the morning of the 25th. Alright, it’s not a Christmas movie per say, but there’s snow in it!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually just a little later than I should have.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Not to date. I did recycle Christmas gift bags and some wrapping, though.

15. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas?
Chocolate Christmas log cake, the Vachon version, with cream and ice cream and sweetened strawberries.

16. Clear lights or coloured on the tree?
The previously mentioned white snow Christmas tree is beautiful with white matching lights.

17. Favourite Christmas song?
With a long-term goal of creating an really nifty holiday compilation, I’m trying to find a new holiday song I really like each year. Last year I’ve added Mariah Carey’s version of “All I want for Christmas is you”. Other notables are some songs from the Ally McBeal’s Christmas soundtrack, Sinatra and Lauper’s “Santa Claus is coming to town” – which I like to sing to Xavier – and a couple of other oldies. Haven’t found one for this year; suggestions welcome.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Some travelling involved, since my parents are both originally from an area about 2 hours South of here.

19. Can you name Santa’s reindeer?
No. Well, Rudolph – but in French we just call him the Red Nosed Reindeer.

20. Do you have an Angel on top or a star?
I’m waiting to find a really amazing star to put on top. So far, nothing.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
When I was young it would be on Christmas Eve, but now that we’re older it is spread out throughout the holiday season, depending on when each family throws their Christmas party. Mostly evenings, though.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Too many people in the shops. It is somewhat counterbalanced by the fact that stores stay open longer in December, but not entirely.