Because I was asked...

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate?

I'd choose hot chocolate over eggnog, but my first choice would be hot tea.

2. Colored lights on the tree/house or white?

I like white lights on my tree and house, but I love colored lights on other people's houses/trees. Basically, I like lights.

3. Do you hang mistletoe?

No. Not needed. =0)

4. When do you put your Christmas decorations up?

The weekend following Thanksgiving because my husbands busiest season is Christmas and if we don't do it early, it becomes a chore to find time.

5. Favorite holiday dish?

Ridiculously priced champagne/prosecco/cava/sparking wine. (Is that a dish?) I also love prime rib. Love. With horseradish. Oh, and these cookies my mother in law used to make, cream cheese dainties with a cherry on top.

6. Favorite holiday memory as a child?

Many. I loved Christmas when I was growing up...they were always filled with grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins. One year there was a big family blow out, so we went to DisneyWorld for Christmas...I didn't know why at the time, but it sure was fun for me! I also remember my parents throwing big parties...it's where I caught the party bug!

7. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Yes. We all open one gift...and it's the same thing every year. Matching Christmas jammies!

8. How do you decorate a tree?

I have a husband who always does the lights...once he's done, it's up to the boys. I make hot chocolate and take lots of pictures.

9. Snow! Love it or dread it?

Love it, but then again I haven't shoveled it for 14 years.

10. Can you ice skate?

Yes. Grew up skating on frozen homemade ice rinks and in Boulder I took lessons with my friend Tammy. We had to join the American Figure Skating Association...I was primed and ready for the Olympics. Or so I liked to believe.

11. Do you remember your favorite gift?

Childhood? A princess phone. Adult? Finding out I was going to have a baby and a vision I had about him...that's a whole story in itself. =0)

12. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you?

My family, all together...and now, all together in the same pew. After decades of worshipping with kids while my husband served, I truly appreciate him sitting next to me. Sounds selfish, I know...and I never, ever complained about it, but I just love having all of us together.

13. What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Christmas cookies. Any. All. Many. Please.

14. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Christmas Eve church, followed by dinner out at Maggiano's. A million dollar splurge for us, but very, very fun. We also keep out house and tree lit until Epiphany.

15. What tops your tree?

An angel.

16. Which do you prefer-Giving or Receiving?

Both. I really love picking the perfect gifts for everyone, but who doesn't like to open a present or two?

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Not known by many...Jesu, Son Most Sweet and Dear. More common...What Child is This?

18. Candy Canes-Yuck or Yum?

YUM.

19. Favorite Christmas show?

While You Were Sleeping. Shocker. I love that everyone who knows me well recites parts of it to me.

20. Saddest Christmas song?

Any that is played before Thanksgiving or after Epiphany.