Christmas ???s

1. Real tree or fake tree?

Fake, fake, fake. There's nothing easier or more convenient than a fake tree. This year, we're planning on going home for Christmas so I didn't put up the fake tree. It's huge and a pain to set up but our neighbors in Alaska gave it to us back in 2010 when they moved to the lower 48 and now I don't want to get rid of it. I think I will eventually get a pre-lit tree because that'd be the intelligent thing to do (less work and all).

2. Favorite Christmas cookie?

I like making sugar cookies for the experience of it, I like eating these ginger molasses cookies, I like eating these Hershey's Kiss cookies while they're still warm, and I really enjoy making this peppermint fudge because it's the perfect flavor.

3. Home on Christmas morning or travel?

We usually stay home but we're planning a trip to Pennsylvania this year. Fingers crossed we actually get there before Christmas morning. 

4. Clear or colored lights?

Both. I like colored lights on the tree and clear lights elsewhere because they can stay up all winter. 

5. Send Christmas cards?

I try to. I don't believe I've done it every year since we've been married but I intentionally try most years.

6. Favorite Christmas present received? 

I don't know that I really remember this from when I was younger, but I really like that Scott bought me a Roomba last year and told me it was so I didn't have to stress myself out with cleaning the floors as often now. I usually use it every other day when the dogs are around but if the dogs are in Wyoming, I rarely need to vacuum. 

7. Favorite Christmas present given?

I have no idea. What a terrible answer. 

8. Stockings or no stockings?

Stockings are the best part. However, we never bought nice ones for us, in these last 8-9 years, simply because Scott wasn't always around for Christmas so it wasn't a priority. Some day, we'll get personalized ones. I did buy official dog stockings though this year, so that was a step in the right direction. 

9. Christmas PJs?

No. I usually buy new pajama pants or something, but there's never a Christmas theme. I want something I can wear year-round.

10. Favorite Christmas carol?

I like Angels We Have Heard on High. Things out of the old Methodist hymnals. Also, African Bell Carol (...here's the TSO version) and anything from The Nutcracker. I used to listen to The Nutcracker soundtrack on a loop. The reason for this is because I played all of the songs I mention in the school orchestra so they've just stuck with me. 

11. Favorite holiday tradition?
I like leaving the tree up for as long as possible. Up at the end of November, down in January, just because I like the lights. Also, planning for and baking all different types of cookies and fudge.

12. Early shopper or last minute?
I'm not an early shopper but I usually have things to get in the mail so I try to be done by mid-December.

13. Favorite Christmas movie or show?
I really like the old claymation-ish Christmas shows. Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, etc. I own them all on DVD and used to show them to kids at school (but I'm not allowed to do that anymore). I like Prep and Landing a lot too. And It's a Wonderful Life and then The Santa Clause is likely my most favorite. I kind of got into the Hallmark movies in recent years but they've started to wear on me, as they are really, really dumb, so I likely won't be watching anymore this year.

14. Favorite holiday beverage?
Something caramel-y from Starbucks. A latte with one pump of syrup, most likely. Maybe the caramel brulee. I used to drink them all winter in Alaska.

15. Cookies and milk for Santa?
If we had kids, yes. And I'd leave something for the reindeer too.