Christmas Meme - why not?

I came across this meme on Claire's blog, and decided to take part. Why not? This past weekend was all about Christmas (shopping, napping, festive specials from Swiss Chalet, more shopping, wrapping, writing cards, getting things ready to mail etc.) so I really don't have much to write about. Perfect time for a meme!

1. Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?

Egg Nog is only available for a couple of months and it's delicious. So, for the exclusivity, I'm going to say egg nog. A friend on Twitter also recently tweeted about chocolate egg nog available at the Superstore (at least in Vancouver), and I'm intrigued. However, I am a big hot chocolate fan too... *goes to put on the kettle to make some*

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

If by Santa, you mean me, then yes, yes I do enjoy wrapping. Or at least putting in a gift bag with tissue paper depending on the wrap-ability of the present.

3. Coloured lights on tree/house or white?

Hmmm, tough one. I understand the classiness of the white, but the kid in me prefers colour.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

Never.

5. When do you put your decorations up?

Between November 25th to the beginning of December. I think this year I put the tree up around December 4th. A bit later than I like.

6. What is your favourite holiday dish?

At home it's traditional turkey with stuffing, cranberries, potatoes, and rolls. Of course, I can't let Christmas go by without a Festive Special (or two) from Swiss Chalet.

7. Favourite Holiday memory as a child?

I was really psyched the year that Santa brought me She-Ra's Crystal Castle. However, instead of having a plastic front and back, there were two back halves to the castle and it had to be returned. "Oh no! The elves made an error!" exclaimed my mother. "Don't worry though, stores have an arrangement with Santa and will make exchanges just in case," she assured me.

As soon as the store opened on December 27th (this was back in the day when stores were still closed on Boxing Day), we went up to the front counter. I think my mom was hoping I'd go skedaddle to the toy section, but I wanted to be there to make sure the exchange went according to plan. My mom looked at the sales lady and said "Errr, the elves made a mistake on this Crystal Castle. Can we exchange it for a new one?" Luckily, the lady played around and didn't reveal the truth. And, the store had one left in stock, and I finally got to put together my Crystal Castle a couple of days late.

Forgive me for also sharing my second favourite memory. One year, my dream toy was Raya. She's the drummer from Jem & The Holograms. I liked her because she had purple hair. That year we went to visit my dad's brother in St. Catharines, and when he saw my doll (perhaps after a few caesars) he exclaimed "What the heck is that? A hooker?" Of course, I innocently replied "What's a hooker?" to the dismay of my mother, and my nana. No one told me, but years later when I found out I was like "oh, so that's why Uncle Dave called my Raya a hooker..."

(Also upon finding a picture of Raya on the Internet, I now understand Uncle Dave's query. Although I love her tights!)

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I figured it out on my own, but didn't tell my parents I did for a long time because I figured it would mean one less present.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Yes. My mother's side of the family would always have a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner and then open gifts. Even though we don't do that since my grandparents passed away, we still open some presents on Christmas Eve in memory of that tradition.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

My little tree has white lights, gold and red baubles, and other fun ornaments (birds! cats! Bart Simpson!) that have been given to me over the years.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?

I like it for Christmas, not so much afterwards.

12. Can you ice skate?
I could in the year 2000. Haven't been since, but it's like riding a bike, right?

13. Do you remember your favourite gift?
See #7. I also got a doll house when I was four that was pretty sweet. And my first iPod when I was in my twenties. That was great too.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Spending time with family and friends and realizing how special life is. And also taking the season to be charitable to others in my life and the less fortunate.

15. What is your favourite Holiday Dessert?
I think I'm more into the assorted chocolates that I get as opposed to one specific dessert.

16. What is your favourite holiday tradition?
My dad receiving his traditional box of books and then ignoring us for the rest of the day. Haha. Joking. I miss all of the traditions that we had when I was a kid and my grandparents were alive. We still have traditions, but they're not as fun. I like the traditional group of 9 get together though. I also like the traditional last day of school before Christmas break: short classes, talent show, then a staff luncheon.

17. What tops your tree?
A single gold star.

18. Which do you prefer - giving or receiving?

I love finding the perfect gift and watching someone open it.

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
Meh. I feel there are better sugar-y options during this time of year.

20. Favourite Christmas show?
The episode of the Simpsons where Bart gets caught shoplifting.

21. Saddest Christmas Song?
Last Christmas is pretty sad when you listen to the lyrics. Also Xmas Cake by Rilo Kiley's quite sad too.

22. What is your favourite Christmas song?
A House or Maybe a Boat by Hawksley Workman.