Holiday Questionnaire

This is from Baltimore Snacker by way of Chris at Tallfreak.com. Take the quiz and pass it on.

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
Hot Chocolate. Specifically, Ghirardelli's unsweetened cocoa. Note: the sweetened variety has one of the best brownie recipes ever.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
When I was a kid, and when I used to give Christmas gifts, they were always wrapped. I don't give Christmas gifts anymore. When I DO give a gift, it's usually in a gift bag. Sometimes, a recycled gift bag.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I like white lights, because they remind me of twinkling stars.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
I have. Not lately.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
A couple of weeks before Christmas. I don't like putting them up too early.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
The traditional turkey with all the trimmings. We have it twice a year, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I'll happily eat the leftovers for a week.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
I have several: Shopping at Lexington Market with my grandmother for the fruits, nuts, and candies for the post-Christmas-dinner dessert spread; helping my grandmother wash the cut-glass bowls and platters for use on Christmas day; gathering with our ENTIRE extended family at my grandparents' house on the big day.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't remember.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Not usually. I used to open birthday gifts at my pre-Christmas party, thanks to my generous friends. A Christmas tradition I hope to someday revive. I miss that little gathering of my closest and dearest (sigh).

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
One ornament at a time? With the usual assortment of ornaments, including a number of winged pigs gifted to me over the years. And a couple of grasshoppers. :o)

11. Snow: love it or hate it?
I like a dusting on Christmas Eve. But not enough to slicken the streets and snarl traffic.

12. Can you ice skate?
I can barely walk, are you kidding?!?

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
A walking doll that was as tall as me, with real little-girl dresses and little suitcases.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Spending time with my family and my friends.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Pumpkin pie. I'm a traditionalist. Oh, and every birthday cake my sister-friend Kathy has ever baked for me.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Baking the coconut cake for my Aunt Aileen's post-dinner dessert gathering. Helping her set up for her Christmas dinner. And again, gathering with my family and close friends.

17. What tops your tree?
I've used everything from a star to a spire to an upended Corona beer bottle tied with a bow. The traditional topper is a spire.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Giving, but not at Christmas. See above re gifting.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Nat King Cole's version of The Christmas Song, and Bing Crosby's version of White Christmas.

20. Candy canes?
On the tree, not for eating.

21. Favorite Christmas movie?
White Christmas, and Holiday Inn.

22. What do you leave for Santa?
We used to leave cookies. Now, he doesn't stop at my house.