Thursday, November 10, 2011

Shawnee's Secret Santa Swap




So it's barely November and I'm already in the Christmas spirit! We have two radio stations in the STL area that play Christmas 24/7 starting the day after Halloween, so you can probably guess what the kids and I listen to in the car. I was thrilled when Shawnee posted a new swap over on her Flirty Apron Swap blog. The following questions are part of the swap.

1. What are your hobbies? I spend much of my free time sewing, reading blogs, and spending time with my boys.
2. What are your favorite colors? I tend to decorate my home in fall colors. I would say my favorite color is purple.
3. Do you collect anything? I love all things Christmas. I love nativities, snowglobs, miniature Christmas trees, snowmen, and anything glittery!
4. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? No
5. Do you have any pets? No.
6. Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? Chocolate!!
7. What do you like to read? I like crafty magazines, cooking magazines, and inspirational books.
8. Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet? Either. I have a huge sweet tooth:)
9. What is your favorite holiday treat? This is a tough one...as a kid I always loved my grandma's homemade turtles! Now, I'd say I just love all of the holiday treats!
10. Describe your favorite holiday tradition. I love Christmas Eve. When I was a kid we went to my grandma's house on Christmas Eve. We had dinner, exchanged gifts, then got dressed up and went to candle light service at her church. It is such a wonderful time to pause and focus on the birth of Jesus. I rememeber that as a kid I used to think the time went by SO slowly...I was anxious for Christmas morning. As I got older, I enjoyed the peaceful setting during at time that is often hectic. Since I have moved away from home, I have missed the Christmas Eve service from time to time. I am looking forward to going this year, though!
11. Did you believe in Santa as a child? My parents never really pushed the idea of Santa on us. We tried to put the focus on the birth of Christ. But I can remember wanting to believe Santa was real. I would reason with myself that it wasn't possible, but I'd always try to look at the fireplace and look outside...just in case:)
11. When do you open presents? It varies every year. My oldest is my step-son, and we alternate times with him at Christmas each year. We just always find a time when we are all together to open gifts.
12. Do you put up a tree and when? If not, how do you celebrate? Yes we do! I love decorating for Christmas!! We have a tall skinny tree with white lights. It is covered in ornaments the kids have made, Halmark ornaments we have exchanged, and some silver and purple decorations.
13. Does your tree have a theme? No. See #12.
14. What has been your favorite gift to give? to receive? I enjoy most any gift we give to our kids. I love seeing the excitement when they open their present. I also enjoy getting together with my kids and buying a gift for a child their age from the angle tree at walmart. We don't get to see the person open the presents, but we enjoy taking some time to think of people who are in need. My favorite gift to receive...hmmm...I'd have to say, the cow from my grandma. She had a cow butchered (twice now) and divided it between my sister and I. We ejoyed that gift for over a year!