I know, the holiday season has kicked my ass and I have been a sucky blogger, but I'm back for a festive moment thanks to the encouragement of my friend and fellow writer Kristina, who has recommended that I take on the challenge to make the time for a blog post about holiday traditions. And to ensure that I don't get coal in my stocking this year, here you have it...
1. wrapping or gift bags? wrapping paper, unless it's one of those totally awkward shaped gifts that require the "easy button" approach. i actually find wrapping sort of therapeutic.
2. real or artificial tree? for REAL yo! i can proudly say i have a fabulous fraser fir in my living room right now, with an even more fabulous red Solo cup masquerading as the star on top after a recent holiday shindig.
3. when do you take the tree down? when it dies i guess. most plants haven't managed to last very long in our house. i'm going to take a lesson from our mountain man neighbor who has had a wreath on his door since we moved in in June; he doesn't seem to be concerned about getting rid of it.
4. do you like eggnog? i haven't had it in years, but i can't imagine how i wouldn't (as long as it's made with bourbon or brandy and not rum).
5. favorite gift received as a child? oooh, this is a tough one. standouts are the She-Ra Princess of Power castle and a magenta Barbi Corvette.
6. do you have a nativity scene? ha, i wouldn't consider my living quarters very "baby friendly." this is about the closest we've had to a "scene" involving a doll lately. 
7. worst christmas gift you ever received? a set of encyclopedias.
8. mail or email christmas cards? i envy anyone that finds the time to do either.
9. favorite christmas movie? A Charlie Brown Christmas and Home Alone still get me in the spirit.
10. when do you start shopping for christmas? varies from year to year, though this year, i'm already all done! it's a whole lot easier when you just resort to ordering everything online.
11. favorite thing to eat at christmas? peppermint bark! and my Italian grandmother's yummy cookies.
12. clear lights or colored lights on the tree? usually clear lights, but i'm certainly not opposed to colored lights as a decorative element elsewhere in the house.
12. clear lights or colored lights on the tree? usually clear lights, but i'm certainly not opposed to colored lights as a decorative element elsewhere in the house.
13. favorite christmas song? no one sings the holiday blues like George Michael in "Last Christmas." I also love "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" by Kay Starr (the remixed version).
14. best christmas memory? so many to choose from! just traveling to new york to be with the whole family, playing in the snow, trying to stay up to catch santa leaving the presents, and the pure excitement of waking up on christmas morning.
