3. When do you put your Christmas tree up?
4. When do you take your Christmas tree down?
I grew up with all the deccies going up on Christmas Eve & coming down on Twelfth Night. But my kids like the lights, so we put them up a few weeks earlier.
5. Do you like egg nog?
Delicious.
6. Do you have a nativity scene?
My parents brought a little one made of olive wood, from Israel.
7. Favourite gift received as a child?
A Midget Farrelly styrofoam surfboard - with a fin!
8. Hardest person(s) to buy for?
9. Easiest person to buy for?
Buying presents, either it comes really easily or it's a nightmare. I can't control ideas, they just come (or don't).
10. Worst Christmas gift received?
A big expensive block of chocolate, that was past its use-by date. It had gone stale & white & powdery.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail, for sure.
12. Favourite Christmas movie?
But they're all shocking! Can I vote for the Dr Who Christmas Specials. Jackie: I'm going to be killed by a Christmas tree! Or Kylie Minogue as a maid on the spaceship Titanic.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Soon.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes. The best was from a cousin to our child. A children's book, she had given it to her son before, & his name was still in it... oops.
15. Favourite food to eat at Christmas?
So many to choose from! But the winner is (fruit) mince pies. Not too much icing sugar, thanks.
16. Coloured or clear lights?
I like clear ones; the kids like coloureds. 3:1 so I lose.
17. Angel or star on tree top?
A beautiful hand-made stuffed felt angel, carrying a harp.
18. Open Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Definitely on the morning. The eve isn't yet Christmas!
19. Do you like fruit cake?
Oh yes, the more alcohol the better.
20. The most annoying thing about this time of year?
Equal first: contradiction of end-of-year slackness & panic to finish work projects; contradiction of religious/family joys & crass consumerism.
A Merry Christmas to you!