I'm Baaaaaaaack

Last week's regularly scheduled blogging interrupted due to a visit by Ms. Bron Chitis. Thanks to the wonders of modern chemistry, I'm better, but the kid is having a relapse. aughgh.

A lot of people knock Southern California for having no seasons. I don't agree with that, we certainly do have seasons: Drought, fire, earthquake and Blazing Hot. However, this week, we've actually had weather--it has rained TWICE! The weathermen are beside themselves, on full out storm watch. We've also had our first good snow in the local mountains. Looking east from the San Gabriel Valley, you can see the snow on Mount Baldy and other peaks in the San Bernardino mountains. There's a nip in the air, California style, and I've actually worn grown-up long pants and a coat. I'll wait while that settles in for those who know me, I know it's a shock.

I thought this Christmas meme was fun. I found it over on Knitting the Blues.

Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love wrapping paper, but love the ease of gift bags

Real or artificial tree? The kid is allergic to real trees, so it's artificial for us. A couple of years ago I bought a pre-lit, 3 piece tree. best thing EVER!

When do you put up the tree? Usually the week before Christmas or whenever we get the living room de-cluttered.

When do you take it down? My personal record is some time around Valentine's Day, but these days usually around New Year's.

Do you like eggnog? good grief, no!

Favorite gift received as a child? 1963 Barbie that came with 3 wigs: Bubble-cut Blonde, brunette pageboy, titian side-part flip. No, I'm not so psychotic that I remembered all this, I looked it up. In my Barbie book.

Do you have a nativity scene? yes, the one from my childhood.

Hardest person to buy for? My step-father who only likes tv, golf & Sudoku.

Easiest person to buy for? the kid. She makes very clear lists :-).

Worst Christmas present you ever got? Kermit the frog telephone.

Mail or email Christmas cards? I try to mail.

Favorite Christmas movie? I'd have to say the Santa Clause, because that was the first holiday movie I took my daughter to and it is a really happy memory for us.

When do you start shopping for Christmas? Um, now...

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I 'll never tell!

Favorite thing to eat on Christmas? For our family, Christmas means lefse and various Scandinavian cookies.

Clear lights or colored on the tree? Both. As many as possible.

Favorite Christmas song? It's hard to pick just one. The entire soundtrack of A Charlie Brown Christmas, White Christmas, Silent Night, O Holy Night, Feliz Navidad...

Travel at Christmas or stay home? home

Can you name all of Santa's Reindeer? Yes. I have to sing the song to get them all, but yes.

Angel or star on top of tree? Angel. I have the one from the 1930's that was on my grandparent's tree. NB - don't worry about fire hazards, it was reworked and rewired about 15 years ago.

Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? My sister and I always got to open one present on Christmas Eve, and we have continued that tradition. Everything else is opened on Christmas.

Most annoying thing this time of year? The way that the commercial part of the season now starts at Halloween. That is too early!

Do you decorate your tree in any theme or color? No, we have an eclectic/kitschy mix from several generations.

What do you leave for Santa? Cookies and a note, which Santa always answers.