Getting to Know You...for Christmas

I’m going to take a minute and not write about writing, mostly because I can’t think of anything to say about it that I haven’t already said. Could the previous sentence get any more convoluted? (There’s your token comment about writing.)

Instead I want to make a random post about Christmas. Keep in mind that I am not Christian, so while the state makes December 25th a holiday, it isn’t my holy day. Nor am I any particular form of pagan, so I don’t get excited about Winter Solstice or what have you. But like many people who grew up in the Western Hemisphere, I have memories and associations with Christmas, so since I am basically lazy, I am using a “Christmas edition of getting to know your friends” as a blog entry today. Enjoy, and if you like, copy, insert your answers and pass it on.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Gift bags or boxes. Much easier. Also recyclable, and I have a thing about responsible paper usage.

2. Real tree or artificial?

Artificial. I prefer keeping real ones in the ground, where they benefit the environment.

3. When do you put up the tree?

If I put one up, usually right after Thanksgiving to get it over with. I didn’t put one up this year. Having a tree, to me, is a thing to do for the kids. I have no more kids at home.

4. When do you take the tree down?

Again, if I put one up, taking it down is a New Year’s Day ritual.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Meh. Depends on the alcohol in it. I prefer my alcohol with other mixers, though.

6. Hardest person to buy for?

Used to be my mother. She's gone now, so -- no one.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

All of them. My other family members make no bones about what they want/need.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Not any more. I once bought one I thought was cute, but displaying it became hypocritical many, many moons ago.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Either, as the mood hits me. I don’t do many.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Too many to mention. My beloved mother was notorious for silly, junkie gifts from Walter Drake catalogs. And candy that she liked and I didn’t.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

The Polar Express. I totally identify with the kid’s doubt. And even when he thinks he’s got proof that Santa exists, it gets ripped away. Welcome to the real world.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Only when I must.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

I really can’t recall.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

The last several years we’ve done a Mexican feast. We like it. Enchiladas (multiple kinds), tamales, rice, beans; build your own tacos, fajitas, tostadas and nachos; quesadillas…we end with cheesecake.

16. What color of lights do you prefer on the tree?

White. Keeps things simple.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

“Oh Holy Night” is a living memory of my mother. “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” is nice and boisterous and vigorous. “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” and “We Three Kings” are reminiscent of Gregorian chant; cool registers. Ditto "Oh, Come Oh Come Emmanual." “Angels we have heard on high” is musically glorious.

Frankly I just love music, even Christian music.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Used to host the crowd. This is changing. Don’t know what the future holds.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Yes.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Angel. I like magical protective figures, even though they’re practically worthless.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Always morning, in the past. Santa doesn’t come ‘til kids are asleep on Christmas eve. Again, things are changing. Don’t know what the future holds.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Christians trying to dictate all midwinter celebration acknowledgements (Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays vs Xmas controversy), who apparently feel justified in cramming their chosen celebratory form down everyone's throat in public (nativity scenes in government buildings, prayer at workplace parties, etc.) and private...if your friends aren't Christian, may I gently suggest you don't send them "Jesus is the reason for the season" holiday cards? They go straight in the trash, wasting your money and time, and a living tree. On the other hand, "May you and your family be blessed now and in the coming year" usually isn't offensive. If you're unsure about someone's viewpoint, ask. Otherwise, have your celebration as you prefer, and leave the rest of us alone.

(Stepping off the soap box now...)

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

When my children were at home, every year each of them received a new commemorative ornament of some kind. The tree was a mishmash of memories and I loved it. They are all gone now, and their ornaments with them. Other than that, I like sticking to the greenery theme—you know, the original pagan meaning of life enduring through the cold.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

See Mexican feast above

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Peace and goodwill seem appropriate and beneficial, no matter your religious choice or lack of it. Of course, becoming Supreme Dictator of the World would be good, too.

Last call for entries for the Lonely Hearts Mountain book giveaway! Send email entries to romancebyrachelsmith@yahoo.com with “Me, me, me, pick me!” in the subject line, by December 24, 11:59 pm. Barring interference from the Universe, the winner will be notified December 26.

And the random question of the day:

Oscillate my metallic sonatas with your plan for the Panama canal:

Only after you explain to me how and where you obtained or developed musical compositions containing elements that conduct electricity and heat, and form cations and ionic bonds with non-metals. And how you get them to rotate. Yes, I know big words, too.