This has been a strange Christmas season for those of us in New England. With temps in the 50s, and my winter coat collecting dust in the closet, it feels like we should be preparing for Halloween. But here we are, just a few days to go until the big day!
The shopping is done and I’m getting ready to wrap up at work for ten glorious days off, so to celebrate, I’m sharing a version of a Christmas survey I found on a few other blogs (plus you guys know how I love my surveys!). Come play along!
1. Favorite Christmas Album/CD/Song?
Tie: “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey and Josh Groban’s version of “O Holy Night,” the latter of which always gives me chills.
2. What do you usually eat on Christmas morning?
When I was little, it was the Christmas cookies leftover from our family’s annual Christmas Eve party. Now, I usually try to have something protein-packed, like eggs, but like to make the kids pancakes or something fun.
3. Favorite holiday or Christmas tradition?
I have so many from my childhood: watching “Home Alone” with my sister each Christmas Eve as we eagerly anticipated the arrival of all our aunts, uncles, and cousins at our parents’ Christmas Eve party. Now, I love how Dr. G and I do silly things with our stocking stuffers, like the box of Toblerone I always get him each year, a private joke from when the two of us first started dating.
And I can’t forget our new tradition of going to see The Nutcracker (2015, 2014, 2013).
4. Favorite holiday movie?
Another tie: “Love, Actually” (like every other woman I know) and “Elf.”
5. Real or fake tree (or no tree)?
Um, real all the way. Sure, the pine needles drive me batty but, man, that smell. Ahhhh.
6. Christmas PJs?
Since I am kinda pajama-obsessed, the answer is an enthusiastic yes!
7. Where do you spend the holidays?
For the last 39 or so years, I’ve had Christmas dinner at my grandparents’ house, a tradition I love so much and have so many memories of (some of which I shared on the post I wrote this fall shortly after my grandfather passed away). This will be our first Christmas without him, and seeing that empty place at the table is going to be tough.
8. Favorite Christmas or holiday dish or treat?
It’s funny, I don’t have a clear winner here. Part of me sees Andes Mints and immediately think of Christmas Eve, when my parents would set out a plate of them before our family’s party and I’d usually scarf down a handful of them before anyone ever showed up (and probably as my sister and I were about to watch “Home Alone”). I’m also a sucker for any and all Christmas cookies. I’m not picky.
9. Open presents all at once or take turns?
We take turns by age, starting with Mimi, each person opening one gift before moving on to the next.
10. Wrap Santa presents or leave them unwrapped?
Ohhh, this was a cause for some debate for awhile in my house. Growing up, Santa never wrapped our presents, he just left them under the tree. But apparently that is the exception, not the norm, since most people (including Dr. G.) grew up with wrapped Santa presents. So I caved. But I admit I like it better — it draws out the surprise and suspense even more.
11. Best Christmas surprise given to others?
No question: surprising the kids with a trip to Disney World a few years back.
12. Best Christmas surprise for me?
I admit it’s pretty hard to really surprise me when it comes to gifts, but Dr. G. kicked some major booty a few years ago with some gorgeous earrings.
One question I didn’t list here was my favorite Christmas or holiday-themed TV episode because there are soooo many to choose from! Lucky for me, a whole bunch of my faves are currently streaming on Netflix! Here are my top 5:
- Gilmore Girls (Season 1, Episode 1o, “Forgiveness and Stuff”). I dare you to watch this one and not get choked up.
- Glee (Season 2, Episode 10, “A Very Glee Christmas”): Sue + Grinch = classic.
- Parenthood (Season 4, Episode 11, “What to My Wondering Eyes”). It’s schamalzy and gooey and makes you feel all the feels. C’mon, they tackle Santa and cancer in the same episode. #TeamBraverman
- 30 Rock (Season 3, Episode 6, “Christmas Special”). Tina Fey = genius. Plus love any the scenes with Alec Baldwin’s Jack and his mom.
- Parks and Recreation (Season 4, Episode 10, “Citizen Knope”). A reminder of how much I love this show.
And with that, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas! I’m taking a little time off from the blog to enjoy the holidays and the time off with my family (although I will be popping over to Instagram and Facebook here and there), so I’ll be “seeing” you in 2016!
Okay, you guys, now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite holiday movie? Favorite treat? Favorite tradition?
I am part of the Stream Team ambassador program for Netflix. I was not compensated for my time, but I was provided product to use to facilitate my thoughts and reviews. All opinions listed are 100% my own.