On the 13th Day of December…..my 200th post

I can’t quite believe I have made it to 200 posts! Thanks for joining me to celebrate.

On the 13th day of December I have decided to share this Christmas meme (for my non-bloggering friends this is a term for an “All about Me” post that bloggers use).

I have seen versions of this on a number of blogs, but as usual I can’t find the links.

1. Wrapping or gift bags?

A mixture – depends on the shape and size of the gift.

2. Real or artificial tree?

Artificial – we have 2 trees, and neither have ever seen a forest!
3. When do you put up the tree?

The weekend before our middle daughter’s birthday which is 8 December.
4. When do you take the tree down?

As late as possible (or as soon as possible if you are my husband). We usually compromise on after New Years Day 5. Most memorable Christmas.
Our first child was born 4 weeks premature, and we brought her home from the hospital on Christmas Eve, 1997. An unexpected early Christmas present. As anxious first time parents, that Christmas is a bit of a blur, but the image of her asleep beside the Christmas tree will always stay with me.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?

A homemade dolls house made for me by Mr Ward.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes, lots! Here are just a few

8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

I was once given lovely ear-rings, and I have never had my ears pierced.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Nearly all posted, but a few will be emails this year for far away friends.

10. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Miracle on 34th Street (the original version)

11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

As soon as possible.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Has to be the full traditional Turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce…… Also mini mince pies.

13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

Clear 100%. My kids dream of coloured lights, but we tell them they can have them when they leave home!

14. Favorite Christmas song?

Silent Night
15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

We usually stay at home, and I cook the traditional dinner. Family usually come to us, and our kids are happiest not dragged from their toys.

16. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

Yes (though it might take me a while). Don’t forget Olive! (As in “Olive, the other reindeer…” 🙂 (I copied this from another forgotten blog – so don’t blame me!)
17. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Always a star
18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

We ley the kids chose one small gift from under the tree on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas morning.

19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

The crowds in the supermarkets on Christmas Eve, fighting for their turkeys and sprouts. I avoid it if at all possible.
20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?

My/our tree white lights with a cream/natural/gold theme in the living room.

The other/kids tree white lights (sorry kids, I know it is yours, but the lights are still white) with red/green and all the kids handmade decorations and really anything goes (except tinsel).
21. What do you leave for Santa?

Mince pie and glass of port for Santa, carrots for the reindeer and some glittery reindeer food (oats and glitter) on the fire place and outside too.
22. Least favorite holiday song?

The Little Drummer Boy

23. Favorite ornament?

Could not possible choose – love so many. I do love my collection of mini trees, santas and now nesting (like Russian dolls) Santas.

24. Family tradition?

We have a few:

We light our nativity advent chrismas pyramid on the 4 sundays before Christmas and sing carols as a family. We go to the Belfast Continental Christmas Market one evening to sample the sights, sounds and tastes.

On Christmas Eve we go out for a walk to look at christmas lights, then come home and watch a Christmas film and read “Twas the night before Christmas”.

25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?

The year we lived in Bristol we attend the midnight carol service at Christchurch in Clifton – very moving and beautiful. Here, due to babysitting logistics my husband tends to go to Christmas Eve communion at our church, and I try to go to the candlelit Carol Service the sunday before.

Today my daughter and I had fun shopping/playing in the Bead Shop, buying some beads etc to do a craft at her birthday party next week. I have also spent the evening wrapping christmas presents, while watching Strictly Come Dancing Semi-Final and X-factor final with Simon Cowell.

Okay, that is your lot for today. Coming soon will be BooMama’s Christmas Home tour. It was lots of fun last year, so I am really looking forward to it.

Please leave a comment – you know you want to!