Yep. When there’s no room in the brain for anything else, try a meme. As seen on Isis:
1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
The nog, but only if I make it. True story: we used to do team Christmas parties in my first job, and we were all supposed to bring refreshments. I brought eggnog, and not knowing any better decided I was going to bring real eggnog. This one had a fifth of whiskey in it, and the whole team was pretty darned unproductive the rest of the afternoon.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Actually, Santa wraps presents then sets them under the tree. Yes, Virginia, Santa Claus is a grammar Nazi.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Growing up I was always a white lights on tree, no lights on house kid. These days it’s colored lights on the tree and while we haven’t done any exterior decorations, one of these years…
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Never did. I was always a weird, no touch kid and never wanted that stuff. Now, I may have to find a way to sneak some into the house.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Late. This year, very late. I might get a tree up by Christmas.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
The quail risotto that I made a few Christmases ago in Pennsylvania with quail my Uncle shot. Including plucking the shot out of the quail as I prepared it.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
Christmas Eve services in my home church. There would always be an organ recital at 10:30 pm and our organist was into moody minor key modern arrangements. I can’t remember the composer who did the Greensleeves arrangement that we heard year after year but it’s stuck with me.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don’t remember but my Mom probably does. Maybe I just figured it out.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
I’ve always kept away from spoiling the surprise, but my wife’s family believes in opening presents early.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Tree is artificial and pre-lighted, so sets of balls and ornaments that match are first—balancing the colors around the tree. Then heirloom ornaments. Finally the star, which I optimistically bought one year out of college and have been storing and using ever since, which has been challenging considering it’s blown glass.
11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Both. Love it when it’s falling and it’s cold, dread it when it’s four months old and everywhere.
12. Can you ice skate?
Yes, but I haven’t tried in years.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Maybe my first iPod, in 2001 when I was a grad student and we were living on a fixed income. It was a gift from Lisa.
14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Thoughtful and watchful anticipation of the coming of Christ and meditating on the meaning of forgiveness. Followed closely by not killing people at shopping malls.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
My mom’s chocolate covered candied orange peel.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Tie: Being together with my parents and sister on Christmas Day, and my wife’s traditional Christmas Eve dinner of seven (or at least multiple) fishes.
17. What tops your tree?
See answer to #10.
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
When I’m feeling depressed and self effacing, giving. When I’m feeling strong and honest, receiving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Right now, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”
20. Candy canes?
Oh yeah, preferably with a good book.
21. Favorite Christmas movie?
A Charlie Brown Christmas. Though I still get hysterical giggles when I think about the scene in the mid-90s Charlie Brown Christmas special when Peppermint Patty falls off the curb, and Marcie asks, “Slouching toward Bethlehem, sir?”
22. What do you leave for Santa?
Whiskey. Or holiday ale.
Tagging: Zalm, Small Cafe.
