1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper.
My mom always had a few gifts left to wrap when we drove out of town for our Christmas in Alabama. So, we would ride down I-20 with paper and tape dominating the back seat. It’s a great memory and I think of her with every gift I wrap.
2. Real tree or Artificial?
I’ve heard all the arguments. I don’t care if the tree does cost more over a lifetime, irritate my allergies, and pose a fire hazard. If it ain’t real, it ain’t Christmas.
3. When do you put up the tree?
In a perfect world, we would do it on first Saturday of December every year. We don’t always hit it. The tree is home and in the stand, but not decorated yet.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes!
I fell in love with the flavor thanks to the Egg Nog Shake at Arby’s. Last year, Arby’s didn’t have it on the menu, but Jack in the Box did. Note: My Great Aunt Sue made tremendous warm custard. It was more fun and more delicious to drink than egg nog. I miss her.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
One year, my dad gave me a cassette recorder and two cassettes (similar to the one in the picture). He recorded a message on one of the cassettes. As cool as the gift was, my favorite part of that gift was time with my dad. We went into my Aunt Cathy’s room and played her Elvis records. My dad and I took turns holding the cassette recorder up to the speaker to capture the music. One of us would make the floor squeak and we’d start laughing. I wish I had one of those recordings. We were so goofy that night.
Note: I think I’m going to start something this year: a journal of Christmas gifts. Sometimes, we can’t remember what we received after the calendar turns. That’s a shame.
7. Hardest person to buy for?
My wife. My creativity wars with her list every year. I want every gift to be memorable and special.
8. Easiest person to buy for?
My son Michael. He’s got such extensive lists, but he always leaves off something obvious that he’s been wanting all year. The list is great because it reminds me of what he really wants.
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes. Several. My favorite is my wife’s Precious Moments Nativity. I think several of the pieces are retired now. We let time pass us by and never bought the matching wise men. The angel holds a flashlight. I love this set because it reminds me of all the Christmas pageants I acted in as a child. We added “The Little Drummer Boy” to the tableau. I’m probably going to get negative comments about that, BUT to me, he reminds me that we have a role to play. We must visit the stable as well.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I hope we actually mail some this year. I would love to mail 50. We’ll see if it happens.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that it might incriminate me. I need to be more thankful for all the gifts I’m given.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
I’ll answer this in three categories.
Black and White: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
I discovered this movie before its revival. I was home from college for the weekend in the spring of 1988. My parents were out of town so I had the washer, dryer, and TV to myself. I was bored. I dug around under the TV through the videos. I found a VHS of the movie still in shrink wrap. At this time I HATED black and white movies. One of my best friends dragged me to “Casablanca” earlier in the school year, so I decided to give this movie a try. I had never heard of it, but knew the name Jimmy Stewart. Two hours later I was crying like George Bailey on the bridge and felt like a man who had struck gold. I’m grateful the rest of the world has embraced this great film.
Color: “Die Hard”
Look at the big picture of this movie for a second. A man fighting to save his marriage ends up rescuing his wife–and many others–from mortal danger while foiling an economy-shaking safe heist.
Christmas Movie I Most Want to See: “Joyeux Noel“
In WWI, soldiers from both sides of the line stopped fighting on Christmas Eve and shared music, stories, and Christmas cheer.
13. When do you start shopping?
Too late
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes, especially white elephant gifts. I think the re-gifting makes them even more meaningful.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Pancakes on Christmas morning. Sure, we have them several times a year, but while I’m flipping flapjacks, the kids are bouncing off the walls enjoying their gifts. It’s a blast.
16. Lights on the tree?
White lights are my favorite. I think they make a great background to the multi-colored ornaments hanging on the tree.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Hymn: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
Classic: “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
“Original”: “Celebrate Me Home” by Kenny Loggins
Amy Grant: “Heirloom” (Yes, she’s a category all to herself)
Song You’ve Probably Never Heard: “All for Love’s Sake“
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
In a perfect world, we’d stay home the entire season. We do stay home on Christmas Eve and Day.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s?
Don’t forget Chet!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
The angel we place on our tree was a wedding present. If you gave it to us, please tell us. Kaye and I have both forgotten the giver.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
PJs on Christmas Eve.
The kids discover what Santa left for them on Christmas morning.
We open family gifts around 11 a.m.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Salem Radio’s sad rotation of Christmas music. Add more songs, please!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
We have an animated Hallmark keepsake ornament that celebrates our first Christmas together. It is a little house. The light inside the ornament projects a small silhouette of a couple sitting by the fire. The light goes out as if the couple clicked off the lamp. It’s very sweet.
24. Favorite Christmas dinner?
Honey Baked Ham, not the imposters.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I would like to have a signed real estate contract on my parents’ home by Christmas. Other than that, I’d like to have money to buy presents for my kids. May my invoices be paid!
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