Anni, at Hootin' Anni's has created a Christmas meme. I enjoyed reading her answers and decided that this is a good way to get to know the likes and dislikes of our blogging friends. If you would like to participate, just click on the link where you can learn all about the meme and read Anni's wonderful answers.

This is what Anni had to say:

For the holiday season, I've started a meme. "The Twelve Questions of Christmas" If you'd like to participate, I'd be honored to have you join in the fun. If you'd like, you are welcomed to use the meme header graphic!

1. Christmas is Magical [fill in the blank with ONE WORD]

2. In memories, what was the best part of your Christmases past?

The best part of Christmases past was being together with family. When Grandma was alive there used to be 40 sitting around the old oak table for Christmas dinner. This was a great time. After we were done eating, we would reminisce and laugh about incidents that had taken place over the years. My grandfather was a great story teller and so was Dad. I believe that these two men gave me the desire to write and tell my own stories. I am a history buff and I think those stories of bygone days learned me to love history. We always had a great time.

3. Was Santa ever good to you? [describe how and what]

Times were hard when I was young. There is one time when Santa was especially good to me. I was around ten and he brought me a record player and a couple of records. After that, I saved every cent I could to buy a new record. I'm taking 78s and 45s. A 45 rpm record cost about $1.00 in those days.

4. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both?

Hubby and I always open our gifts on Christmas morning. Then we go to my daughter's for a brunch and open gifts with them. It's always nice to open gifts with their family. I love the looks on the boys' faces when they get something that excites them.

5. Is there something you make each and every year? [craft or recipe]

Every year my Mom, my daugher, the boys and myself get together and make homemade chocolates. That is a wonderful family time. We talk about all kinds of things and have a wonderful time. The three of us always have to be on the lookout for the boys who try to sneak the chocolates.

6. What is your favorite five[5] Christmas songs/hymns?

1. Do You Hear What I Hear?

2. O' Holy Night

3. Silent Night

4. Little Drummer Boy

5. I'll Be Home for Christmas


7. Is there a new tradition for Christmas since your childhood days?

Taking the grandsons to cut our own Christmas tree and then letting them decorate it with a little help from Grandma. Grandpa always puts up the tree and puts on the lights. The boys do everything else. I even have decorations on the tree that they have made.

When I was a child, everyone went with Grandpa on the horse and sleigh to cut five trees for everyone in the family. Grandma decorated the tree on Christmas Eve. At our house, Dad put up the tree and helped put the lights on. Mom and us kids did the decorating.

8. Describe one of your Christmas trips. [whether it's across town or across country]

I've never been away from home at Christmas, but my daughter and I flew to British Columbia one year on December 26th. I've also left the day after Christmas to go to Florida. Disney World is awesome during the Christmas season.

9. Do you have a special Christmas outfit to wear for the day?

No, I wear something different each year. I always wear slacks and a nice top, but no more dresses. I'm getting too old to have cold legs.

10. Have YOU or any of your family members sat on Santa's lap?

My husband and I worked as Santa's helpers at the mall one year and we had our photo taken with Santa. Yes, I did sit on Santa's lap. I also sat on his lap as a child. My grandsons also have sat on Santa's lap and so did my Mom the year we were Santa's helpers.

11. What is/or will be on your Christmas tree this year?

Our tree will be adorned with all of the special ornaments I have collected over the years. Some are ones the grandsons have made, some my Mom made for us, others are over 40 years old. I've kept this lovingly wrapped as they decorated the tree when my first husband and I celebrated our first Christmas. He's been gone since 1977 and these special ornaments will be passed to my daughter and grandsons. An angel that Mom made for me is always our tree topper.

12. Do you/or have you decorated your yard for Christmas?

We have a few outdoor ornaments. We always put up lights around our porch and the back stairway. The last couple of years these lights have been green LEDs. We also have a light-up polar bear that wears a Santa's hat and a blow-up Rudolph that the grandsons gave us one Christmas. I'm hoping to add more to our outdoor display in the coming years.

So that is a little bit about what Christmas is all about here. I do hope you will click over to Anni's and join in the Christmas fun.