After being tagged by not one but two fellow bloggers – Soob and Eddie – I guess I should partake in a meme. Consider it a one-off holiday season thing…
- Link to the person who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
- Share Christmas facts about yourself.
- Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
- Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Anyway, here goes…1. Wrapping or gift bags?
Wrapping.
2. Real or artificial tree?
Usually artificial. We had a real one for a few years but they tended to be a bit of a hassle. Our small, tinselly fake tree came free with something the parents bought decades ago so it hasn’t been the most attractive of trees, but this year Christmas is at my sister’s place, so we have an all-new fake tree.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Not sure when Maryanne put hers up. Previously the tradition was 2 weeks prior, I think.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Hmmm. Not sure.
5. Do you like egg nog?
Never tried it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Maybe the telescope or the bike? Can’t remember all the presents enough to decide.
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Mum has a home-made one.
8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Socks. Completely lacking in imagination.
9. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Neither, I’m way too slack to send out cards. A text message for a few people who I don’t see face to face.
10. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Last year’s Outrageous Fortune Christmas Special, without a doubt. Authentically Kiwi, unsentimental, dramatic and absolutely hilarious to boot.
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Around about the 22nd, usually (and unfortunately). It tends to make the season more stressful, but then, I’m choosy about presents so it takes a long time anyway.
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Christmas pudding. Mmmm. That’s what this years Christmas has been missing…
13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Both. Well actually no lights this year.
14. Favorite Christmas song(s)?
“Snoopy’s Christmas”. Maybe. It gets annoying with repetition but I enjoy it the first couple of times each year.
15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Travel. Haven’t had a Wellington Christmas yet. Usually its been in Stratford, but this year its Christchurch, which is fine. More fun in a city than a small town, but I’m liable to get relative-overload with the entire extended family close by…
16. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
I can name about half of them.
17. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Used to be a little tinsel star with the old fake tree. In recent years the tatty tinsel star has been retired in favour of Mum’s homemade angels.
18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
Blasphemy! Christmas morning, of course!
19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Hmmm. Trying to give a diplomatic answer. I will say the crowds of frantic shoppers buying useless crap that they wouldn’t buy for themselves.
20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?
No. A bit of everything, some ornaments dating back decades and others that are brand-new or homemade.
21. What do you leave for Santa?
Nothing.
22. Least favorite holiday song?
Without a doubt, “Little Drummer Boy”. Absolutely awful, sickly-sweet, irritatingly catchy and overplayed.
A little Christmas pudding.
24. Family tradition?
Experienced a new one this year – new to me at least, Mum’s side of the family has been doing it for I don’t know how long, we just haven’t usually been in Christchurch to experience. Where you all wrap mystery $5 presents, choose them in random order and have the option of stealing an already-opened gift from anyone else. I ended up with a lint-roller! Better luck next year I hope. Leanne’s family does the same thing but in a less restrained way with plenty of cheap beer, dodgy uncles, wine and laughter, but I’ve only experienced that once and I’m not sure how many more Christmases I’ll spend in the ‘Naki.
Rather than the traditional roast, we’ve had a Christmas barbecue this year, which was fun. And more appropriate to the middle of summer.
25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?
A long time ago.
I shall refrain from tagging anyone, I’m sure most of the blog-friends have already been tagged, and besides it is Boxing Day and Christmas has been been and gone.
Anyway, greetings all from sunny Christchurch, especially my cold, snowy, Northern Hemisphere readers. And merry Christmas to all my loyal readers! I’m still surprised that you guys keep visiting given the less-than-impressive posting frequency of late! Cheers, guys. Have a happy New Year, too 
Phil and Luke, with our adoring 7-month-old niece Ava Maree.
Awesome to hear from you guys!
I’m having lots of family time too (not to mention lots of food and drink).
I look forward to seeing you at New Years and I’m going to be hosting a heap of things in 08.
Left by Craig D on December 26th, 2007