I’ve never done a “meme” before but this one was fun and easy to do – so thank you Terri at Into the Mystic for the idea. I hope you’ll give this a go, too.
1. A Christmas song I can listen to even in June is: “Christmastime” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio (Charlie Brown). It takes me right back to being a kid and the wonder and excitement that Christmastime always generated.
2. Hot chocolate, eggnog or mulled wine? I’ll take an extra hot Chai Tea Latte, please!
Hot Chai tea? Yes, please
3. When do you put your Christmas decorations up? Usually about 10 days ahead of Christmas; I used to decorate every single room – now we only decorate the living room and front door. Why? What goes up must come down. (Read how I nearly lost my cool here: Rants of Christmases past ). Yep, no more manic merriment for me.
4. What are you having for Christmas dinner? We’re not. We’re having appetizers & pizza the afternoon of Christmas Eve so we can all feel like little kids again! Christmas morning we’ll have brunch featuring my company Fresh Toast … and dinner that day will be … leftover pizza! 20+ years of holiday cooking has taught me one thing: Simple. Is. Good.
5. What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? We always visit with family & friends on December 26th – Boxing Day. Never heard of Boxing Day? Read here.
6. Have you ever gone caroling? Yes, with my Sunday school class. I remember being very cold and wondering just who had the hot cocoa?
7. When did you discover the truth about Santa? Don’t know what you’re talking about.
8. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Our tree is a compilation of glass ornaments and hand-made paper treasures from the boys. Few items match, but it’s multicolored and has special items of significance from all of the places we’ve lived – Canada, Connecticut, New York, Texas, and Michigan.
a shot of youngest boy in grade school ...
the letter "B" for his big brother
handmade reindeer and holiday glass
and some Elvis for me!
9. What’s the best thing about Christmas? All of it: time together to laugh, to play, to sing, to smile, to eat, to rest and to just … be.
10. All I want for Christmas is: See # 9.
Christmastime is here… Merry Christmas to you & yours!
I love this idea! I think it’ll be my blog topic for tomorrow. Thanks. I love that you’re having pizza for dinner
Please do
We landed on the pizza idea several years ago .. after trying to combine holidays and me trying to keep Prime Rib hot and salads crisp & cold. Finally we scrapped the idea and opted for a relaxed/lazy Christmas eve with the kids. It’s become our favorite (new) tradition!
Cheers!
MJ
This is a sane approach to the season. Thank you for sharing….will check out this blog.
Thank you, Linda. After a few Christmases that were anything but sane, we’ve finally landed on something that works. Cheers! MJ
MJ, I must know – did you listen to the Dec. 21st version of “O Holy Night”? I gave you a shout-out.
I enjoyed your meme. My neighbor makes the french toast dish for her husband’s office. It is THE hit of the office. And, I agree with you regarding the Vince Guaraldi Trio tune.
You’ve got the holiday season down to an art! Good for you. You’ve earned the wits and wisdom that simple is good. Merry Christmas!
I just did, thank you for the heads-up! (LOVED it!!) I have been a little swamped at work and a little run down and not blogging (or reading!!) as much as I usually do. I hope to “catch up” when I’m on vacay next week.
The French Toast is a “must-make” at our house — but I balance with protein of eggs, ham, sausage and bacon (their pick). Otherwise the sugary goodness would overwhelm.
here’s to a festive, fun-filled and stress-free Christmas – Cheers! MJ
You are going to have a Merry Christmas! Hugs!
Yes, yes! Hugs back to you sweet friend
MJ
I’ll take a Chai Tea Latte any day! I love this post and your approach to the Christmas festivities. Merry Holiday friend!
Thank you, Jessie .. It’s been hard-earned/learned over the years. Years of doing way too much for far too many left me burnt out and muttering “where’s MY Christmas.” No more — cutting way back and making it easy for all makes it also stress free
If I could only conquer this cold I’ve got, I’d be batting 100!!
Cheers to you for a Merry Christmas, MJ
It sounds like you’ve got a great handle on enjoying your family and what (who) this season is all about. Take care, thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas MJ.
R
We’re getting there … Merry Christmas, Rich Ripley!
MJ
What a great idea!
Thanks so much for sharing your answers with all of us…love your #10!
~d.
I’d love to see your answers, D! Merry Christmas … MJ
Aw, this looks like fun! I’ll have to do this for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, please. I’ll be eager to read your answers, Dianna
Merry Christmas sweet friend!
MJ
So thats meme…now I get it! Merry meme Christmas to you!
Have fun with it! Merry everything to you — MJ
You did it again MJ… making me think I was reading about myself
Merry Christmas!
Yay! I’m glad .. MJ
Merry Christmas to you, MJ! I like this idea a lot. One of my favorite things is also the Charlie Brown Christmas CD. And I love the baking and decorating.
Thank you, Leah. That’s one of my all time favorite cds!!
MJ
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Oh thank you for Charlie Brown. I’m a lot like Charlie but I want to be like Snoopy. Merry, merry Christmas, northern friend!
You and me, both, Lissa! Just watch him skate – he has flair
Cheers and Merriest of Christmases to you sweet Texas friend! MJ
Oh yes! The Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack is a staple of my Christmas seasons!
absolutely a favorite! MJ
Sounds like you had a relaxing Christmas, MJ! Just getting caught up on blog-reading this afternoon…
Wendy