10 posts from December 2006

What is one of your addictions?
Submitted by Paperheart.

I think this is a no brainer question for all the knitters and other fiber enthusiasts on Vox! 
Like others, I am of course addicted to knitting, yarn, knitting magazines and books, etc.  Oh, and my morning coffee is just as important!

The wind and rain have stopped, and the sun is shining, for the first time in over a week I think, here on Vancouver Island.  Frisbee enjoyed some time lounging in the sun.

It's still raining, and we have another wind warning for tonight.  But I'm doing much better since my whiny post yesterday.  Probably because I'm doing more today.  Had an appointment first thing this morning (10:45 really is first thing when you're on vacation).  Got some groceries, picked up a last minute gift, and went to the liquor store for a bottle of wine. Said wine is to take to a get together with three girlfriends tonight.  I then prepared my contribution for our potluck dinner (I made guacamole, tzaziki, shortbread, and cranberry pecan clusters, in case you wondered), and wrapped a few presents.  All the while listening to this streaming Christmas music.  So today I'm feeling like it's all good.  I love Christmas music, amazing how music can influence one's mood.  This is pretty tradtional/Christian music, but I'm enjoying it.  Anyone know of a more modern source for Christmas streaming music?  I'd love to hear some Boney M Christmas, and David Bowie and Bing Crosby's version of "Little Drummer Boy."

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

I'm so sick of this weather here on the Wet Coast.  It hasn't snowed since the early hours of Saturday morning, although there is still some on the ground.  Today it is windy and rainy.  Despite having three major windstorms last week, there is another one forecast for Wednesday.  And it's not even officially winter yet.  I've been on vacation since the end of November.  Because Joe has a new job (which we're very thankful for) we haven't been able to go anywhere.  And even though I've been sleeping in, I'm tired.  I blame it on the weather.  I'm convinced I suffer from SAD.  Spring can't come soon enough, yawn!

Whine over, but I do feel better.  Thanks for listening.

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate, I find eggnog too rich.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Just sets them under the tree.  The other presents are all wrapped though.

3. Coloured lights on tree/house or white?
Coloured.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Nope

5. When do you put your decorations up?
A week or so before Christmas.  I don't like having it up too early, because I actually get tired of it!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Turkey and all the trimmings, especially the stuffing!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: 
Waking up Christmas morning and finding that Santa had visited during the night.  We were mostly commonly awoken by a phone call from my Uncle in Saskatchewan, where they were two hours ahead of us. 

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't remember, but I think I was quite old in the scheme of things.  I remember being skeptical, and then a neighbour kid who was five years older than myself told me she heard Santa on the roof.  Well that had way more credibility than any "grown-up" and I believed for a year or two after that.

9. Do you open any gifts on Christmas Eve?
As a child, we would sometimes pick one gift to open on Christmas eve.  As an adult, I prefer to save the magic for Christmas morning, since anticipation is a big part of the fun.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?

Quite honestly, decorating the tree isn't my favourite thing to do.  Joe usually puts the lights up, and I take it from there.  It is kind of fun pulling out the ornaments, and remembering Christmases past.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
It looks pretty but is such a pain.  See my last post!

12. Can you ice skate?
Regular readers of my main blog will know that I've been taking skating lessons since March 2005.  This past March, I was in our clubs ice show and had a blast.  My last appearance in an ice show I was about 7 or 8.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I've received lots of nice gifts, but can't honestly say what would be my favourite.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Relaxing with friends and family.  I also love receiving Christmas cards, and hearing what people whom I only have contact with during this time of year have been up to.  It's nice receiving something other than bills and junk mail.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Our family's traditional Christmas pudding, or anything with chocolate!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
As a child I loved having my Dad read us "The Night Before Christmas."  It's also fun to spend some time admiring the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.

17. What tops your tree?
A Star at my Parents, and if Joe and I put a tree up, an Angel from his childhood.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or Receiving?
Giving, definitely. 

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
I have a few.  Silent Night, Oh Holy Night, Joy to the World, Oh Come All you Faithful, and Angels we have heard on high.  I love the traditional carols.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? 
Yum!  (Although mint with chocolate would be a great combo).

21. Do you peak or like to be surprised?
Definitely the surprise!

22. Favorite Holiday Movie
Charlie Brown Christmas.  I watch it at least once every year.  I love the simplicity and the great message.

Show us your winter wonderland.
Submitted by Nmbible.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
Submitted by sami711.

My favourite holiday traditions are those that have particular significance to our family, and that have been handed down for generations.  One of these traditions involves our Christmas dinner dessert, the pudding:

(This picture is from Christmas 2004)

The recipe is the same one that has been used throughout my life, and Christmas dinner is not complete without it.  In days gone by, one of the key ingredients was suet, but as we have become more health conscious, margarine is substituted instead, for a pudding that is not quite as rich.  Not only has the recipe been handed down for a few generations now, but so has the enamel dish that the pudding is steamed in; it once belonged to my maternal great grandmother.

And I can think of one more tradition to share with you that involves food.  Boxing Day Breakfast is always leftover turkey on toast.  My husband and brother-in-law can't quite get used to this, but my parents, my sister and I love it.  I believe this was started by my Granny.  Yum!

You Are a Cranberry and Popcorn Strung Tree

Christmas is all about showcasing your creative talents. From cookies to nicely wrapped presents, your unique creations impress everyone.

Your Elf Name Is...

Dixie Fluffernutter

You Are Dancer

Carefree and fun, you always find reasons to do a happy dance. Why You're Naughty: That dark stint you had as Santa's private dancer. Why You're Nice: You're friendly. Very friendly.

Show us something by your favorite artist.
Submitted by Miss Parker. 

My favourite artist would have to be my Aunt Jeanette, who's subjects are typically Ukrainian Canadian Immigrants.  I'm a second generation Ukrainian Canadian, you can read more about my heritage here.

Not the best photograph, sorry!  I wish I had more of Aunt Jeanette's pictures to show you, but this is the only one in my home.  She does a fabulous job of portraying people, and I wish I had an example of that work to show you.