Saturday, December 22, 2007

"Christmas Hoopla"

I got my wrapping all done Thursday night . Yeah!!! I dislike that the most! I also made my "easy frogs" and some Seafoam Candy. Now I've got the weekend to finish up making snack food. I'm feeling a lot less stressed.
Muum tagged me for the "Christmas Hoopla" so I'll try to come up with 12 things. Here are the rules:
List 12 random things about yourself that have to do with Christmas Please refer to it as a 'hoopla' and not the dreaded 'm'-word.
You have to specifically tag people when you're done. None of this "if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged" stuff is allowed...then nobody ends up actually doing it. The number of people who you tag is really up to you -- but the more, the merrier to get this 'hoopla' circulating through the blogosphere. Please try and do it as quickly as possible. The Christmas season will be over before we know it and I'd like to get as many people involved as possible.
Please give Andrea some link-love as the “Hoopla-Creator!”
1. When we were kids all we got in our stockings were "fruit, nuts and underwear. I fill a stocking for everyone every year and there will be NO "fruit, nuts or underwear (unless it's a cute pair of boxers or socks!).
2. I wrap all the presents that go in the stockings. Each person gets the same amount, usually around 15. I hate wrapping them but it's so much more fun.

3. We all went out every year to look at Christmas lights (until Jerzie came along and we can't all fit in a vehicle). We ate candy canes, listened to the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas and stopped at McD's for egg nog milkshakes.

4. One year I was so poor I sold my silverware to but the kids presents. My Grandma started me a set of silver but then I started getting girl cousins and she had to stop. I had one complete place setting and when silver was high I got $90. for it.

5. We always celebrate on Christmas Eve with my brother and his family. We exchange a few gifts with them but my kids and I do all ours on Christmas morning. I try not to be too demanding of my kids time but I do demand a couple hours Christmas morning (not that I have ever really had to demand it).

6. When I was young we always had Tom and Jerrys at Grandma and Grandpa's. My kids have brought that tradition back. One of them brings it every Christmas Eve.

7. I love decorating for Christmas. I take down all my pictures and knick knacks and replace them with Christmas stuff, in every room except my bedroom.

8. I still give my kids at least one ornament in their stockings every year.

9. We have macaroni and cheese every year on Christmas Eve. When the kids were young they all loved mac and cheese so we had it for Christmas so they would eat something good for them. Now everyone expects it. The only trouble is now the little kids want the boxed stuff and don't like my homemade!

10. When I was young we always went to the American Legion to see Santa. We got a box of candy from Santa. My favorite was the vanilla cream chocolate drops. Then we would watch the movie "A Christmas Carol". I didn't really like the movie but we got our candy first so we could eat it during the movie.

11. My son has always helped me make Christmas cookies. One year I did it on my own and he was mad. Now he, his wife and Jerzie help. It sure is more fun than doing it alone! He will come over early Christmas Eve to make the monkey bread, too.

12. I don't think I'll ever be ready for Christmas ahead of time. If I have more time I just find more things to make. There is always something I decide to do if... I often get cranky before Christmas because I get so tired but it is so worth it. Having all my family together in my home is as good as it gets!!
I know I'm supposed to tag someone but it is so close to Christmas and every one is so busy I'll understand if you don't get it done before. Sure won't hurt to read it after. I'll tag Nature Girl because she has a broken ankle and time on her hands, and Chris and Laurie.

2 comments:

Susie said...

Loved reading your Hoopla Jean. You have several of the same traditions (like the lights and the eggnog shakes!)
Wishing you a very joyful Christmas!
You'll have so much fun with Jerzie this year!!
xo

Muum said...

thanks for the fun hoopla! I am not sure who Andrea is? Edge started the hoopla, she is at http://motheringedge.blogspot.com .
Have a great Christmas!