Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Linda's Random Dozen: MERRY CHRISTMAS and all that.

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.

I can take it or leave it. I can't say that I've had a lot of homemade gingerbread. When I have, it has been good. I often enjoy the smell more than the taste. I love ginger in other things, especially Chinese food.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?

It's a good thing it's not, or I'd be a miserable wreck! My family lives on the other side of the country. It would be nice to live closer, at least a few hours driving distance. I wish my daughter could see our family more often. I saw my grandparents at least once a month and grew up knowing them well. I hope she can have that some day.

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?

I could say Santa, but then a real guy who lets kids sit on his lap at the mall and then breaks into houses at night, eating all your cookies, is pretty creepy.

So, I'll go with Frosty.

4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life?

I love A Christmas Story. Apart from the "tapestry of obscenites that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan," I love how the family is just keepin' it real. They love each other and try to make things nice for each other at Christmas. I love the mom.

Other movies are just too sappy for me. I have a heart, but I survive through humor.

5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of?

I can't think of any particular one for this year. My favorite is The Little Drummer Boy. I am so glad we have passed the Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer era.

6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime?

I think the best way to help is to ask God to show you a way. Sometimes it's putting money in the red kettle or giving to an angel tree. Sometimes it's a kind word of encouragement or a hot meal.

It's never a fruit cake.

7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"

Oh, man, Linda. You lit the fuse. Where do I begin?

First of all, does it hurt to use all the letters of "merry?" Do we really need to abbreviate? (No, it's an excuse.)
Second, when it's the 4th of July or Flag Day, do you say "Happy Holidays?" No? So, exactly which holiday are you celebrating on December 25?

Third, it's a FEDERAL HOLIDAY.
Not that I have an opinion or anything.
And, yes I acknowledge that there are other holidays in December that are equally important to people in this country. I'd be glad to wish you a happy one of those as well. Let's just not lump them all together and look silly doing it.
Whew. I feel better now.

8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month?

Probably two.

I really wish I could have seen The Nutcracker this year. I miss that.

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?

It would be nice. I suppose it's possible.

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice.

I got a doll that I had requested from my parents. I spoiled the whole thing by peeking in my mom's closet and finding it weeks ahead of time. When I opened the doll, I burst into tears and confessed.
Lesson- Don't peek in other people's closets. Your Christmas will be rurnt (that's ruined.)

11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month?

Too many to count. I'm party pooped.

12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?

Being part of a weekly Bible study has helped a lot. I also try to take one day at a time (as I cross off the days left on the calendar to get things done!) Seriously, it is hard. I think you have to purposely focus on Christ to not be distracted by everything else. That goes for anything in life.


It's kind of like the hymn-

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

See Linda for more links and posts.

8 comments:

The Bug said...

Love your answers - although I'm not quite so militant about the Xmas issue :)

I had to laugh out loud about the fruitcake. My mom always made one for my dad every year - blech! And yesterday, when I got home from work, my dear hubby was making me an anniversary dinner, & had bought flowers. On the table beside the flowers was a small fruitcake! I was a bit concerned - I hoped he hadn't gotten it for me. He hadn't - there was a bakery cake for me (my favorite) - he just wanted to see my expression when I saw the fruitcake. He LIKES the stuff (shudder).

Amy said...

I am a music teacher so the whole "Holiday Program" just bugs me. I realize you need to be all inclusive, but do you need to be all inclusive AT THE SAME TIME???

I got a soap box too and it says Happy Chrisma-hana-kwanza-don.

Maybe we should just stick to "festivus for the rest of us"

Amy

Pam said...

I peaked at a present when I was a kid too. It really does spoil the fun. I totally got rurnt. I'm a good southern 'reader' I guess. LOL

Carpool Queen said...

I love homemade gingerbread cookies, but I'm the only one. I'll be making a whole batch tomorrow and trying to find a neighbor to split them with me.

The only time I peeked at Christmas was when I got up VERY EARLY on Christmas morning to see if Santa had arrived. I caught sight of him propping my bike up against the wall.

Christmas has never been the same since.

Roxanne said...

Loved the list. . .one year I slit the tape on EVERY SINGLE GIFT for EVERYONE. My mom immediately knew it was me. I felt badly too. . .though none of us felt badly about going into her closet where she "hid" all of our presents and peaking at those. I think it's part of childhood--and the learning process.

SouthLakesMom said...

Yeah, one year my brother bought my mom a model tank because he thought she'd enjoy watching him put it together...the stories we remember about Christmas gifts!

Merry Christmas! He is Born!

Susanne said...

I love that hymn you mentioned. That totally puts every frantic moment of life, not just Christmas, into perspective.

I am so with you on the fruitcake.

Anonymous said...

The upside of saying 'Happy Holidays' is not feeling obligated to send cards for all the other holidays this year. Say it once and you're covered!