Darkness Lifting

I've been in a really dark place with the loss of my entire blog. For a few days I thought of throwing in the towel with blogging all together. I'm starting to pull out of it since I got an email from Laura offering empathetic words. She also put me in touch with Marsha who's attempting to untangle the blog nightmare I've been in. I don't feel as hopeless and alone. Regardless of how things turn out, thank you both for reaching out to me. (Deep happy exhale of gratitude.)

Holiday MeMe

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate. With fresh whip cream. Not too much chocolate.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap. Unless it looks so great that wrapping would spoil the surprise of seeing it "as is".
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I like white. The ornaments provide the color.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I haven't this year. I need a fresh sprig.
5. When do you put your decorations up? I usually like to wait until mid-month so it's short but sweet. This year I did it early because we are going to be out of town for a week.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Bill's roast with horseradish sauce.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Way after all the presents had been opened, my Dad pulled a large box out of the chimney, and it was all covered in soot and he gave it to my Mom. It was a cashmere coat she'd really wanted, and they both seemed so happy!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember. It wasn't a shock or a let down. I think it was natural awakening.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No. We have Santa gifts in the morning. Then we have breakfast. Maybe we go for a walk or to the beach. Then we hang out and make Christmas dinner. Then we open presents and eat dessert. We stretch it out all day. I love it!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? I start with the lights, tree topper, then ornaments, then any garlands. There really is a method to my tree decorating that I rarely deviate from. I'm slowly teaching Annie my "secrets".
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I'll pass on living in snow, and I like to visit it.
12. Can you ice skate? Yea.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I remember getting my first dollhouse. I was eight and I loved it. But my most favorite gift was when Bill gave me the pearl ring that I wear.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Balance and authenticity.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pecan pie. Or the tiramisu that my Mother-in-law serves.
17. What tops your tree? A wonderful Santa Claus that was on my tree growing up.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? It's a close tie, but I'll say getting!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song (s)? Bells are Ringing.
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Like the look, but yuck.

I saw this MeMe at Marsha's, who got it from Laura. Pass it on!