Baby, it's cold outside

It finally feels like Christmas, thus resulting in my very festive mood.

This weekend was great. Laura and JR were stayed the weekend with us - cute things. It was fun hanging out with the sis and her BF. I finished up my Christmas shopping this weekend, as well. Feels good to finally be done. Trey and I are traveling so much over the holidays (Starkville, Collinsville, Gulfport, Oxford, etc...) so we decided to hang out in the burg with the sis and herr BF. What a good decision.

Good news: Sophie met Santa. She was not so sure about him, however. If she were human, I could see her rolling her eyes at the stupidity of it all - bunch of kids (dogs) lined up to see a fat man in a red suit - but since she is a dog, she kept her mouth shut and let me have my fun. Max went with us, too. He was super still during the whole process - and made a pretty cute pic in the end. Sophie, however, was not happy at all with how Santa was holding her. She was very squirmy, then tried to kiss the bearded man. Oh well. She wore a santa hat and fur collar, but her hat was all in her eyes by the time it was her turn. Here is the pic, please notice the fact that Santa is laughing at my ridiculous pup.

Sophie likes the cold weather. Here she is sporting her new parka:

And finally, a little questionaire to get you in the Christmas spirit: (as seen on LT, MSKS, and Claire's blog)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I am going to have to say wrapping paper. There are some great bags out there, but unless the gifts requires packaging suitable for bagging, I prefer wrapping paper. And just as Laura mentioned, our mother taught us well: it's all about presentaion. So I have coordinating paper with fabulous rafia and ribbon tied on each. Trey thinks this is silly, but then again, he thinks most things I do/say are silly.

2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Either. We have an artificial one this year. We bought it last year before Christmas. However, Trey has mentioned more than once that we will be "hunting" for a real tree next year. "Little full, lot of sap."

3. When do you put Christmas tree up? Mother's rule: day after Thanksgiving. However, when you travel during the holidays and are not back at home until a few days after, it has to do. Trey begged for us to put the tree up before Halloween. I will not be made a fool, hunny.

4. When do you take the tree down? Well, again, we travel during the holidays, so I will say after the New Year. But take note: if I stayed at home, I would have it down no later than the 28th.

5. Like egg nog? I have only tried it once, at my friend's house. Her dad apparently makes a mean nog, but it was a little 'noggy', if you ask me. I will stick to spiced tea or apple cider. thanks.

6. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I want one. I really like the Willow Tree angels nativity scene. Perhaps in years to come...

7. Favorite gift received as a child? ooohhhh. Tough one. Santa was good to me as a child (and still is today.) I do recall my barbie house, walking/barking toy pup, little tykes doll (and van and house...cool!) and pogo stick. I was a killer pogo-sticker.

8. Hardest person to buy for? men in general. We draw names on my mom's side and I secretly pray that I do not draw one of my uncles. Hint to the fam out there: I didn't draw them this year. Score.

9. Easiest person to buy for? my sisters. We are all the same.

10. Worst Christmas gift? I can't recall a bad gift, per say. I can recall a few 'interesting' ones.

11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? duh. Mail.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, It's a Wonderful Life, The Real Santa Movie (the one made in the 80's), the Grinch and Elf. But, please, don't think for one second that if a "Very Brady Christmas" came on TBS that I wouldn't drop everything I was doing to watch it. I would.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I started in October...I finished yesterday. Next year I would like to be finished by December. It's my New Year's resolution. (Last year it was to wear more gold, and I succeeded. Set your goals low - they are more reachable.)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? no. Not that I can recall. I am not above it, however.

15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? any. I have already packed on a few lbs this season. I do love Christmas brunch. Cheese grits...mmmmm...

16. Clear or colored tree lights? white lights, for the most part. we currently are displaying white lights. However, I am contemplating throwing in some color next year to mix things up. One day I will have mulitple trees. (Not to compete with Amanda, who has 5 this year)

17. Favorite Christmas Song? "Oh Holy Night", "Carol of the Bells", "Drummer Boy", "Breath of Heaven", "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", and the list goes on and on.

18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? Being with family is number one: so that means traveling.

19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Only if I sing the tune of that song.

20. Angel or Star on tree top? No preference. I would love a beautiful angel one day. Right now I have a bow. Don't judge me.

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? You can't Santa's gifts until Christmas morning. Growing up we could open one gift on Christmas Eve - it was from our great aunt and uncle. It was always pajamas. We would wear them that night. Well, a few years ago we opened the gift ready to change into our new PJs to see a Christmas mug. I guess that tradition has stoped.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? one: people get stressed out. i mean, I realize it can be stressful, but people - if you are getting stressed, you are missing the true meaning of the season! Enjoy it and don't get your panties in a wad! This brings me to my next point: Christmas is so commercialized that often the true meaning is overlooked all together. We should all just have a birthday party for Jesus and be done with it. remember the true meaning of the season this year!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!