I suck at these challenges. I can never remember to do them in time, mostly because our life is so crazy busy right now! But here it is! Be patient, this is going to be a long one!
Day 12: Wrapping paper or gift bags?
That IS the question. Wrapping, of course is cheaper, in my opinion. But when you have a mass amount of things to wrap, it can become very time consuming. I think lots of people use bags for that reason. But I would have spent at least $100 on the bags alone. So I chose wrapping paper this year. And it was absolutely FREE. My grandmother was cleaning her shed out of all the Christmas stuff she had acquired over the years, and I scored big-time on wrapping paper. I wont have to buy any more for several years!
Day 13: Favorite Christmas book
The Night Before Christmas
I remember my grandmother reading us this book every year on Christmas Eve. We loved that the pages "popped up" and came to life right before our eyes. She still has this book. One day I hope to read it to my children, as well!
Day 14: Real or artificial tree?
This one is easy! ARTIFICIAL! I hate the way the real ones smell, look, feel, etc. The messy pine needles, etc. Not to mention the chopping, the loading, the tugging/pulling/lifting, etc. No. Artificial trees are sturdier, last longer, come pre-lit, and weigh less. You can use one for many years before having to purchase another. I'll never have a real tree. Other's love them. But not me!
Day 15: The best gift you've given
Everyone says I give the best, most unique gifts. But I would have to say the best gift that I've ever given would be the meal that I bought for someone last year on Christmas Day. Jerod's aunt cooked on Christmas day, as usual, but it was several hours earlier. So when supper time came around, we were hungry. We drove around town looking for something that was open. The China Buffet was basically the only place that was open. We went in to get some carry out plates. I noticed an older man, sitting alone, who had on clothing that was soiled and worn out. When we paid for our food, I asked to pay for his as well. I had the cashier take his ticket to him, that I had signed "Merry Christmas! This meal is on us! Love, The Straver Family." Unfortunately, we didn't stick around to see his face. But I could only imagine how I would feel if someone had done that for me.
Day 16: Hardest person to buy for?
My Grandma. She literally has EVERYTHING. She doesn't ever want anything, or need anything. So when shopping, I try to get gifts that are fun, useful, unique, and also different from the years before. But when I get to her name on the list, I just go blank. What do you buy for the person who has it all?
Day 17: Post a picture of and old Christmas card
Unfortunately, I don't keep Christmas cards from previous years.
Day 18: When do you open gifts?
Our family opens gifts at my grandmas on Christmas Eve, then we come home and open our Christmas Eve boxes, which include Christmas pajamas, a movie, a book, hot chocolate, cotton candy, and popcorn. We open gifts Christmas morning before going to my dads for breakfast, where we open more gifts. Then we go to Jerod's aunts and grandmas for more festivities and gift opening.
Day 19: Favorite stocking stuffer
My favorite stocking stuffer is lottery tickets! This year, Jerod bought me a $5 ticket, and I won $100!
Day 20: Favorite Christmas meal
My favorite Christmas meal. Hmm. This is a hard one. I can't really say that I have a favorite "meal", because I love them all. They're delicious and unique in their own way. But my favorite food that we have during the holidays is dressing. I LOVE dressing. Any way, any time of day, hot or cold!
Day 21: Do you travel on the holidays?
The most traveling that we do is to our family get together about 15 minutes away.
Day 22: Eggnog or hot chocolate?
I like both, because they're both family traditions of ours. But any other time, I prefer hot chocolate!
Day 23: Your plans for Christmas 2013
December 22: Dinner at Jerod's cousin's house
December 23: Dinner at grandmas with my sister
December 24: Dinner at grandmas with my dad, stepmom, and siblings
December 25: Christmas morning with Ian, breakfast at Dad's, lunch at Jerod's aunt's, visit my other grandma in the nursing home, eat out with my family
Day 24: Favorite Christmas Eve tradition
My favorite Christmas Eve tradition is the one that we do with Ian. We all get a gift to open, which includes Christmas pajamas, a movie, a book, hot chocolate, cotton candy, and popcorn.
Then we make "Reindeer Food". (Oats and glitter) Ian sprinkled it around our deck.
And just before bed, we bake cookies for Santa! This year, in Ian's note, he asked for popcorn. Haha!
Day 25: Christmas Day!
Ian got his popcorn! :)
Before:
After:
Merry Christmas, everyone!
