“We haven’t much time.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace
Christmas has been called ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ but it seems to have morphed into ‘The Most Busy Time of the Year’.* Over the past weekend, I heard versions of my buddy Obi-Wan’s “We haven’t much time” quote in circulation:
- There just isn’t enough time to shop for everyone!
- The kids are too busy to help decorate the tree, so wifey and I are doing it in stages this week.
- Sorry, we don’t have any time to get together until January.
- Oh, rushing here, rushing there. You?
- I ordered our Christmas dinner today, there’s just no time to cook anymore.
It would normally make me a little bit sad that the holidays have become such a whirlwind for so many people, but all of the people I heard saying these things seemed happy and content so I’m not in any mood to judge. Deep down, maybe I’m just really that boring for having so much down-time in my life, but I’m happy and content too. Therefore, I was glad to see that Ami. Mental. was able to grab a few minutes to complete and then pass along a fun Christmas meme.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Brown shipping paper with real bows. The benefits to this system: The presents look marvelous under the tree; if needed, no one can tell which is his or hers if I ‘bow’ by color or pattern; the paper is recyclable; and I can reuse the ribbons. (I write the name of the person under the ribbon, if I’m wrapping secretly – just in case). Generally, I get a small ornament or present topper to stand in for name tags. (Best answer)
2. Real tree or Artificial?
Real. Here in the Great, Frozen Midwest, we have perfect Christmas tree growing conditions – especially in areas that aren’t useful for growing anything else. The Christmas tree farms are generally multi-generational operations, handed down to the present owners from their great-grandparents. The trees clean the air, keep the ground from eroding, save the land from being sold for yet another sub-division, and make for a wonderful, annual tradition for our little family. I wouldn’t want to give that up. We also have wood floors, which makes clean up a breeze, and a cast iron tree stand from L.L. Bean that works like a charm.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Because it’s a real tree, we usually wait until one or two weeks before Christmas. A few ‘It’s time’ indicators are: there’s some good snow on the ground, it’s cold so we’re not walking through slush, and we have the weekend free to take our time on the tree.
4. There is no question #4.
There is no spoon.**
5. Do you like eggnog?
Gag. No. (Best answer)
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
A pair of heavy-weight stirrups for my English saddle. I’d wanted them for so long, but just couldn’t spring for the ridiculously expensive price tag of $14.99. Yes, I still do remember the price for them. I burst into tears when I opened the package that Christmas. (Best answer)
7. Hardest person to buy for?
Dad Windu. He asks for nothing, wants very little and deserves so much.
8. Easiest person to buy for?
Padawan Learner. I keep my ears open during the year when he talks about games that he’s enjoyed playing at friends’ houses and keep my eyes open to things that are wearing out, wearing down or that catch his fancy. Kids are easy.
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope. I never did, even as a child.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
When I send them, it’s always through the mail and personalized. I love mail, written letters and anything that takes someone more than 30 seconds to do.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Fuzzy, pink, acrylic-yarn sweater with a kitty opening a present on the front from my grandma – just a few years ago. Oh my eyes! It burns, it burns! (Best answer)
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
A tie between A Charlie Brown Christmas (for nostalgia) and A Christmas Story (for enjoyment).
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
When I see something that I think someone will really love. (Best answer)
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
No, but I have given them away with the acknowledgement that it was a gift that I didn’t want or need and I thought they might.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
A single piece of Banket.
16. What decorations are on your tree?
A mish-mash of gift ornaments, things that we’ve gotten on our vacations, beautiful pieces that we’ve found, German blown glass ornaments that my great-grandmother got in Germany when she was stationed there after WWII, and the ones that Padawan Learner made for me when he was little.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
I’ll be home for Christmas by Bing Crosby.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?
Stay at home. My mom had a single, simple rule about the holidays when her kids were growing up: Kids should be at home on Christmas. She stuck to her guns when she had kids and I’m sticking to it now that I do.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Of course.
20. Angel on top of tree or star?
Used to be an angel, but we never really liked it. After we went heathen, it gave us the excuse to leave it off without familial comment. At this point, the top of the tree has no designated topper. Last year I tied a big bow onto it.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning. Dad Windu’s family usually gets together on Christmas Eve, so I guess you could say we do both, but I insisted on Christmas morning for our family gifts.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
When people complain about not getting something they wanted, not getting enough, or flaunting their gifts as some kind of victory. Oh, and giving gift cards out of a sense of obligation. If you can’t think of anything else, maybe you shouldn’t buy anything. A gift shouldn’t be confused with a right.
23 What theme or color are you using when you decorate?
No theme, no special color. Red, green, gold and silver predominate, but that’s to be expected. I’m a bit of a minimalist and prefer all white tree lights, but Dad Windu likes multi-colored lights so use those on the tree. (Best answer)
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Our luncheon always includes Dad Windu’s homemade cinnamon rolls and an egg and sausage casserole when my family comes over.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
To have Dad Windu and Padawan Learner love their gifts this year and throughout the days to come. And world peace.*** (Best answer)
*Sorry, for the painful grammar up there. I wanted to keep the ’shell’ of the quote intact. (VanderKitten)
**Quote from The Matrix, for those of you who haven’t seen the movie. (Nin)
***Quote from Miss Congeniality.
Since this is a busy time of year for many, I’m hesitant to tag anyone. So…. if YOU are reading this, I invite YOU to complete the meme and leave a note in the comments section letting me know YOU have taken me up on the offer. I would love to see how YOU have answered.
