Wednesday Hodgepodge: Christmas Spirit

1. What is one new holiday tradition you'd like to establish, or one you've established recently, say in the last year or two?

OK, I'll admit it: I don't usually have the "Christmas spirit". I find December a stressful, chaotic month. Not just because of juggling holiday expectations, but because it is usually the last month I have to make ALL preparations for a long, snowy winter as well as expenses of paying for heating oil and snow plowing, dealing with bad driving conditions and shoveling snow away from the front of the house. And that's in addition to homeschooling, running a house and caring for 3 kids and a bunch of animals as a single Mom. Who has time for Christmas decorating? Oh! And did I mention I dislike shopping? But this year I hope to have a least a few days around Christmas to relax and enjoy my kids, my family and time with Thomas.

2. It's the second week of December. Have you sipped a cup of eggnog yet this month? Wrapped a gift? Opened a gift? Kissed someone under the mistletoe? Lit a candle? Eaten a Christmas cookie? Seen Santa in person? Watched a Christmas movie or special? Read scripture relating to the birth of Jesus?

Eggnog IS something to have "Christmas spirit" over! LOL My daughter and I shared a bottle of CHOCOLATE eggnog a couple of days ago. Personally, good ol' regular eggnog is best! But we might try the buttered rum next...I haven't wrapped or opened gifts, or kissed anyone under mistletoe, or lit a candle, or eaten a Christmas cookie, or seen Santa, or watched a Christmas special, or read scripture. :sigh:

3. Do you think it's better to be an adult or a child at Christmastime? Explain.

As a child! As a child, I just had to dream about the magic and wonderfulness of Christmas, the presents, the dancing lights, the great food. There wasn't concern about buying gifts, juggling long distance visits to family, planning and organizing...and dealing with life to boot. (Gosh - Do I sound like Scrooge? LOL)

4. It's often said, 'Good things come to those who wait'...agree or disagree? Why?

Something the very best things come over time (and patience). And waiting gives us an appreciation we don't have from instant gratification; we enjoy that special something...or someone...all that much more.

5. What's the last sweet thing you baked? Did you keep it, take it to a party/event, or give it away?

I made Toll House Chocolate Chip cookies with Christmas-colored chocolate chips. Have you seen the black, red and green morsels? My daughter picked them out while out grocery shopping a couple of days ago. The cookies have ALL been gobbled up by kids (and, yes, me too)!

6.  This question comes to us courtesy of Jhona who blogs over at The Red House at the End of the Lane. Everyone hop over and say hi to Jhona this week!  Here is her question... "I heard an actor talk about how he makes a conscious choice to talk to people in elevators.  He chooses to connect, make eye contact, and converse. Do you talk to people/strangers when you're in an elevator or any other place where you might have to wait together? Why or why not?"

Sometimes. While doing the grocery shopping (and getting those chocolate chips), I struck up a conversation with the man in front of me. He warned me that the "wetness" on the check-out belt wasn't water, but blood and juices from a package of meat. (Ew!) And that led into talk of upcoming messy weather. (See the connection? LOL) Why not connect? Share a few kind words? Help pass wait time in a pleasant manner?

7. Are you on the naughty or nice list this year? What put you there?

Nice! I always strive to be a genuinely nice person. Of course, like everyone, I have my moments of lapsed judgement, but I try to live life with kindness. Always.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Happy Hodgepodging!