Christmas Hoopla!

I was tagged by KC to do the Christmas Hoopla
Here is what it is

1. List 12 random things about yourself that has to do with Christmas.

2. Please refer to it as a 'hoopla' and not the dreaded 'm'-word

3. You have to specifically tag people when you're done. None of this "if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged" stuff is allowed...then nobody ends up actually doing it. The number of people who you tag is really up to you -- but the more, the merrier to get this 'hoopla' circulating through the blogosphere.

4. Please try and do it as quickly as possible. The Christmas season will be over before we know it and I'd like to get as many people involved as possible.

5. If you want to -- please give me, Andrea, some link-love as the 'Hoopla-Creator'. I love new blog-traffic.


Here we go!

1) I love everything to do with Christmas from the gaudy blinking lights to Christmas Eve service.

2) Christmas Eve will always bring to mind being at my Grandpa and Grandma's with all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins on my Mom's side. I can see my two oldest cousins passing out presents in Santa hats and all of us laughing, having a merry old time!

3) I love to bake Christmas cookies and I am quite excited to have two (maybe 3) little helpers this year. Princess has been able to help me the last 3 years or so. The Prince and the Knight were not interested last year but they may be this year!

4) I used to go Christmas caroling every year with my UMYF (United Methodist Youth Fellowship). I have not done it in years, but it would be fun!

5) My Christmas Shopping is 99.9% complete!

6) I have my Christmas presents 99.9% wrapped - I am usually doing that on Christmas Eve or the night before we leave for home (Iowa).

7) I sing Christmas carols in any given month. If I am down, this is a sure-fire pick-me-up! (Plus, it annoys the heck out of my husband, so that is an added bonus! Ha!)

8) I love putting up the Christmas tree. We usually put it up the Friday after Thanksgiving since we normally do not travel during Thanksgiving. I feel very sad when we put it away for the year.

9) I love buying Christmas presents. It is fun to look for the perfect gift. I feel pretty happy about this year. :)

10) I love attending children's Christmas programs. We used to do one every year when I was in school. Attending them brings back good memories.

11) I love to hear about Christmas traditions! Ours so far are 1) Putting the tree up during Thanksgiving weekend, 2) Getting our family photo taken in front of the fire place (thanks to the tri-pod and the timer on the digital camera, 3) Sending out Christmas cards, 4) Talking about the nativity and what it means to us, 4) Traveling after Christmas to see our families in Iowa. What are your Christmas traditions?

12) Everyone who wears a Santa hat this time of year makes me smile. :)

I tag, Sandy, Mrs. Mandypoo, and Skittle.