Partied Out {Random12}

{sorry for the re-publish.  blogger likes to toy with my spacing...
and my mild OCD will not let it go. ha!}

I have a free moment before I'm off to play mom-taxi again.

I can't seem to collect my thoughts to blog the events that unfolded yesterday,

{that's a post for another day}

so I thought I'd join in with Linda's Random 12.

Always fun...

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.
I have nothing against gingerbread.  It's not my favorite investment in calories if I'm gonna splurge, but it's okay.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?
I really don't know what it's like to be married and live close to family.  We married, honeymooned and moved all within the same week!  Sometimes I think it would be really nice... especially for our girls, but our family refuses to move to God's country {where we are, of course}.  ;)

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?
I have no idea.  Let's see... How about Mrs. Clause?? She could be the grandma I never had.

4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life?
How about Buddy in Elf... To eat from his 4 food groups: candy, candy cane, candy corn, and syrup... Okay, so those aren't my fave, but I would like the ability to eat like that and stay thin {and healthy}!!   This isn't really answering the question, is it?   I distract you with food because I have no answer. ;)

5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of?
Tire of traditional Christmas tunes?  Not. possible. I'm such a fan.  We start playing it right after Halloween.  

6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime?
We try to pick a project with the girls each year.  This year, we made Christmas Shoe boxes.

7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"  
There are so many 'holidays' back-to-back toward the end of the year that I think most people use "Happy Holidays" as a way of covering all the bases.  I learned years ago that "X" is derived from "Christ".  So, it's all good. ;)

8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month?
None that I know of... unless we decide to pay for a local play when DK takes his vacation days.  {Can't wait!}

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?
Nator, especially, has been hoping and praying for a white Christmas all year.   We would love it!  However, the chances may be slim... We've already had one snow day.  A rarity in our area.

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice.
I remember sleeping next to the tree one year and waking up to a bicycle and a strawberry shortcake watch.  At some point, I also had the bedding to match.  One year, I received white roller skates with peach pom-poms attached.  Skating every Friday night at our local rink was my life.  I was smooth... These days?  Well, maybe we shouldn't test those waters.  Ha!

11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month?
Just the family stuff.  Three stops to make.  Years ago, we served as associate/youth pastors.  We were required requested to attend 13 parties... not including the all-church Christmas banquet and the youth party we hosted {my fave}.  C-r-a-z-y, huh?  Wait!  What am I saying?  My girls have parties that I am shuttling them to this week... 4 to be exact.  That's the same, right? ;)  After all these years, Mama is partied out.

12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?
It's the little things... Like giving to others {especially those who are truly in need}, talking about the true meaning of Christmas when setting up the nativity scene or hanging ornaments that hold sentimental meaning {a precious moments nativity scene or the happy birthday cake}.  We also make a birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus every year, complete with blowing out candles.

Thanks, Linda!
Feel free to join in the fun!