Christmas Tag

Answer these questions and then tag a person or two. Post these questions on your blog and link back to Kim at My Book Reviews and More.

This is a short quiz since we are all so busy this time of year.

1. What is your very first Christmas memory?

Pictures speak louder than words, as the saying goes...so here is my first Christmas memory. I'm the one with the doll. I remember just LOVING that doll. Can you tell this was in the 70's? Nice pants I'm wearing, eh? The other cuties are my sisters. From left to right: Kim, Margie, and Karen.

2. Do you have a favorite Christmas gift?

My husband, then my fiance, was in Germany. My sister was getting married around Christmas, so Dave worked it out on the sly to come. He had himself 'delivered' to my house in a HUGE box with a big red bow. That was the bestest Christmas gift ever!

3. Have you ever celebrated Christmas outside of your country?

Yes. I was called up for Operation Joint Guard in 1997. I spent that Christmas on a make-shift Army base in Taszar, Hungary.

The Army actually did an awesome job of it...we had SO much food in that big Mess tent. I ate with my roommates and a few other soldiers. My husband was at home in Kansas with our then 2 year old son. It was a hard year. Here is a page from my journal/ sketchbook. Someday, I plan to put it all on a blog of its own. My scanner isn't attached to my computer right now, so I've taken some pictures of my pictures! Here's an excerpt from my journal...Hope you enjoy...

19 Dec 97

We went to visit an orphanage and celebrate Christmas with the Children.

They were so excited to see us--there was a program planned and food to eat. When we arrived, we were greeted with a chocolate swirl bread from one of the house mothers.

The children were pretty shy at first. Once we came inside, they gave us a cider drink and began the performance. An older boy about 12 years old, played a stringed instrument solo--then the next song three of the younger children sang Christmas carols for us.

I remember one of the boys especially. We were all standing in a circle around the children who were singing. One of the smaller boys was huddled by the legs of one of the house mothers. he looked so sad and afraid. We would try to smile at him, but he would shy away...so scared of all these people who didn't speak his language. When the program ended, we played with the children, made cookies, danced...then we brought in some candy.

The little boy warmed up some. He still had trouble looking at us, and he would quickly swipe out the candy from our hands.

They fed us some goulash and bread two at a time. Some of the soldiers went out to see the older children's house.

Then we brought out the presents! That boy warmed up even more. Delight began to show, and you could almost read on his face that: "Hey, these American people aren't that bad! They are just like me and like to have fun too!" He actually was sad that we had to leave. It was such a treat to see his evolution. I miss seeing that joy on children's faces--the discovery and learning that shows all over their faces.

It was wonderful to be with kids at this time of year and give them a little happiness too.

4. What is your favorite Christmas decoration?

In 7th grade I painted and sewed two stockings for an art project. They are hanging over the fireplace right now. Here's what they look like:

5. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

We have Hickory farms meat and cheese with crackers, grapes, and cookies on Christmas Eve as we watch Christmas movies! I just LOVE that! We also do an advent calendar every year...here's a picture of Evan putting up one of the days. The boys take turns.

6. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Yes! In Kansas! What a delight that was.

7. Have you ever gone Christmas caroling?

Several times. In fact, we are going to be doing it next week with my parents. They are organizing it for the church, going to members who cannot make it to church due to illness.

8. What is your favorite Christmas movie or story?

A Christmas Story...I want a Red Rider B-B Gun with a stock on the shoot and a thing which tells time! I love that movie so much. Daddy's gonna kill Ralphie! LOL.

Do you have a Christmas link you would like to share?

Nope.

Now for the tagging:

Camy Tang

Deena Peterson

Margaret Chind