The 12 Questions of Christmas Meme

Hootin'Anni created a Meme that she has invited us to use:
     "For the holiday season, I've started a meme. "The Twelve Questions of Christmas" If you'd like to participate, I'd be honored to have you join in the fun. If you'd like, you are welcomed to use the meme header graphic!"

1. Christmas is _Emmanuel_. [fill in the blank with ONE WORD]

2. In memories, what was the best part of your Christmases past?
Opening presents with my brothers and playing the games that we received.  

Drinking eggnog that Mom made.  Going to cut a tree with Dad and decorating it.
3. Was Santa ever good to you? [describe how and what]
For my fifth Christmas I received a Chatty Cathy doll.  Pretty cool.
4. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both?
When I was little, we opened on Christmas Eve, then my children we continued

this tradition until they got older and opened one present on Christmas Eve

and the rest on Christmas Day.  We were never early risers!
5. Is there something you make each and every year? [craft or recipe]
Pumpkin bread and I always buy a new ornament or two for the tree.
6. What is your favorite five[5] Christmas songs/hymns?
O Holy Night, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Mary, Did you Know?, and

Breath of Heaven
7. Is there a new tradition for Christmas since your childhood days? 

When my children were little we always read the Christmas story out

of the Bible together.  We started a Christmas tradition of putting a new

bulb on a construction papar Advent Christmas tree that we put on the window.  There was

a biblical meaning to each ornament.  

8. Describe one of your Christmas trips. [whether it's across town or across country]
We always made trips to Grandparents houses, my mom's on Christmas eve

and my husband's mom on Christmas Day.  We all lived close.
9. Do you have a special Christmas outfit to wear for the day?
No.
10. Have YOU or any of your family members sat on Santa's lap?
My kids have.  They were afraid.  I haven't.  
11. What is/or will be on your Christmas tree this year?
A new pickle ornament.
12. Do you/or have you decorated your yard for Christmas?

We have decorated outdoors many times.  It's usually the front

door and bushes and posts.  The roof rarely gets decorated.