How do you DO the Holidays?

It's Old School Blogging all about the Holidays!

What do I do and how do I do it?

Er, WE. Because, family, right?

First things first: One Holy Night or Eight Crazy Ones? (Do you Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, both?)

We celebrate Christmas. I did say to Mark, though, that I think it would be cool to celebrate Hanukkah too. I think Menorahs are beautiful. Is that a silly thing to say? I don't mean for it to be.

Peppermint or Chocolate?

Not "or", but rather AND!

Sing us into the Holiday Season, what is your favorite carol this time of year?

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Baby It's Cold Outside, Blue Christmas (by Elvis), Silent Night

Tell us about a Favorite Family or Personal Holiday Tradition

I'm awful. I can't really remember any family traditions from my childhood. There must have been some....

What I like to do with my kids now is let them put all the ornaments on the tree. We bake cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve and also that night, I try to give them each a new ornament and new pajamas all washed and ready to wear to bed.

C’mon you remember your favorite gift, tell us all about it

From childhood, I remember birthday gifts more. Except for the year I finally got a Cabbage Patch Doll. She even had glasses just like me. My mom knew I was getting one, and sewed me clothes for her.

As an adult, a year that stands out was me and Mark's first Christmas. We had moved in together in October, so for Christmas we received a lot of household items. I thought that was really cool.

That magical moment? (Your favorite scene from a Holiday movie…it’s okay if you have 2)

I love the scene in The Santa Clause when Scott and Charlie arrive at the North Pole after finishing gift deliveries and all of Santa's Village is revealed. And the ending of Elf when all of New York City is "singing loud for all to hear". Both give me tingles.

Kissing under the mistletoe?  Who do you hope is standing underneath (We know it’s normally your spouse, if it did not have to be, who would you choose?)

Who would I like to kiss other than my husband......? Too many cute boys, er men! If I'm being a cougar, Zac Efron. No judging!

Swans a swimming, lords a leaping, golden rings; which gift of the 12 days of Christmas would you like most?

The 5 gold rings, of course!

Play Secret Santa, what inappropriate gift would you love to give this year?

Maybe something having to do with bacon. Do you know there's bacon flavored toothpaste? How can your mouth feel clean using that?

Martha Stewart or the Grinch? What is your decorating style? (Pictures would be awesome!)

I don't like Martha Stewart so I don't try to emulate her at all. I just like my house to look warm and festive. I put gift wrap over all the living and dining room pictures, we have a tree, some cute little rugs/mats, stockings, Christmas mugs and blankets.

If Santa could assure its delivery, what’s the first thing on your holiday wish LIST?

Well, as of a few days ago....a new treadmill. Or maybe an elliptical instead. Ooh, or maybe that treadclimber one! Something smaller would be new walking shoes or an Old Navy gift card.

What is ONE WORD that defines the holiday season for you? (Examples: Believe/Wonder/Bah Humbug?)

Stillness. Contentment. Magic. That's three, sorry. I have always felt like Christmas Day FEELS different than any other day of the year.

Part of the fun of Old School Blogging is tagging friends. But I hate putting people on the spot. So I tag YOU...if you want to! The link-up is open for five more days. Just let me know if you join in, OK?