Happy Holidays @ MindSay

So I've been back at my parent's house in NY since last Sunday.  Between too much socializing and too many events, I'm thoroughly exhausted, and I still have my big New Year's trip to Colorado coming up on Friday. 

Anyways, my Christmas was pretty nice.  Talked to my sister from T-Stan, went and saw one of my best friend's baby nephew (which made me feel old!), and then visited some of my aunts and cousins.  Hope everyone else is enjoying the holidays!

 

I usually start in Nov, when I say happy HOLIDAYS I'm wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, and whatever holiday they celebrate.  In Dec, I often alternate between Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays because there are stll more holidays after Thanksgiving. 

 

It's unreasonable I know, but I get almost as frustrated when people comment on my saying  Merry Christmas, as they get upset when others say Happy Holidays instead. 

 

Holiday is derived from "Holy Day"  making Happy Holidays just as religious as Merry Christmas.  I can remember, maybe 20 years ago, when christians were preaching the commercialization of Christmas and how we should avoid the celebration of a holiday steeped in pagan tradition.  Now christians are on a mission to save Christmas. 

 

Stolen from no one! I made this one up. Cheers!

 

1)  WHAT HOLIDAY(S) DO YOU CELEBRATE THIS TIME OF YEAR?

     I celebrate Christmas and New Years

 

2)  WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAMILY TRADITIONS?

     We used to light the Advent candles when we were younger. We still attend Christmas Eve service and then go to my parent's house to open one gift.  The next day we all meet up at my parent's house to exchange the rest of the gifts. 

 

3)  WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS TO EAT DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR?

     I love sweet potato pie, eggnog, green bean caserole and smoked brisket. When I used to visit my Granny in Brownsville, I loved eating Christmas tamales!!!!

 

4)  DO YOU LIKE CHRISTMAS MUSIC? IF SO, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS.

     I love Christmas music!  My favorite Christmas songs are "O Holy Night" and "What Child is This?".  I also really like the popular symphonic arrangement of "Sleigh Ride" with the percussion section making sound effects and a muted trumpet making the sound of a neighing horse.

 

5) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE / SPECIAL?

    "It's Christmas Charlie Brown".  "A Christmas Story" is a close second.

 

6)   WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON?

    The warm fuzzy feelings of people getting together and celebrating. I also like the weather. In Texas it's not hot anymore (hopefully) and we get to wear our coats and sometimes our gloves and scarves! Yay!

 

7)  WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON?

    The commercialism and the fact that some people are sad during this time of year for different reasons. 

 

8)  DO YOU OWN ANY DORKY CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY CLOTHES?

    I was a teacher, what do you think? LOL! I'm wearing a dorky Christmas sweatshirt right now.

   

9)  DO YOU GET A LITTLE SAD OR WISTFUL REFLECTING BACK ON THE YEAR?

     Yep, just a little.

 

10)  DO YOU FEEL LIKE A NEW YEAR SIGNALS A NEW BEGINNING AND A CLEAN SLATE?

     Yes.  It is the one time where everyone tells themselves to let go of the past and look forward to the future. That doesn't mean we all do it, but there is a feeling of hope for better things to come. 

 

11) HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR?

     I like to spend time with my friends in a small party or gathering. I don't like big parties.  Last year spending New Years with Environgirl and Torridgirl at the pub was nice. It wasn't crowded at all. 

 

12) DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW YEAR'S DAY RITUALS / SUPERSTITIONS THAT SUPPOSEDLY BRING LUCK FOR THE NEW YEAR?

New Years Day our dinner consists of:

Black Eyed Peas for general luck

Cabbage or Greens for financial luck

Yams for luck in our relationships / marriages,

 

13) DO YOU MAKE NEW YEARS RESOLOUTIONS? IF SO, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR YOU TO BREAK THEM? (If you don't break them, I would put you in a special category of sainthood.)

 I usually make them and break them by March.

 

14) WHAT IS YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION FOR 2008?

I didn't make one last year and I'm not making one this year either.  It's too much pressure! LOL!

 

 

I haven't seen it on TV yet..they have to be on TV instead of DVD, thats how it was when I was growing up it makes it more special!

Merry Christmas!!

 

I hope everyone had a great holiday season!

 

Happy New Year!

 

See ya later!

 

--Whitley--