Christmas Tag: How I Celebrate Christmas

 I was tagged in a Christmas tag by dmacke from the Macke Monologues to answer a few questions on how I celebrate Christmas, so here goes:
(note:  photos below were taken at Lucy's Grandma's, because I still have yet to finish decorating, I'm quite the procrastinator)



 1. What makes Christmas such a special holiday for you and your family?
 Celebrating the birth of Jesus of course, the reason for season!  I used to go to midnight Mass, but since the kids, it's Christmas morning Mass (not dragging my baby out in the middle of the night, he would just be crabby the whole time, and I would be miserable).  I have fond memories growing up of Christmas time, being with family, eating Christmas cookies, watching the Christmas tree lights, listening to Christmas music...

2. Were you told the truth about Santa Claus by your parents, or did you find out another way? 
Nope, I figured it out myself, my mom would use the left-over new wrapping paper she bought for the Santa gifts the year after that for other gifts, and Santa's hand-writing looked awfully familiar (yeah, I was probably about 10, a little old but no regrets).  I wasn't mad at them about "lying to me", I was just like, "Okay, that makes sense, kind of sad but okay."
Do you plan on telling your kids about Santa (if you have them or plan to have them)?
Yes, I have told Lucy there's a Santa (and Isaac when he's big enough)!  One of the origins of Santa Claus is of St. Nicholas, who was a real person, a great Catholic bishop and eventually saint.  I also think believing in Santa Claus represents a sort of innocence (at least to me) and I want my children to stay sweet and innocent as long as humanly possible.
(another note:  Moms who tell their kids there isn't a Santa, that's fine, whatever.  But please tell them not to say anything to other kids.  I was at a family Christmas party last year and Lucy's second cousins were telling Lucy very loudly that there was no Santa.  That's just not cool, and she had just turned 3.  Luckily she has no memory of this.)




 3. Real tree or fake tree?
Growing up it was real all the way, and the bigger the better.  Now with my own little family it's a fake tree we bought for cheap at Walmart a few years ago (yes, I shop at Walmart sometimes and I don't care who knows it).  Now we'll always have a tree even when money is tight (like now).  But someday, when we have big house, I still want that real tree...someday.

4. Do you open presents on Christmas morning, Christmas Eve, or both?
 Christmas morning for sure. We've yet to go shopping though...I know, I know.  Anybody who knows me personally knows I procrastinate.




5. What is your favorite Christmas movie to watch, and favorite Christmas song to sing or listen to?
Favorite movie and song...White Christmas.  Also like watching Elf, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Holiday Inn, Bells of Saint Mary's, Muppets Christmas Carol, Home Alone 1 and 2, Miracle on 34th Street, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and I'm sure there are more that I am forgetting.  

I love any Christmas songs by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Blue Christmas by Elvis, Santa Baby, and the classic Christmas songs.  I so want to get that new Christmas CD from Michael Buble too.
Linking back with Raising Reagan and a sorta fairytale