Christmas Favorites

I absolutely love this time of year and the traditions that we have. I found this short questionnaire to share a little bit about Christmas in our house. Leave a comment or post your own... I'm curious to know what Christmas entails for you.

Favorite Things @ Christmas :
Real tree or artificial? ALWAYS real, it's been a tradition with my family since before I was born. We all meet the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving for breakfast and then to a tree farm in Stacy, MN.
Hardest person to buy for? Everyone. I put a lot of pressure on myself and am never satisfied with what I get.
Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? Haven't done one before, but plan to mail one this year!
Favorite Christmas movie or show? White Christmas, I've watched it each year for as long as I can remember.
Egg nog or hot chocolate? Can't stand egg nog, but love hot chocolate especially with a little mint!
When do you start shopping for Christmas? After thanksgiving, but avoid Black Friday at all costs. No deal is worth waking up that early and fighting the crowds.
Clear Christmas lights or colored? Love the look of white lights. They seem so classic and magical.
Favorite hymn? O Holy Night
Most vivid memory of Christmas? When my parents got us a new puppy- a border collie we named Lacey!
Best holiday treat? Peppermint bark with chocolate on the bottom. Mmm!
Favorite CD or artists? Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole... love all the oldies.
Must-haves for the season? Yankee Candle in Mistletoe- smells just like real pine.
Star or angel on the top of the tree? We bought a great silver star a few years ago... the only problem is we can never get it straight. The question remains- faulty ornament or off-kilter decorator? :)
Quirk that most people wouldn't know? Unless it's November through January, I refuse to look at or buy Christmas stuff. It's a seasonal thing for me. I don't get Christmas stores that are open all year round.
What's on your wish list this year? How about an offer on our house!?! I know, wishful thinking.