With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I’d share a few of my holiday traditions by answering 10 holiday-related questions. 

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? 

Typically, I go for wrapping paper. It’s prettier and provides more anticipation, which adds to the fun. This year, I used wrapping paper with birch trees and red cardinals. I added natural twine for the bows. I caved and bought a lot of gift cards. For those, I let my niece spray paint plastic animals metallic gold and we tied the gift cards on top like they were carrying cargo. 

2. Real tree or artificial?

Artificial all the way! Real trees may smell great, but they can harbor mold, fungi or bugs. (Our friends Erik and Savannah pulled a snake out of their live tree last week!) That is an automatic deal breaker for me. Also, I wouldn’t like having to water it and constantly sweep up its needles. I’ll stick with my reusable, attractive artificial one.

3. Hardest person to buy for?

At the moment, my husband. He tends to get what he wants for himself when he wants it. It’s no secret that he’s the shopper and most fashionable of the two of us. 

4. Easiest person to buy for?

Grandma, mainly because we’re so similar that I can go off what I like. I simply gift her what I would want as a gift for myself. 

5. Postal or email Christmas cards?

Does it count that I’m in the one my mother-in-law uses? Every year, Lisa mails out her family Christmas card. Since Ross and I don’t have kids, the whole annual Christmas card seems unnecessary. I mean, I’ve stopped growing so there’s no change there. Let’s be real, everyone wants to see the kiddos so I’m going to hold off on that one. 

6. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Oh yes! I’m the queen of re-gifting and why not? If you can give an item to someone who will use it and appreciate it, I say do it. It saves money and space. However, I’d recommend never gifting it back to the person who originally gifted it.

7. Lights on the tree (Colored or clear?)

I prefer clear lights all around. Pair that with garland wreaths and red ribbons outside and you have a classic look that warms the heart.

8. Angel, star or ribbon on top of the tree?

 I like a star. To me, angels look weird. I need a faceless topper.

9. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?

Ross and I don’t celebrate in our home, but we don’t technically travel since both our families are here in McMinnville. We celebrate with the Garrisons and my grandparents.

10. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

We open on Christmas morning. Now that we’re adults though, it’s more about presence versus a bunch of presents. 

Anyway, however, and wherever you celebrate, praying you have a blessed Christmas filled with faith, family, friends and all the happiness money can’t buy. 

Standard reporter Lacy Garrison can be reached at 473-2191.