Ours starts around 10, there's a "children's" Mass as the "Christmas Vigil" at 5:00. So no, it's not truly midnight :p But I wouldn't call a 12am Mass "Christmas Morning" anyway.

One of my very favorite quotes!

Just a few questions to kind of get a grasp where people are for the coming holidays:


1. Are you cooking this year for Thanksgiving? If not, who will and where will you be? I’m cooking Mac n Cheese (I’ll be stoned if I don’t) and the bf is doing apple pie or turnovers (we haven’t decided) for my grandparents’ and I’m doing punch (by request) and a veggie tray for the bf’s parents dinner.


2. On average, when you travel for Thanksgiving, how far do you go? I travel an hour to grandparent’s then another 1 ½ hours back to his parents.

3. Or....if you have families at your home, are the gatherings large or small?

4. Even eat out at a restaurant for Thanksgiving? I have, when my brother was playing college soccer in the NAIA tourney in TX. It was over Thanksgiving and we ate and a restaurant out in Letourneau, TX.

5. Omitted.

6. Do you decorate/get a tree for your home for the holidays? Yes, and this is the first time I will have my own tree!!!!! We’re going back to the parents’ house to help with their decorations too.

7. What is your most favorite holiday song? O Holy Night. I particularly like the Vicki Yohe version. I also like Carol of the Bells, and most of TSO’s stuff.

8. Do you join in with holiday festivites at work? We’re having a potluck Thanksgiving next Tuesday at work. Not sure what the Christmas dinner plan is. Last year, we had food brought it and played Dirty Santa.

9. Are you an early shopper (starting in November) or a last minute shopper (last week up til Christmas Eve?) Goodness, I’m shopping all year long!!!!

10. What other activities do you engage in to get you into the holiday spirit? I love parties, shopping, wrapping, decorating, singing carols, Christmas music, making gifts, sending cards, watching tv shows and movies with Christmas themes----the whole shebang!!!

11. Do you attend church on Christmas morning? Nope, never have. I did go to a Christmas Eve service once.

12. Favorite television programs during the holidays? All the good kids’ movies.

13. How much vacation time do you take during the holidays? not any usually.

14. Do attend New Year's functions or spend quiet evenings at home? I’ve done both. No idea what we’ll do this year!

15. Ever been to Times Square? That would be pretty cool for this girl from down South.

16. Do you remember where you were for Y2K? at home with the parents, because they wouldn’t let me go anywhere because they thought the world was going to blowup or end or whatever.

17. What do you do as far as charity / community service during this time of year? I try to gather items to donate to the local Ronald McDonald House, and I’m going to donate to the Jimmie Hale Mission this year.

18. If there is one thing that you could outlaw during the holidays, what would it be? Bad presents!

19. If you care to share, who is that one relative that is the most embarrassing one to have around for the holidays? I love all my relatives. No really. They are all great!!!

20. By the end of it all, how much do you think you will have spent? Too much definitely, but I love the giving!!

1. Are you cooking this year for Thanksgiving? If not, who will and where will you be?
Yes I am..it's our first holiday in our new home. It's just me and the hubby. We've invited others, but both our moms live out of state, and both dads have other plans. Divorced families are always fun for holidays.

2. On average, when you travel for Thanksgiving, how far do you go? Last year I went to Arizona since that is where my mom is.

3. Or....if you have families at your home, are the gatherings large or small?
Small. very small.

4. Even eat out at a restaurant for Thanksgiving?
Not that I can remember


6. Do you decorate/get a tree for your home for the holidays?
Heck yeah! I love decorating trees, the only year I haven't was when I lived on my own one Christmas, and even then I had a rosemary bush in the shape of a tree....oh, and the year I got married since we got married overseas right after christmas.

7. What is your most favorite holiday song?
Tie between Mele kaliki maka -Bing Crosby (every time I hear it I think of my mom and all our fun christmases together) and Silent Night. I also really like O Holy Night.

8. Do you join in with holiday festivites at work?
No, since I teach at a public school we're not supposed to have any decorations. LAME.

9. Are you an early shopper (starting in November) or a last minute shopper (last week up til Christmas Eve?) Depends on if I have to ship it or not.

10. What other activites do you engage in to get you into the holiday spirit?
Watching Miracle on 34th Street (the original, in black and white), listening to carols, watching Elf.

11. Do you attend church on Christmas morning?
I prefer Midnight Mass.

12. Favorite television programs during the holidays?
Miracle on 34th street, It's a wonderful life, Elf, WTA" Holiday Inn (White christmas is what everyone calls it though)

13. How much vacation time do you take during the holidays?
I get two weeks. woot!

14. Do attend New Year's functions or spend quiet evenings at home?
Well, New Years is my wedding anniversary (this year will be #2) so I don't know yet. Last year we went out of town. We may keep it low key in the new home this year.

15. Ever been to Times Square?
Yes, but not for NYE.

16. Do you remember where you were for Y2K?
On my 2nd date with my now husband.

17. What do you do as far as charity / community service during this time of year?
Donate to Salvation Army, Angel Tree, Spark of love toy drive, Canned food/needy family drive through the club I sponsor at school.

18. If there is one thing that you could outlaw during the holidays, what would it be?
Putting up christmas decorations before Thanksgiving.

19. If you care to share, who is that one relative that is the most embarrasing one to have around for the holidays?
I don't know that I have any embarrassing relatives.

20. By the end of it all, how much do you think you will have spent?
Probably not much this year, not a lot of extra cash. :) That's ok though, it's not all about how much you spend.

Our "midnight mass" actually starts at 10:30 pm and gets out just before midnight.

I really was in 8th grade.

I was the [middle school] class of 2000.

ooooooouuuuuuccccccchhhhhhhhhhhh

Was that my other hip cracking?

You know, 10:30 mass just doesn't have the same ring as midnight mass.

1. Are you cooking this year for Thanksgiving? If not, who will and where will you be?
my mom will cook


2. On average, when you travel for Thanksgiving, how far do you go?
My house is around an hour and 1/2 from my school

3. Or....if you have families at your home, are the gatherings large or small?
thanksgiving dinner is just my mom and my sisters and I

4. Even eat out at a restaurant for Thanksgiving?
When we went to Jamaica, yes.

5. Omitted.

6. Do you decorate/get a tree for your home for the holidays?
It's fake, but yes.

7. What is your most favorite holiday song?
Okay when you watch Charlie Brown Christmas..you know the beginning song where they're like "Christmastime is here......"
yeah I like that

8. Do you join in with holiday festivites at work?
I dont work

9. Are you an early shopper (starting in November) or a last minute shopper (last week up til Christmas Eve?)
I already bought my sisters their gifts.
I just have to buy for friends now.
And my mom.

10. What other activites do you engage in to get you into the holiday spirit?
Ice Skating
=]

11. Do you attend church on Christmas morning?
I dont go to church

12. Favorite television programs during the holidays?
Charlie Brown Christmas. I love it.

13. How much vacation time do you take during the holidays?
We get like a month off.

14. Do attend New Year's functions or spend quiet evenings at home?
I was always stuck babysitting

15. Ever been to Times Square?
no

16. Do you remember where you were for Y2K?
home

17. What do you do as far as charity / community service during this time of year?
toy drives

18. If there is one thing that you could outlaw during the holidays, what would it be?
large crowds at the mall

19. If you care to share, who is that one relative that is the most embarrasing one to have around for the holidays?
I dont really spend time with any relatives other than my mom and sisters.

20. By the end of it all, how much do yout hink you will have spent?
gosh, I dont know.

I think it's a matter of what you grew up with. When we were little, we'd come home from church, and do the whole Christmas carol/Night Before Christmas thing. That way, "Santa" had a better chance to put some serious toys under the tree! ;)

Agreed. If it's called Midnight Mass, it should be at Midnight. Otherwise call it Christmas Eve Mass or Christmas Vigil Mass.

Where did I put the pope's email address?!

Just pray about it -- won't he get the message that way?? :confused:

Woo Hoo!! Guess who will not be making Thanksgiving dinner!!! I hate cooking a turkey - I'll be making a lot of the "other stuff" but don't have to wrestle with the darn bird!

Why, MysticCat, I'm disappointed in you. However, I know you're too busy to keep up with vital things such as my contact information. Please save it somewhere this time.

I'll take into consideration your suggestion of changing the name of Midnight Mass.

the_pope@mail.org

But Vigil Mass is earlier! Plus we use the "Mass at Midnight" liturgy, not Mass at Dawn, etc.

(I should remember to check how many Christmas Eve/Day Masses there are in the hymnal next time I'm there)

Bravo.

Thank you, my child.

Due to your support, I forgive you for not knowing the number of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. But do check your hymnal.

Holy Crap...best new SockPuppet in a long time!

1. Are you cooking this year for Thanksgiving? If not, who will and where will you be?
Nope, I am having dinner at my mom's house.
2. On average, when you travel for Thanksgiving, how far do you go?
If we travel, we go about 2 hours.
3. Or....if you have families at your home, are the gatherings large or small?
Hubby and I always host Christmas. It's generally 5-8 people.
4. Even eat out at a restaurant for Thanksgiving?
Never
6. Do you decorate/get a tree for your home for the holidays?
We have a fake tree that we decorate each year.
7. What is your most favorite holiday song?
I have a lot but, if I had to pick just one, I would say Nsync's Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.
8. Do you join in with holiday festivites at work?
Usually
9. Are you an early shopper (starting in November) or a last minute shopper (last week up til Christmas Eve?)
I am usually an early shopper.
10. What other activites do you engage in to get you into the holiday spirit?
I love cookie baking and I start playing holiday music after Thanksgiving. I also watch the Thanksgiving/Christmas movies like Home for the Holidays and Miracle on 34th Street in November.
11. Do you attend church on Christmas morning?
Not on Christmas morning, but generally around Christmas time.
12. Favorite television programs during the holidays?
I love the end of the year/best of... specials.
13. How much vacation time do you take during the holidays?
Two weeks!
14. Do attend New Year's functions or spend quiet evenings at home?
We usually spend New Year's Eve at my sister's house in PJs, watching Dick Clark's special.
15. Ever been to Times Square?
Not during the holidays, no.
16. Do you remember where you were for Y2K?
In my college dorm, and then I ended up driving an hour home shortly before midnight.
17. What do you do as far as charity / community service during this time of year?
I give to canned food drives and clothing donation groups like Purple Heart and The National Kidney Foundation, as well as the Salvation Army.
18. If there is one thing that you could outlaw during the holidays, what would it be?
It would be skin-tight sexy Santa outfits with fluffy collars and wrists (especially on women who shouldn't be wearing it in the first place).
19. If you care to share, who is that one relative that is the most embarrasing one to have around for the holidays?
Not embarrasing per say, but my step-mother in-law is a weight watchers freak and doesn't really let you enjoy the food.
20. By the end of it all, how much do you think you will have spent?
Under $500, I think.

1. Are you cooking this year for Thanksgiving? If not, who will and where will you be?

NO!!! My Aunt does therefore I will be at their house.


2. On average, when you travel for Thanksgiving, how far do you go?
Yes, about 150 miles

3. Or....if you have families at your home, are the gatherings large or small? n/a

4. Even eat out at a restaurant for Thanksgiving? no

5. Omitted.

6. Do you decorate/get a tree for your home for the holidays? yes

7. What is your most favorite holiday song? Silent Night

8. Do you join in with holiday festivities at work? yes..you can't avoid those classroom holiday Parties

9. Are you an early shopper (starting in November) or a last minute shopper (last week up til Christmas Eve?) early

10. What other activities do you engage in to get you into the holiday spirit? um...supporting the economy, participating in the church Christmas pageant, attending Christmas Eve Services

11. Do you attend church on Christmas morning? we don't have them unless Christmas falls on a Sunday

12. Favorite television programs during the holidays? Rudolph and Frosty

13. How much vacation time do you take during the holidays? I get approximately 2 weeks

14. Do attend New Year's functions or spend quiet evenings at home? functions

15. Ever been to Times Square? no

16. Do you remember where you were for Y2K? yes

17. What do you do as far as charity / community service during this time of year?
I donate money online (or you can "adopt" a pig or turkey to help with a Holiday meal for) to Baton Rouge, Louisiana families still affected by Katrina (pm me if you want the webbie to do so), I give to Christ Table (local organization), food drives at my school..I need to figure out more things to do locally

18. If there is one thing that you could outlaw during the holidays, what would it be?
Putting up Holiday decor before Thanksgiving (not that I am Scrooge, but before Halloween..come on now...)

19. If you care to share, who is that one relative that is the most embarrassing one to have around for the holidays?
We are all embarrassing in our own little way

20. By the end of it all, how much do you think you will have spent? between $500 and $1000 (depends on the deals I can find)

I know!

Holy? Of course.
Crap? That's quite disrespectful of you , Alpha Frog. That's 50 Hail Mary's for you.

Ok, make it 25.

1. Are you cooking this year for Thanksgiving? If not, who will and where will you be? My husband and I will cook it all. He grills the turkey and does the mashed potatoes and I'll do the rest. Trust me, if you've never grilled your turkeys you should. Moist and delicious meat, AND opens up the oven for all of the yummy side dishes!

2. On average, when you travel for Thanksgiving, how far do you go? When we travel it's about 550 miles each way. We're staying home this year.

3. Or....if you have families at your home, are the gatherings large or small? Small, 5-10 people tops.

4. Even eat out at a restaurant for Thanksgiving? No, but darn it, I would.

5. When do you start shopping for Christmas gifts? Usually I've started by now, but due to my mom's illness the holidays just aren't a priority this year. Thank heavens our boys are older now so it's not as stressful as it could be. This may end up being the one stop shopping at Best Buy year, with a general dose of cash and gift cards before it's over.

6. Do you decorate/get a tree for your home for the holidays? Yes and Yes. This will be the first year we won't have a tree in probably a decade.

7. What is your most favorite holiday song? Little Drummer Boy

8. Do you join in with holiday festivities at work? Yes.

9. Are you an early shopper (starting in November) or a last minute shopper (last week up til Christmas Eve?) Usually even earlier than November.

10. What other activities do you engage in to get you into the holiday spirit? I'm stealing MysticCat's reply, because I can't say it better myself: "Not many that I can think of; I'm not much of one for "getting into the holiday spirit." It'll come when the time's right.

I'm really old-fashioined on this one -- as far as I'm concerned, Christmas does not begin until the evening of Dec. 24, and it lasts for 12 days (starting with Dec. 25 and ending Jan. 6). Prior to Dec. 24 is Advent, not Christmas, which is spent preparing for Christmas, both practically and spiritually, not celebrating Christmas. Yeah, the kids tell me to loosen up every now and then. :D"

11. Do you attend church on Christmas morning? No

12. Favorite television programs during the holidays? If it's made by Rankin-Bass, I'm watching. Also love A Charlie Brown Christmas.

13. How much vacation time do you take during the holidays? None, because I get a week off between Xmas and New Year without having to actually take vacation!

14. Do attend New Year's functions or spend quiet evenings at home? Early dinner out with the boys then home for the evening. I expect this might be the 1st year that one or two boys have NYE plans themselves. Sigh, they're getting so old! :eek:

15. Ever been to Times Square? Yes, but there isn't enough money in the world to get me in Times Square on NYE.

16. Do you remember where you were for Y2K? Yes.

17. What do you do as far as charity/community service during this time of year? This year things are staying very close to home due to my mom's illness and another family member's needs. Most years we do at least one Angel and contribute to local food, clothing and toiletry drives. We are supporting some local soldiers in Iraq through my son's Scout Troop.

18. If there is one thing that you could outlaw during the holidays, what would it be? Again, copied from my friend MysticCat: Well, the main things that I would outlaw are Christmas decorations and Christmas music before Thanksgiving -- turns me into a Scrooge faster than anything. But you asked about things "during" the holidays, and what I just described is technically "before" the holidays, so I'll say the awful, awful schlock that passes as "Christmas music" in the malls and on the radio.

19. If you care to share, who is that one relative that is the most embarrasing one to have around for the holidays? Thankfully there isn't one.

20. By the end of it all, how much do you think you will have spent? More than I even want to think about, but that's okay!

Well, then it's a good think I'm not Catholic, and ELCA doesn't bother with the Hail Marys.

HeHe - the Pope said Crap.

Dear Pope,

Why don't prayers work?

I prayed and prayed and prayed, and still, Penn State lost.

Losing faith,
nittanyalum

1. Are you cooking this year for Thanksgiving? If not, who will and where will you be? We will be at my parents' house and my husband will be doing the cooking.


2. On average, when you travel for Thanksgiving, how far do you go? 2 1/2 hours.

3. Or....if you have families at your home, are the gatherings large or small?We'll have about 10 people at mom's.

4. Even eat out at a restaurant for Thanksgiving?Nope.

5. When do you start shopping for Christmas gifts? Mid-November.

6. Do you decorate/get a tree for your home for the holidays?Usually. We may not this year. It depends on how much we get done before the baby comes - my due date is Christmas Eve.

7. What is your most favorite holiday song?Mary Did You Know?

8. Do you join in with holiday festivites at work?Yes.

9. Are you an early shopper (starting in November) or a last minute shopper (last week up til Christmas Eve?) Early-ish.

10. What other activites do you engage in to get you into the holiday spirit?I try to go to the German Christmas Market at the Daley Center in Chicago. I also bake Christmas cookies with two of my nieces.

11. Do you attend church on Christmas morning?No, we go on Christmas Eve, then have dinner together.

12. Favorite television programs during the holidays?Year Without a Santa Clause, A Christmas Story.

13. How much vacation time do you take during the holidays?Usually a day or two. This year, I'll be off for 6 weeks. :)

14. Do attend New Year's functions or spend quiet evenings at home?Depends. My friends and I are big on small house parties.

15. Ever been to Times Square? Yes, but not for New Year's Eve.

16. Do you remember where you were for Y2K?Yes.

17. What do you do as far as charity / community service during this time of year?Give to the Salvation Army, kick in extra at the collection plate.

18. If there is one thing that you could outlaw during the holidays, what would it be?Nasty behavior by customers (and associates) at the mall. I understand Christmas is stressful, but if you're in a store at 5:30 on Christmas Eve deciding between socks and long johns as a gift for the love of your life, it's not my fault.

19. If you care to share, who is that one relative that is the most embarrasing one to have around for the holidays?We're usually pretty tame at holiday functions. Now, family weddings, that's another story, and that hands down would be my youngest brother.

20. By the end of it all, how much do yout think you will have spent?We're cutting back this year and will probably spend about $400.
__________________

nittanyalum,

Prayers work. There were just more prayers (and "Praise God!"s) from the Michigan Staters, that's all. Plus, Michigan is just more likable than Pennsylvania. Nothing personal. God still loves you.

Blessings,
Pope

Dear Pope,

Michigan "more likable" than Pennsylvania? What's more likable than chocolate? And Ben Franklin?

I just burned my collection envelopes. Nothing personal.

Still waivering in faith about a "just" God,
nittanyalum

1. Are you cooking this year for Thanksgiving? If not, who will and where will you be?

I am making an apple pie and bringing it to my good friend's house, where his mom is cooking!


2. On average, when you travel for Thanksgiving, how far do you go?

Normally? I've not been the same place twice for Thanksgiving.

3. Or....if you have families at your home, are the gatherings large or small?

When I'm at my parents' house, the gatherings are quite large.

4. Even eat out at a restaurant for Thanksgiving?
Yes! Thanksgiving 2004, the then-boy and I had Ollie's.

5. Omitted.

6. Do you decorate/get a tree for your home for the holidays?

I haven't, I think I will this year!

7. What is your favorite holiday song?

"Winter Wonderland"

8. Do you join in with holiday festivites at work?

YES.

9. Are you an early shopper (starting in November) or a last minute shopper (last week up til Christmas Eve?)

A little of Column A, a little of Column B.

10. What other activites do you engage in to get you into the holiday spirit?

Gift wrapping, going to parties, etc.

11. Do you attend church on Christmas morning?

I don't really attend church in the first place.

12. Favorite television programs during the holidays?

Oh man, "Charlie Brown Christmas"!

13. How much vacation time do you take during the holidays?

Usually a week.

14. Do you attend New Year's functions or spend quiet evenings at home?

I've done both. Not sure what's shaking this year.

15. Ever been to Times Square?

Not for NYE!

16. Do you remember where you were for Y2K?

I went out with HS friends. Not again!

17. What do you do as far as charity / community service during this time of year?

A lot of gift parties, some donations.

18. If there is one thing that you could outlaw during the holidays, what would it be?

Bad weather! I have to fly home (1,500 miles) every year!

19. If you care to share, who is that one relative that is the most embarrasing one to have around for the holidays?

Eh, embarassing isn't the problem...

20. By the end of it all, how much do you think you will have spent?

Hopefully, not as much as last year. I am making two of my presents.

Holidays
 

I have prepared Thanksgiving dinner for many years for my family and friends. Unfortunately this year, I will have to pass as I just had surgery for cancer on November 8th and am recovering at home. I have two adult sons who have been wonderful but they are not cooks. Why didn't I teach them when I had the chance? My oldest made me a cup of tea the other day and left the tea bag in the paper wrapper...so glad we sent him to college! It hurt to laugh so much.

We are fortunate to have some lovely friends who are sending over a complete dinner (including a turducken which I have wanted to try for years). We're eating on plastic this year instead of the good china but I know everything will be wonderful because, thank G-d, our family is intact. A new tradition is born!

As for shopping, that has to be tabled as I can't concentrate enough to even shop on the Internet at this point...too many meds. I told my sons the medications were scrambling my brains and one of my sons wanted to know how they were supposed to tell! It pays to have kids!

I will be having radiation and chemo during the holidays so I will be otherwise occupied. But, I have something to look forward to because now I can shop when everything goes on sale after the holidays...there is always a silver lining.

I want to wish all of you GC'ers a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,
Paula M.
Sigma Delta Tau
ΣΔTPatriae Multi Spes Una One Hope of Many People

Best wishes, Paula. I hope your recovery continues to go well along with the upcoming treatments. So glad you have family and friends there taking care of you. The teabag story is great!

Recovery
 

Thank you, Ms. Pennsylvania, for your kind words and support. It's great to have someone I just met in my corner!

Sincerely,
Paula M.
Sigma Delta Tau
ΣΔTPatriae Multi Spes Una One Hope of Many People

My prayers and best wishes go out to you and your family.

Good Wishes
 

Thank you, my ZTA friend, for your good wishes. They are good medicine. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Paula M.
Sigma Delta Tau
ΣΔTPatriae Multi Spes Una One Hope of Many People