Happy Thanksgiving

I'll simply repeat my message from last year:

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Please take a moment to reflect on your blessings, those less fortunate, and our troops overseas.

Shalom



Now to help get into the spirit of the holidays...

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Wrapped unless an odd shape or left in the back yard (that bike when I was 7). When I was younger he delivered them by bus from St. Louis (oddly that's where Grandma lives).

3. Multi-colored lights on tree/house or clear? Historically - multi-colored. Currently - clear.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Not so much...never had difficulty getting kisses...

5. When do you put your decorations up? Historically - first weekend in Dec. This year - weekend after Thanksgiving (cause I love my wife).

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? None - I don't have food associations with Christmas.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Driving to Kansas City from Conway, AR one year in college. The night was crystal clear, the moon was out, and there was no traffic at all. It was also the last Christmas with Mom and Dad before they separated.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Don't remember. I think it was something to do with Cub Scouts when I lived in Salt Lake City.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No. I'm against it. The Eve is all about the anticipation. What is there to look forward to on Christmas morning...if not the gift exchange.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Ornaments, tinsel, there's a moose involved. I have a separate tree for Star Trek ornaments. My mother, ever the planner, gave me a unique ornament (or collection of ornaments) each year through college. She (and dad) did this so that when I was on my own I would be able to easily decorate a tree and have memories of family. It worked.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I'm from upstate NY...where the Golden Snowball is awarded...so as a matter of pride (and fun)...LOVE IT.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes. Played hockey one year as a very small child.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Oxford English Dictionary from Jess; the right gift, at the right time, from the right person.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Time spent with friends and away from work.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin cookies.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Nothing specific...

17. What tops your tree? I mentioned the moose earlier...will take a photo of the moose and post it. It's best not to anger the moose so he stays on top.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I know it's not cool...but receiving.

19. What are your favorite Christmas songs? John Lennon - Happy Christmas (The War Is Over), Snoopy's Christmas (you know...the one with the Royal Guardsmen and the Red Baron), Christmas music from Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum.