What's important and what's not...

This past week went by fast, and finding the Hodgepodge questions this morning took me a bit by surprise. Oh ! It's Tuesday already!  I have a list of things to do today but I will take a few minutes here first to answer the questions.

1. Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking.

My mother handmade 3 Christmas stockings for my brother, sister, and I.  Each Christmas season they were hung on the mantle of the fireplace.  We never really got gifts in them, but it was tradition to have them hung, and to sit under them for a Christmas picture.  Each year.  If I can find one (and find the time to search) I will post a picture on my FB page.
Now, my family members (hubby, both daughters, and I) each has a stocking, and they are really beautiful - and a gift from our friends from NJ, the Hoos'.  I hang them each Christmas season, and I fill them each year too.  In fact one of my favorite shopping experiences during this time is finding small, fun, cute, items to go into the individual stockings.  We usually "open" the stockings Christmas morning before starting in on the gifts under the tree.

2. How many hours of sleep do you average at night?  Is it enough?

I average 7 hours.  Yes, it's enough.  I try to go to bed around 11pm and am up 6:00am-ish.  Of course my doggie has been known to wake me earlier!  That's ok.  If I don't get enough sleep at night I am REALLY GOOD at dozing in front of the TV in the evening.  ha!

3. If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year, what would it be?

Hmmm. I'm not sure where Joyce is going with this question.  I think it's easier for me to answer what I would NOT want to give up!  I would not want to give up the family time and the special Christmas Eve service. I would not want to give up the music!  Anything else I could give up:  shopping, baking, etc.    Now, if Joyce is asking about a "non-holiday" thing that I had to give up, I guess I would give up laundry and food shopping.  Oh yes, if I must....    ( :

4.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (also known as Wills and Kate) have announced they're expecting a baby. Do you follow news of the Royals?

I know a few people who follow news of the Kansas City Royals!  Oh, wait, the question is about the British Royals!   I am not a huge "fan" of the family, but I will say that Wills & Kate seem to be in love, and they are representing the family well.  I wish them well with the crazy British media and with the expectations on them.  

5. For me, the sound of childhood is ____________ .

Giggling! When children laugh they "giggle."  You never hear of adults giggling....

6. Fruitcake - yay or boo?  What's your favorite dessert made with fruit?

Nay on the fruitcake.  I'm not a fan.  My favorite fruit dessert is pie... apple or peach.  With some vanilla ice cream on top!

7.  What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end?

Again, one thing?  I want to accomplish making it through the busy holiday season.  I want to remember the "reason" for the season. I want to prioritize what's important and stay true to it.  God, family and friends, then the other stuff.   I want to make a toast on New Year's Eve to a wonderful and blessed 2012 and put my trust in God for 2013.  

8. My random thought.

For you readers out there, I'd like to suggest you go to www.Goodreads.com and  use it.  I love sharing book ideas there, and giving and reading reviews.  I'm in one local book club where we read a book a month, but I also go to the Goodreads site often  to see suggestions.   It's a good spot to look for a Christmas gift too.  Nothing beats a beautiful book to give!

Remember the December mantra...     don't stress....  don't stress....   don't stress....

Have a GREAT week!