Christmas Around the World Swap Questionnaire

Whoops - been in Maryland for a few weeks for work and didn't realize that the Christmas Around the World Swap had started. So here are my questionnaire answers real quick:

Are you religious?
I was raised Catholic but I do not belong to any organized church right now.

How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?
I would definitely consider myself at least Intermediate and possibly Advanced depending on the project.

Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting?
I also like to garden, hike, spin, and just started quilting. I also weave but don't have room for a loom at the moment.

Favorite color(s)?
Lavender and blues.

Do you collect anything?
Just my yarn stash.

Are you allergic to any fibers or animals?
I'm allergic to cats.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a red hound mix named Silva. Her fur graces all of my knitting since I often knit with her on my lap.

Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
Yum to all.

Cookies or Sweets?
Both sound good, but cookies sound better.

Do you knit socks?
Yes, my newest fave technique is with two circs.

If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits)

Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do?
We've put up trees in previous years, but our current apartment is small. We do decorate the house and our windows.

Favorite holiday treats?
Cookies, cranberry sauce, and cardamon bread.

Favorite holiday smells?
Frasier fir, spruce, and cinnamon.

Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate.
Traditional in that I celebrate with family and friends, but unconventional in that it can include playing DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) and karaoke.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?
SInging carols, eating a big homemade meal and putting up the decorations.

Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....”
...spending time with loved ones and thinking the best of the world.

If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….?
...something homemade.

What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given?
The best gift I've ever received was either a spinning wheel or my engagement necklace (DH rocks!). The best gift I've ever given was socks to my husband.

When do you start your Christmas?
I don't allow myself to put up decorations until after Thanksgiving and we don't start to exchange gifts until Christmas Eve.

Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them?
I don't send out cards every year, but when I do I make them.

What is your favorite Christmas dish?
Shabu shabu (hot pot cooking) and roast beef.

Carolers are at your door. What do you do?
Grab some treats, the camera and go to listen.

When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning?
Both.

Do you celebrate with family or friends or both?
Both.

Went for quick rather than clever - I'll try to elaborate in future posts to help out my swap partner. This is really making me realize that I need to start my Christmas knitting. Yikes!