Christmas Around The World Knitters Swap Questionnaire

(If you are looking for my moving story please see the post below this one.)

I am participating in the Christmas Around The World Knitters Swap and below is my questionnaire. This swap is taking place worldwide and it will be interesting to see how so many different people celebrate Christmas.


Are you religious?
Yes. I am a life long United Methodist.

How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?
I have been knitting for almost 3 years now and I guess I'm right between Intermediate and Advanced. I don't know if I'll ever get to be advanced but it is a goal.

Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting?
Yes. I cross stitch, crochet, sew, quilt and do a bunch of other crafts.

Favorite color(s)?
Blue, Burgundy, Greens. I also love deep fall colors along with rich colors and jewel tones.

Do you collect anything?
Yarn. Oh, you mean besides something that deals with knitting. I would have to say that it would probably be Carnival Glass or Depression Glass. Antiques and anything to do with Americana too.

Are you allergic to any fibers or animals?
Nope.

Do you have any pets?
Yes. I have 4 dogs and 2 cats.

Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
Yes to all the above.

Cookies or Sweets?
Yes to both. Can you tell I like the good things in life?

Do you knit socks?
Yes.

If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits)
I have knitting everything except for an actual garment (not counting socks). But I am really starting to branch out now. I have also really gotten into felting and love watching something that I knit turn into something else.

Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do?
Yes we sure do. In fact this year I am planning on putting up at least four! Can't wait for it.

Favorite holiday treats?
Cookies.

Favorite holiday smells?
Evergreen and cinnamon would have to be the top two.

Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate.
Traditional. We celebrate Christmas with all the trimmings...tree, stockings, manger scene, advent candles, wreaths, etc.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?
Putting up the tree/decorations. Holiday cooking and of course going to church during the holidays is just wonderful!

Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....”
Family.

If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….?
Just a basic old ornament that sits back in the tree. But it is one that is cherished more than the newer ones out front.

What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given?
I would say that the best gift I ever gave was when I surprised my sister. When she and her family were stationed over in Germany her storage locker was broken into and all of her Christmas ornaments were stolen (along with some other things). I was really mad at whoever could have done this. So I emailed her good friends over there and got them involved in my plan. I emailed friends and family, told them what happened and asked if they would be willing to donate an ornament of their own or to purchase a new one. Also if they would enclose a story about Christmas or a background of the ornament they were giving to her. I ended up shipping two huge boxes over to Germany to her friends. They in turn were doing the same thing there. Once everything was received they asked my sister to be home at a certain time and surprised her with all of these huge boxes. I had them read a letter that I had sent to her explaining what was going on. I think that she now cherishes these ornaments more then some of the ones that were lost. I think that the best gifts anyone can give are those of the heart.

When do you start your Christmas?
Shortly after Thanksgiving. I am a true believer that Thanksgiving needs to have it's holiday before moving on to Christmas.

Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them?
Yes and Yes. I send, make and purchase the cards. Just depends on the year.

What is your favorite Christmas dish?
That is a hard question for me because I love food. Especially during the holidays.

Carolers are at your door. What do you do?
Open the door, listen and if the house is neat I will invite them in. But this has never happened to me so I can only dream.

When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning. It was the tradition that I had growing up and we are doing it now with our son.

Do you celebrate with family or friends or both?
We celebrate with both friends and family. To me that makes the holiday.