I recently joined the Christmas Around the World 2007 Swap and the questionnaire has been distributed for completion. Per swap rules I am to post the questions and answers to my blog by September 15, 2007. While I was answering these questions I realized that this information might be of interest to my readers as well. So here goes:

1. Are you religious? No
2. How long have you been knitting? Several Years
   
3. Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? Intermediate, with advanced aspirations
4. Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting? Sailing,Writing, Sewing Historical Costumes, Reading, Learning
5. Favorite color(s)? To wear – Black, White, Navy, Earth tones (not partial to rust, teal, pink…)
6. Do you collect anything? Gargoyles, dragons, snoopy, yarn and lately extra pounds around the middle
7. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? No
8. Do you have any pets? Yes, two dogs, Aubie (cocker spaniel) and Blazer (basset hound)
9. Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate? Out of the three, Hot Chocolate (I’m a coca-cola junkie)
10. Cookies or Sweets? Is there a difference? I’m a very picky eater, and prefer milk chocolate, and very plain sweets. Everyone calls my eating habits “vanilla”.
11. Do you knit socks? On occasion
12. If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits) I am a self taught knitter and I like to knit what many people would consider tedious patterns. This includes lace and other intricate or difficult items. The first thing I ever knit was a beaded amulet purse on #000US needles.
13. Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do? I used to. We have lived in a motor home for the past 5+ years so I really didn’t have the space. Now that we are in a house again we have decided to use a live, potted tree, decorate it indoors and plant it in the yard after the holidays.
14. Favorite holiday treats? Cheesecake, Milk Chocolate, Cookies
15. Favorite holiday smells? Cinnamon, Pumpkin, Spice
16. Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate. It varies. I am a non-traditional gypsy at heart.
17. What are your favorite holiday traditions? I would have to say, if I could have a tradition, it would be no traditions.
18. Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about….” – the birth of Christ, visiting with family, eating, watching others open the presents you put thought into and photographs
19. If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? – a star or a chili pepper
20. What was your favorite gift you’ve ever received? Or given? Received – someone’s time, Given – surprises
21. When do you start your Christmas? Meals, gifts, etc. begin on Christmas Eve through Christmas Day
22. Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? I used to send them, now it is e-cards all the way.
23. What is your favorite Christmas dish? Ham and mashed potatoes
24. Carolers are at your door. What do you do? Hide
25. When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning? Christmas morning
26. Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Family, most of our friends are long distance