Saturday, December 1, 2007

The Twelve Questions Of Christmas

Hootin'Anni is hosting a wonderful Christmas Meme. Here is what she said about this meme:

For the holiday season, I've started a meme. "The Twelve Questions of Christmas" If you'd like to participate, I'd be honored to have you join in the fun. If you'd like, you are welcomed to use the meme header graphic!

To get into the spirit of the season, I have decided to participate. Thank you, Anni ! So here are the questions and my answers:


1. Christmas is Joy. [fill in the blank with ONE WORD]


2. In memories, what was the best part of your Christmases past?

Seeing my children's faces on Christmas morning, going to church as a family, Christmas dinner with the family, were all a wonderful part of our Christmases.

3. Was Santa ever good to you? [describe how and what]

On my first Christmas in America in 1951, Santa brought me a very special gift, a tiny orange tabby kitten! Since I had lost my 19 year old cat on Christmas Day in 1945, I was overjoyed with this special gift in 1951.

4. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both?

We always opened gifts on Christmas Day morning, when my children were little, but these days, I often open mine on Christmas Eve, like I used to as a child in Hungary.

5. Is there something you make each and every year? [craft or recipe]

We used to bake lots of Christmas cookies and breads and cakes. But my kids' favorite were the Walnut Butterballs, or Snowballs, as they used to call them.

Walnut Butter Balls /Snow Balls
1 c. unsalted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. sifted flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tasp. salt
1 c. finely chopped walnuts
powdered sugar

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Sift together flour and salt and add to creamed mixture. Mix well to make a soft dough. Stir in walnuts. Shape into 1 inch balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 375 about 12 to 15 minutes until slightly brown. While cookies are still warm, roll in sifted powdered sugar. Makes 4 dozen cookies. Enjoy!


6. What is your favorite five[5] Christmas songs/hymns?

I love them all, so it's hard to chose, but the top five would be:

1. O Come All Yea Faithful (Adeste Fidelis) (It always moves me to tears.)

2. Silent Night

3. O Holy Night

4. What Child Is This

5. I'll Be Home for Christmas


7. Is there a new tradition for Christmas since your childhood days?

Christmas in Hungary was very different from here. So all the traditions we followed here, are different, except for always going to church on Christmas Day.

8. Describe one of your Christmas trips. [whether it's across town or across country]

When my children were young, we often spent Christmases in Florida, where they swam in the pool or ocean, while Christmas music played in the background. It was enjoyable, but we missed Christmases at home.


9. Do you have a special Christmas outfit to wear for the day?

Not really, except I try to wear something red and festive!


10. Have YOU or any of your family members sat on Santa's lap?

Oh, my yes! Santa's lap was a Christmas season tradition!

11. What is/or will be on your Christmas tree this year?

Old ornaments from years ago, along with some newer ones acquired more recently.

12. Do you/or have you decorated your yard for Christmas?

When the kids were young, we always decorated the yard, and had lights on the bushes around the house, but these days, I don't do any of it, except for the Merry Christmas sign. The colorful birds that come to the feeders, and the deer and wild turkeys around here are my wonderful live decorations. And I always have special treats for all of them on Christmas.

If you would like to participate in The Twelve Questions of Christmas Meme, just follow the link to Hootin'Anni's blog, and then follow her instructions.

Christmas Blessings to one and all!

37 comments:

2 LMZ FARMS said...

Just dropping in for a quick visit and checking in on you. Hope you and yours have a blessed day.
Laura

Merle said...

Dear Renie ~~ Great answers to the Meme
and the recipe sounds great. Thank you so much for your comments, and glad you enjoyed the How to stay young ideas.
I am so sorry for not explaining what "compo" is. It is short for "worker's
compensation" So the man was getting paid while not working. I thought he was very disrespectful as well as lazy. Thanks for your kinds words about my blog. Take great care, my friend. I loved your live decorations - lovely. Love, Merle.

Karen H. said...

Good Morning Again Renie,
After I left you a comment I went back to bed for a while. I have been up for a little while now. I so enjoyed reading your Christmas Meme. It is always nice to read things from our blogging friends and to learn things from them. I did this the other afternoon and it was my first ever Meme. I really enjoyed it. Well, take care my friend and have a great weekend. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Patty said...

What a lovely Meme and this also gave us some more things to know about you. Thanks for sharing.

Renie Burghardt said...

Laura,

You're so sweet! Thank you. Got my fingers crossed for you. Go Dass!

Blessings,

Renie





Dear Merle,

You'll have to tell us more about your Australian Christmas. Since your Christmas is in the summer there, I'm curious what Christmas dinner entails there.

Thank you for explaining compo. I had no idea what it was. Lol.

Thank you for visiting, dear Merle. I hope you're having a lovely Sunday.

Renie




Karen,

Yes, I read your meme, and decided to do it, too. I hope you're having a great afternoon.

God bless!

Renie






Hi Patty,

Thank you for your nice comment. I enjoy reading your blog entries as well. Have a lovely weekend.

Renie

Unknown said...

Hi Renie,

It's been quite neat peeking into your life (past and present!) Thanks for participating in this fun holiday meme ;-)

I'm not quite sure if I'll try my hand at it as I'm already way behind on the meme thing as it is...

Enjoyed yours, though!

Smiles,
Michele

Unknown said...

That does rather get one’s mind deeply set on Christmas—and promoting the spirit of the season.

Renie Burghardt said...

Michele,

Blogger must be confused this evening. It has Deborah above your post, but it's signed Michele????

Hmmm, I wonder how that happened. Anyway, I do appreciate you dropping by. I am behind on the meme's as well, but needed to get myself into the Christmas Spirit, so I partook in this one.

Hugs,

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Thank you for commenting, Mr. Nick!

Blessings,

Renie

ancient one said...

Thanks for doing the meme. It's always interesting to learn more about our friends.

audrey` said...

Dearest Renie

How are you, my friend?
The Christmas decorations on your blog are so beautiful and unique. Your blog is the first blog to have them. You're so creative.

The recipe sounds delicious =)

Take care.
(((HUGS)))

Renie Burghardt said...

Dear Audrey,

I'm doing well, thank the Lord. Thank you for visiting and your kind comment. Holiday blessings,

Renie










Hi Ann,

The meme got me into a Christmas frame of mind. Thank you for commenting. I hope all is well in your world.

Holiday cheers,

Renie

2 LMZ FARMS said...

Morning Ms.Renie, hope this finds you doing well. Thanks for the crossed fingers. We didn't do good at the first show but we did kick tale at the rodeo. Sure do apperciate the thoughts. Hope you and yours have a blessed day.
Laura

audrey` said...

Dearest Renie

Thank you so much for the name of the original singer of the meaningful song "He has got the whole world, in His hands" =)
I'm very grateful for your most speedy help.
You make my day, my friend.

(((HUGS)))

Mary said...

Renie,

I am thankful that you took part in the meme. It's wonderful to learn about all of your traditions both in America and Hungary.

Thanks for the recipe. I'm going to try that. I bet the boys will love them.

I would give anything to have your "live" Christmas ornaments in my yard. They are precious gifts.

Take care and enjoy the season.

Blessings,
Mary

Renie Burghardt said...

Laura,

I just read your exciting account at the rodeo last nigt. You did fantastic, and I could hear you hollering all the way in the Ozarks! Lol.

Thank you for your always nice comments.

Christmas blessings,

Renie





Dear Audrey,
I'm so glad I could help. Good thing I'm old enought to remember that far back. Lol.

Hugs,

Renie







Mary,

I'm glad you enjoyed the meme answers. Actually, I didn't say too much about Hungary, just that it was different, and that it was. Christmas was less commercial and more oriented on the real meaning of Christmas, in Hungary. Santa wasn't a part of Christmas, our presents were from the Christ Child, and they were simple. But families got together, and going to Midnight Mass, and Sunday morning services was all a big part of it. And roast goose was the choice for Christmas dinner.

So long ago....


Thanks so much for visiting and leaving such a nice comment.

Christmas Blessings,

Renie

Mary said...

Renie,

How wonderful that the gifts you received in Hungary were from the Christ child. I would love to hear more about your childhood Christmas traditions. Why don't you do a story? I'm sure all of your readers would be interested.

Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on my latest photos of the snow and Meeko.

Blessings,
Mary

Renie Burghardt said...

Mary,

Maybe I will write a little about Christmas in Hungary. The problem was the war, of course, it interrupted everything, and all we were concerned about is staying safe, wherever we were. But before the war intensified, we had wonderful Christmases.

I enjoyed your snow and Meeko pictures. Although snow turns everything pristine and beautiful, I would rather do without it around here! The hills make it nice for sledding, but not so nice for driving. Lol.

It's been a treat to have you commenting again. Have a nice evening.

Christmas blessings,

Renie

Merle said...

Hi again Renie ~~ Thank you for your comments and I am glad you enjoyed The Best Dad ~ it was a nice story.
Glad you enjoyed the jokes too and thanks for your kind words about my blog. I think our Christmas meal is much like yours, Roast turkey and Pork with roast vegies etc and Plum pudding, though personally I like Pavlova for dessert as it is usually very hot. Then we have salads and left overs for the next day or so. I still cook myself a hot meal for every day. I cook a heap at once and put some dinners in the freezer and some in fridge.
Then have a few days off cooking.
Take care, my friend, Love, Merle.

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl said...

Just wanted to let you know I sent a little "link love" your way via my latest post :-)

Smiles,
Michele

Deborah Wilson said...

Renie,

A good meme - maybe I will do one in a few days, although a little different. First, I have to find my snowman! I forgot where I put him...

I can't imagine a Christmas without "Blue Christmas" by Elvis.

Thanks for the recipe, I'll try it out for the girls..:)

Deborah Wilson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deborah Wilson said...

Renie - A note -

My comment showed up twice so I deleted the last one. Blogger has been acting up since last night, I've having a time with the photos.
For some reason, whenever you click on the photos for a larger view, my photo program wants to download them instead of linking to the larger blogger view/page.

I posted this just in case anyone else is having this problem...

Renie Burghardt said...

Dear Merle,

Pavlova must be a delicious cold desert, right? I have never had Plum Pudding, although I have seen recipes for it.

I guess Christmas dinners are about the same whether it's cold or hot outside.

I usually cook like you, Merle. Make enough to put in the freezer and fridge, and have a day or two off from cooking.

Thank you for visiting and commenting. Have a great Tuesday!

Love,

Renie







Hi Michele,

Thank you for the "link love!" You are sweet to include me. And what a nice gesture!

Hugs,

Renie








Deborah,

Oh, I love Blue Christmas, too! And White Christmas, and just about any of the Christmas songs out there.

I'm looking forward to your Christmas meme.


Christmas blessings,

Renie

Karen H. said...

Good Evening Renie,
I do hope you bundled up today while you went shopping. It was a very cold day here. The high only got up to 45 degrees here. It's back down to 35 degrees right now. I kept waiting to see if you posted, but silly me, I forgot you were going shopping. Oh well, it beez that way sometimes. LOL. I hope you finished your Christmas shopping today. I have 1 down and a couple of more presents for the girls to go. Well, take care my friend and have a great evening. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Karen,

I still haven't done a new post. Hope to take some pictures tomorrow and then post something. Yes, we went on a shopping frenzy today! Lol. At least, that's what my son called it. I call it FUN! Lol. And yes, I'm done. Now I have to get several things boxed up to mail off. Tomorrow I'll be heading out again, but will take my camera along. Have to finish some writing still, tonight. Not enough time in a day, it seems.

Hope your husband feels much better!

Take care and God bless.

Renie

Tina Coruth said...

Renie,

Great answers to the Twelve Questions of Christmas meme! This seems like a fun meme. I will try to fill one out this week.

Hugs,
Tina

Anna said...

Renie; thank you so much for stopping by my blog and Happy Thanksgiving to you too a little late (sorry)just checked it today...You have a nice blog loved the kittys and the tree and the twelve christmas questions (how fun)I will definnately be back to visit you soon...
Anna

Leann said...

just stopped by to say hi.

Linda said...

Lovely Christmas thoughts! I'm going to try that meme! Thanks!

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl said...

Hi again, Renie :-)

I forgot to mention that the candy recipe sounds great, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new photo of you and Eileen!

Thanks for sharing!

Smiles,
Michele

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Tina,

I hope you do the meme. They are fun and put you in a Christmas frame of mind. Of course, a bunch of snow will also do that, won't it? I heard on the news there is lots of it, too, in your neck of the woods. Lol. Thank you for commenting. I always enjoy your visits.

Holiday cheers,

Renie









Hi Anna,

It's so nice to hear from you. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and from reading your Mom's account of hers, you all did as well.

Thank you for coming by, and the nice words on my little blog. I look forward to visiting with you.

Christmas blessings,

Renie






Hi Leann!

So nice to hear from you, as always. Will be over visiting with you soon.

Hugs,

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Linda,

I hope you do the meme. Thanks so much for visiting. Hope you come by again.

Holiday cheers,

Renie









Hi Michele,

My daughter took that picture of Eileen and me on my boiday! Lol. Thanks so much for your nice comment about it. We don't look too bad for two oldies, do we? Lol.

Hugs,

Renie

Jmkdreak said...

you do not wait to open your gifts!
you open immediately!
hope you do a story about Hungary,
the girls and I would love to read it.


xox

Tina Coruth said...

Hi Renie,

I'm back. LOL I just wanted to let you know that I posted the meme. It is a lot of fun!

I love your photos of Christmas Eve 1966 and of you and Eileen! :-)

Hugs,
Tina

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Tina,

That photo in 1966 was on Christmas Eve, just before bedtime, so my kids had their pajamas on. And my daughter took the picture of Eileen and me on my birthday, two weeks ago. Thank you for the nice comment on both photos.

Just been by you and read and enjoyed your answers to the Christmas meme. I'm so glad you did the meme.

Christmas Hugs,

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Hey, sweetie,

Do you have to give my vices away? That's not nice! Lol.

xoxoxo