HODGEPODGE DECEMBER 4

 1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'? On a scale of 1-10 how is yours this year? (10=off the charts, 1=still looking for it)

I would say 1. maybe it will come later. 

2. What's your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why. 

The only thing which comes into my mind, is the song "Rock around the Christmas tree", and the French movie, which has become a classical "Le père Noël est une ordure" (Santa Claus is a stinker). It's a hilarious comedy, a bit dark humor, but we watched it each year, it became a family tradition.

3. Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition? 

Yes, it is a tradition in Germany, less in Belgium, I am not a fan of ginger bread. 

In some German regions a ginger bread house is a must. Cookies anyway.

4. Much of our vocabulary is determined by where we live or where we grew up. What say you-

sprinkles or jimmies? lightning bugs or fireflies? soda or pop? sneakers, trainers, or tennis shoes? sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero? freeway, highway, or motorway? frosting or icing? sauce or gravy?

This is a rather difficult task for me. I only know the words I learned at school or with English speaking friends. So I would say sprinkles, lightning bugs, soda, sneakers (or tennis shoes) hero, highway and motorway, frosting, and sauce. (or gravy)

5. Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood.

In Germany when I was little, it was not Father Christmas who brought gifts, but the baby Jesus, and not on the 25th morning but the 24th evening. 

Do you need help little Jesus ?  

 

I was not allowed in the room, until around 6 pm when a little bell was ringing which meant that now I could enter (storm into) the room ! The first thing I did was running to the open window to see baby Jesus flying away, but unfortunately I always missed him ! A tragedy of my Christmas.  

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm completely lost, unsure where and how I should celebrate Christmas, or even if I should celebrate at all.  I can't go to Amsterdam because my son is renovating his house and doesn't know if it will be finished. Besides, I don't know if I'll be able to go because of my illness. So I avoid thinking about it. I wish I could work magic and suddenly be in warm springtime and all this Christmas nonsense would be over. But everywhere you look there are Santa Clauses and angels, stars and garlands, and I have given my heart at Christmas, or at least that's what I keep hearing, because my heart is gone with Rick.