Christmas Around the World Questionnaire

We know you have all been waiting patiently (thank you!) for the questionnaire! As today is the first official day of the swap, we are ready to post it for all of you to complete and enjoy. You'll notice that there's 25 questions......one for each of the 25 days of the Christmas season!
1. Are you religious?
Not particularly, I have faith but more of a private nature.
2.How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a beginner,intermediate or advanced?
Since I was a very young girl, almost 40 years.I am definitely advanced
3.Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting?
Nearly all crafts, biking, skiing,running
4.Favorite color(s)?
Currently, rich jewel colors, purple, burgundy, green
5.Do you collect anything?
Antique glass, Mr Potatoe Head, Eiffel Towers, Christmas Spode
6.Are you allergic to any fibers or animals?
No
7.Do you have any pets?
No
8.Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
Yes,yes and yes
9.Cookies or Sweets?
Actually cookies
10.Do you knit socks?
Constantly
11.If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits)
Socks, Aran knits, Fair Isles
12.Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do?
Yes, an artificial tree 9 1/2 feet tall. I don't like the smell of pine and am the daughter of a fire fighter so real trees are not my favorite. I have had many though.
13.Favorite holiday treats?
Ribbon candy, I haven't seen it in awhile and the filled hard candies, very difficult to find.
14.Favorite holiday smells?
Cinnamon
15.Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate.
I am sure it is unconventional as I am a hospital worker and frequently have to work. But after 30 years I have stoppedd agreeing to. The tree goes up early in the month as DS2 has a birthday of Dec 3 and I like it up then. Presents go under as wrapped.
16.What are your favorite holiday traditions?
When the boys were young there would be a stack of red wrapped gifts from Mrs Claus, when DS1 was maybe 4 he asked that she no longer use ribbon as it took too long. The boys have two identical ornaments. They have been told every year no matter how old or when they hang their ornaments or where they live that when they hang this particular ornament they are to stop and call the other and wish Merry Christmas. The ornaments are getting battered bu they still put that ornament aside until they see one another so they can say Merry Christmas. They have their ornments stored seperate from ours so when they do go out on their own they will have quite a collection to hang on their own trees.
17.Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....”
The family,
18.If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….?
Made of mercury glass, I have many and always hung them on the tree even when the boys were little
19.What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given?

20.When do you start your Christmas?
December 3,actually thinking about it all year long
21.Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them?
Not always, then sometimes buy, sometimes make
22.What is your favorite Christmas dish?
Rice pudding
23.Carolers are at your door. What do you do?
Has never happened but I am sure I would listen and thank them
24.When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning?
Generally the morning, but I am a hospital worker so it can vary
25.Do you celebrate with family or friends or both?
Family