What do you love the most about the holidays?
The holidays are always about family and getting together with those you love.
What do you find challenging about the holidays?
I don’t like shopping for gifts last minute and try to plan ahead so that I have time for Holiday festivities rather than getting stuck in traffic, crowds, and last-minute shopping
How do you cope with last minute stress?
The Holiday stress is like any other event-related stress. With holiday stress you have the added pressure of exchanging gifts, having or going to special holiday events, and looking your best for holiday parties. The best way to cope is to plan early: buy your gifts early, plan your holiday party early, find that perfect dress early so that you don’t have the stress of that last minute dreaded feeling that revolves around “I forgot!” or “I don’t have what I need!”
What is one of your favorite memories from your childhood surrounding the holidays?
I always loved going out to find the perfect Christmas tree and to bring it home and decorate it. That smell of freshly cut pine or fir branches instantly puts me in a holiday mood.
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
My mother always made a very lovely dinner on Christmas Eve and I always remember the special foods that she would make. Decorating our house, along with bringing home the Christmas tree always put me in a holiday mood and was always a sign that festive things would be happening inside the house.
What has been your most cherished holiday gift received and why?
One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was when my nephew and godson made me a beautiful multicolored hand-blown glass bowl. It was so artistic and creative, and I put it on my desk and I have never taken it away since. I use it for everything, as a candy dish, to hold flowers, to hold small objects and it’s one of the most useful and beautiful things I have.
What was the best gift you’ve ever given and why?
For family, I always try to find something that would personally appeal to them since I know them well. For friends, I try to envision something new that they might not have. For associates and business gifts I like to give holiday treats such as candy or baked goods. For everyone else, I always send homemade applesauce from an orchard we have in the country.
Do you have any favorite holiday dishes?
My absolute favorite holiday dish is sweet potato with marshmallows, nuts, and brown sugar.
What are the must-haves in your holiday décor?
A Christmas tree and red and white poinsettia plants clustered around the house.
What are your favorite winter activities this holiday season? Skiing or ice skating?
My favorite winter activities are watching the little grandchildren learn to ski. We’ll be doing that by going to the mountains this holiday and there is nothing like watching a 3 year old get the thrill of skiing down a baby slope.
