Saturday 9

SATURDAY 9: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 From the archives

1. If you could ask Santa for anything at all, right now, what would it be? Shoes that don't pinch. On Black Friday I ordered a pair of shoes. I was told they wear well once you break them in. I've been breaking them in – so now I'd feel guilty returning them – but they aren't wearing well. If for some reason Santa doesn't come through, I will be at the shoe store in search of comfort.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there? I'd put me on the Nice List. I try to be kind.

3. Are you traveling this Christmas? If so, are you going by car, plane or train? I'm flying to Grand Rapids to spend Christmas with my niece, her husband and Baby Violet. (It's Violet's first Christmas!)

4. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If yes, which one traveled the farthest? My cousin Rose is getting a Funko Pop Yoda for her Star Wars collection. (Chicago to Tampa: 1,145 miles.) My oldest friend is getting a gift card for pizza. She's spending the holidays with her daughter and I hope she uses it to spring for dinner one evening between Christmas and New Year's. (Chicago to Los Angeles: 2,030 miles.)

5. Did you buy yourself a gift this year? I just ordered myself a shirt from gift shop at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. I visited that memorial twice and loved it dearly. I want a souvenir with the logo on it before it's defiled.

6. Which do you prefer: candy canes or gingerbread? Gingerbread.

7. Can you see any holiday decorations from where you're sitting now? There are 16 Christmas cards on my door. They make me happy.

8. What's your favorite winter beverage? I'd like some Bailey's Irish Creme. I'm a grown up, and so I shall have some.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas. It was 12 months ago that my niece and her hubs told us they were ready to adopt. Both the state agency and their lawyer said it could take "up to 3 years." Just six months later, in June, Violet joined our family! Talk about your Christmas miracles.