Memelicious

Below my apartment window, children from the neighborhood cheerfully play. Public schools have closed for the holidays and they are clearly enjoying their freedom. As I listen to their laughter and games, I think to myself, “Isn’t there some factory where they could be working?”

I leave in a couple days for New Mexico to spend the holidays with my family. “GayProf,” I hear you saying, “Before you go, we must know how the most desirable man on the blogosphere spends his holidays.” Fear not, kiddies, all your questions will be answered via a meme found at Cooper’s:

Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? You can have Hot Chocolate anytime, but Eggnog is only around once per year. Moreover, one has liquor, the other does not. What do you think?

Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Santa used to leave gifts in a stocking by the fireplace. Isn’t that his deal? Why would he leave them under the tree? That’s just crazy talk.

Colored lights on tree/house or white? I like clear.

Do you hang mistletoe? Yes, when I decorate (which I did not do this year). One never knows when Anderson Cooper might pop into your apartment. I believe in being ready.

When do you put your decorations up? When I decorate, I usually set things up around December 15.

What is your favorite Christmas dish? Tamales



Favorite Christmas memory as a child? My oldest sister would always wake us up as early as possible to start going through our stockings. Unlike the presents under the tree, my parents allowed us to see what Santa left before they woke-up (my parents liked the extra sleep). My sister’s excitement was infectious, even if it appeared at three in the morning. From what I understand, she currently makes her seven-year-old son get up at about the same time.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I can’t remember if it was second or third grade, but several classmates and I were at a friend’s house shortly before Christmas. We weighed the possibilities, listened to testimony from both sides, and came to a conclusion. I didn’t find it particularly traumatic. Actually, I more remember not wanting my parents to be disappointed that I knew the truth.

What tops your tree? Usually an angel. Some years it’s Farah Fawcett, other years it’s Jacqueline Smith.



Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes – Usually my sisters and I would have spent the previous week debating which gift we would open December 24. This involved some serious calculations and estimations, including literally weighing some packages.

What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Santa didn’t get cookies. I think he had an early commitment to a low-carb diet.

Snow! Love it or hate it? Usually, I love snow. Since I left my car in Texas, however, I am more than fine with Boston’s mild winter this year. Given this city seems to have an anti-bus shelter agenda, I am content with the sunshine provided by global-warming.

Can you ice skate? I have only been ice-skating once in my life, my freshman year of college. To my recollection, I would say “no.”

Do you remember your favorite present? Mego Wonder Woman



What's the most important thing about Christmas to you? The holidays designate a period when we consciously reflect on the important people in our lives and express our love for them. Or, maybe it’s all the gifts. Whatever.

What is your favorite holiday dessert? New Mexico state law requires that I say biscochitos. Only, though, if they are made with brandy and lard. Don’t try to pass off a dry, teetotaler, lump of a cookie on me. I want a holiday cookie that will wreck your health all in one go.

Favorite tradition? I always liked the satisfaction of creating and arranging luminarias (really called farolitos, but that is another story). Normally I detested physical labor as a child. Spending most of Christmas Eve, however, filling bags with sand, coming up with interesting ways to arrange them, and then lighting them never felt like work.



Now, though, luminarias have become too common, electric, and plastic. Thank you, commercialism, for destroying a regionally-specific tradition. Eh – Given my parents moved to the mountains, where luminarias would be a serious forest-fire hazard, it’s moot anyway.

Which do you prefer - giving or receiving? I am versatile.

What is your favorite Christmas Carol? "2,000 Miles" by the Pretenders



Candy Canes? Maybe one per year. I don’t tend to like sugar-candy – only chocolate.

Before heading out, I will offer these last bloggy things. Editors at Time magazine decided to make a joke of their publication by naming “you” as person of the year. Tell me somebody isn’t going to be fired for that.

Being helpful, here are my recommendations for who would have been better choices (hat-tip to Red Turtles for the link to the template):

Zorro:



Laura Roslin, President of the Colonies



It goes without saying:



Of course, the most worthy:



Happy Holidays and Safe Travels, My Blogger Friends!