Christmas Around The World Swap

When Mikey, my awesome swap partner from round one of the Knitter's Coffee Swap, told me about this swap, I couldn't help but want to join. Christmas is my second favorite holiday!

Here's the Questionnaire, for whomever will be my partner:

1. Are you religious?
   Not particularly.
   
2. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?
   I've been knitting for three or four years now. I think I'd call my self Intermediate.
   
3. Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting?
   I dabble in baking, sewing, dying yarn, embroidery, and cross-stitch.
   
4. Favorite color(s)?
   Red. And light blue. And light green. Just not all together.
   
5. Do you collect anything?
   Yarn! :) Also, coffee mugs.
   
6. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals?
   I am terribly allergic to mohair and angora. Certain wools really bother me too. Lopi makes me break out in hives, but stuff like Cascade 220 or Merino Wools don't bother me at all.
   
7. Do you have any pets?
   Yes. One Kitten (Starbuck), and one dog (Peaches), there's also Mittens, my brother's cat that lives with us.
   
8. Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
   Mostly coffee, but once in a while a cup of hot tea is rather nice.
   
9. Cookies or Sweets?
   I'm not huge on the sweets. I'll have one here and there, but I'm more inclined to eat a cookie over a piece of candy.
   
10. Do you knit socks?
    Yes!
    
11. If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits)
    I really enjoy knitting socks most. I always have at least one pair on the needles.
    
12. Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do?
    I put up a Christmas Tree.
    
13. Favorite holiday treats?
    Christmas cookies.
    
14. Favorite holiday smells?
    The smell of cookies baking.
    
15. Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate.
    Well traditionally my family and I celebrate on Christmas Eve because when we were younger we would have to leave at the crack of dawn to go up to my grandparents house on Christmas day. Now that my grandparents, and most of my extended family have moved to Florida over the last few years, we still celebrate that way because it's what we've always done. Christmas Day, my siblings and I go around to our various close friend's houses to spend time with them and their families, before we all meet up again in the evening for a big holiday bash.
    
16. What are your favorite holiday traditions?
    Knitxcore has a classy Christmas Party every year that I always look forward to. Another tradition I really enjoy is putting up the Christmas Tree and decorations at work. And of course, baking cookies and shopping for gifts.
    
17. Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....”
    Making people presents.
    
18. If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….?
    One of those classic glass balls, but with a really cool twist, maybe some glitter on it, or in a bright jewel tone you wouldn't normally think to use for Christmas.
    
19. What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given?
    My favorite gift I ever received was the story Joe wrote me last year. He's such a talented writer, and to receive something so personal was awesome.
    
20. When do you start your Christmas?
    Usually the week before Christmas I start with the friends. Then Christmas Eve with my family.
    
21. Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them?
    I buy them.
    
22. What is your favorite Christmas dish?
    Mashed potatoes.
    
23. Carolers are at your door. What do you do?
    I'm probably not home. But if I am, offer them cookies.
    
24. When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning?
    Christmas Eve.
    
25. Do you celebrate with family or friends or both?
    Both.