Questionnaire

I enjoy reading magazines, everything from Good Housekeeping to the Smithsonian. The articles are fairly short and can be easily read when I am in between books or too distracted to focus on a plot line. I like to peruse recipes, travel to far away places and imagine that I might someday really get organized.

One popular feature of many magazines is the questionnaire. After answering and scoring a few questions, you can discover your personality type, clothing style and whether or not you are a ventriloquist wanna-be. Sometimes I agree with the results, but most of the time I am like most entities and just manipulate the data to match what I think the results should be.

A questionnaire I have not seen is one determining your Christmas holiday style. Here is my version of what it might look like. Feel free to score yourself and discover whether you are a Santa, Elf or Scrooge.

1. Decorating Style

a. I start decorating for Christmas in July. I’m always on the lookout for new ornaments and holiday trappings. No corner shall be unadorned.

b. I start decorating around Thanksgiving time. I use what I have in my Christmas storage bins and I like to add a few new things from the after Christmas sales.

c. I have a Hy-Vee plastic sack with a few Christmas knick-knacks that I received as gifts. Easy to set up and quick to take down.

2. Christmas Tree

a. My trees have themes and are color coordinated. I like to have different sizes and styles scattered throughout the house. I love the fragrance of balsam and pine.

b. I have an artificial tree in one of my bins and a collection of ornaments and white lights. My tree stands in the corner of the main living space so we can all enjoy it during the holiday season.

c. I print out a picture of a Christmas tree and hang it on the wall. I update it each year.

3. Christmas Cards

a. I start taking photographs of my family in matching outfits and Mount Rushmore in the background as soon as possible. I include a newsletter with poetry, recipes and a special section featuring family awards and travels. All letters are in the mail by December 1.

b. I send a card and a brief family update to my closest friends and relatives. Sometimes I include a picture and I like to personally sign each card that goes out.

c. I update my Facebook profile.

4. Christmas Gifts

a. I personally match each gift with the wants and desires of the recipients. Everyone from my great aunt to the boy who packs my groceries receives a precious treasure.

b. I purchase gifts for family members. I am a big fan of exchanging names and setting a dollar limit on purchases.

c. I like to twirl the gift card carousel and one stop shop.

5. Gift wrapping

a. I have wrapping paper with different textures and themes. Ribbons and bows are carefully coordinated with the paper style and age of the recipient. My packages are works of art.

b. I use a combination of gift bags and wrapping paper. I like to have a few rolls of different paper for some wrapping variety and my bows usually come from an assortment package.

c. I use an envelope for the gift cards. I have one jumbo roll of discounted wrapping paper that I use every year if I have to wrap a gift. I slap on a bow if I can find one from last year that is not too squished.

Give yourself 3 points for every (a); 2 points for every (b); 1 point for every (c)

If you scored 12-15 points, you are a Santa. You own this holiday. Pour yourself another cup of coffee because you are going to need it.

If you scored 6-11 points, you are an Elf. You are willing to climb on board the sleigh of holiday happenings and ride with it. Pour yourself another glass of apple cider. The Vitamin C will help keep you healthy.

If you scored 0-5 points, you are a Scrooge. Pour yourself another glass of seltzer water and remember that this too shall pass.

I hope you enjoyed the questionnaire. You’ll have to excuse me now as I have a tree to put up.