Meredith: A white elephant, duh! [Y’all are a bunch of literalists! – ed.]
Danny: Another white elephant? Wait, they didn’t say this was gonna be on the test.
Scott: Silver picture frame. [Care to explain, Scott? Are you secretly a werewolf? – ed.]
Abby: A sleeve of saltine crackers wrapped in really pretty paper.
Cayla: A FRUITCAKE.
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What’s the weirdest gift anyone ever gave you?
Cayla: A FRUITCAKE.
Danny: A paisley elephant.
Abby: I can't think of any that stick out in my mind. I have given many odd gifts... my favorite this year is a fuzzy pink monster puppet. The recipient is 30 and she is going to LOVE it.
Meredith: A box of tampons.
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What do you like to do in Austin at this time of year?
Cayla: Shop for local stuff on South Congress!
Claire: Sing Christmas music! Especially descants!
Danny: Apparently, I like to give concerts! Oh, and I do like the weather, usually, except when it’s 80 or so….
John: It's family time.
Meredith: Take allergy medicine and go on hikes!
Scott: Not be hot.
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From pipers piping to partridges in pear trees, which of the 12 days of Christmas is your favorite and why?
Abby: FIVE GOLD RINGS!!!! Because of Miss Piggy's contribution in the Muppets' Christmas album.
Claire: I hate to be a scrooge, but bah humbug! Refer to #2. [Question about the worst holiday pop song.]
Scott: The 13th day upon which I rest.
Meredith: I think "seven swans a swimming," although I wouldn't want to clean up after them.
Becky: Five gold rings - I'm a jewelry hound.
Cayla: Three French hens. I don't know why. They sound happy.
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On a scale of 1 to 10, how much would you freak out if it snowed right now?
Abby: If by "freak out" you mean throw a temper tantrum because I'm supposed to camp next week...I'd say a level 7 freak out, and a sad face.
Becky: I'm a Texas native. Nothing in Texas weather surprises me or freaks me out. Now, finding a snake or a scorpion inside the house is a whole other story.
Cayla: 2. I'm not easily impressed.
Scott: -1, i.e. not at al! Snow, snow, snow!!!!!!!!
Danny: In general, I'd give it a 4.5.
Meredith: 10!!!! That would be so awesome! Especially if the snow actually stuck to the ground. =D [I think Meredith would be freaking out in the good way! –ed.]
John: I love the snow. I'll be out making snowmen and having snowball fights.
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Specifically for out-of-towners: What do you like about coming to work with TEMP?
Becky: TEMP has quite a few 'closet' stand up comedians. [This questionnaire proves that pretty well! – ed.] A great sense of humor in rehearsals is a blessing when you have a lot of music material to cover in a short amount of time. Specifically what I love about coming to work with TEMP for the December concerts is that I get my annual "fix" hearing Stephanie Prewett sing "Balooloo, my lammie." There is something exquisitely comforting about the way she sings it. At different times all through the year when I am having a tough day, the memory of her singing "Balooloo" will replay in my mind like being wrapped up in a warm blanket.
Abby: TEMP is awesome...no, really. I get the chance to sing some amazing music with some of the most gorgeous voices I have ever heard. Not only is the musicianship outstanding, but everyone is so NICE! It is such an absolute honor to get to absorb some of this music and friendship even if only for a week per year.
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What is your favorite thing to do when you visit Austin?
Becky: Wheatsville Co-op, Instep (best shoe store in Texas, if not the world), and Blue Moon glassworks, Austin Flameworks, and Austin Art Glass to see the cool art glass and meet the wonderful artists.
Abby: Eat cheese enchiladas, hang out with friends, drink a margarita or three.