Student-athlete holiday memories: Meredith McLendon

Meredith McLendon will be one of four seniors on the softball team this season. The 5-foot-8 infielder played in all 46 games last season and led the team in batting average, hitting .317 with four home runs and 21 RBI.

Here are some of her favorite holiday memories:

Did you believe in Santa Claus as a child?

Yes, I did.

What is your first Christmas memory?

When I was younger, maybe when I was 5 or 6, one thing that stuck out was I saw (my brothers and I) all had the same bags that were from Santa. The next day, I went to my parents’ room and all the bags were sitting there where they had taken them apart and put all of our stuff in it.

What was the best gift you ever got?

Hands down, it was my iPod Nano in sixth grade. I thought it was so cool.

What was the worst gift you ever got?

Probably the shirt and sweater I got from my granny. It was handmade and she put so much thought into it, but I’ve never worn it and I don’t even know where it is now.

What is one family tradition you will carry on when you start a family?

Definitely decorating the Christmas cookies because it will be a thing all of us can do.

When do you start listening to Christmas music: the start of November or a few days before Dec. 25?

Definitely a few days before Christmas. I’m the person that makes sure Thanksgiving needs to be celebrated and then Christmas comes after.

What is the one song that makes it feel like the holidays?

I don’t know why, but Last Christmas by Wham! I love that one.

What is your go-to holiday movie?

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

What is your favorite part of The 12 Days of Christmas?

Probably the five golden rings.

What is the one dish you have to have for it to feel like Christmas?

We do spaghetti and lasagna. We do Italian food every single year. Spaghetti and Caesar salad. If we have that, I know it’s a good Christmas.

What is your least favorite holiday side dish?

I like all food, but probably Brussels sprouts. I am not a fan.

Do you unwrap gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Both. We have family Christmas so if we go to my grandparents’ house, we open them there and then we open some on Christmas Day.