It used to be that the Christmas season started the weekend after Thanksgiving. Now, at least in the U.S., it appears we're beginning the day after Halloween. Our country is so insane!

Today we went to get fruit smoothies at Jamba Juice before Steve and Alberto both got haircuts. We walked into Jamba Juice to the jazzy tune of "It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together." More surreal here in Southern California where there's absolutely no chance of snow and just last week it was 95 degrees.

On the way home from haircuts, conversation turned to Christmas. We try really hard, especially with religious holidays, to emphasize the actual meaning of the holiday...but you all know how that can go with a 3 year old who has caught on to the present receiving quality of Christmas in particular. My husband and I bought Alberto a bike to give him for Christmas. (We love yard sales!) I have to admit we're both very excited to give him the bicycle. So, my husband decided to tell him that he can expect to get a present for Christmas. Oh, this was exciting news and he had to tell mommy. Then he was quiet for a while before announcing "I'm gonna have a lunchable for Christmas too!"

Poor kid eats too healthy I guess!

This reminds me of a story my sister told me. When her kids were younger, they took a trip to the mall to see Santa, sit on his lap and divulge to him their Christmas wishes. As the line slowly advanced, the clock ticked off morning hours and marched towards lunch time. Sarah, the third oldest hopped onto Santa's lap when it was finally her turn. At Santa's gentle prompting, she revealed all she wanted for Christmas was -- a bologna sandwich and some juice. So much for all the hoopla!

Have a great November, just day by day!