It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

Just kicked off the holiday season in style and officially joined the masses of Christmas shoppers. The first holiday Newbury sojourn of the season. Not a whole lot of shopping though, just a scouting trip and simply taking the splendor in.

The trees festooned with white lights, holiday music coming from every direction, DD and Starbucks serving up their respective eggnog lattes, even the panhandlers seemed to be in a better mood. Hmm... didn't hear any Salvation Army bells, I'll have to check out a less posh area this week for that. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I adore holiday shopping. As long as it's not the day after Thanksgiving, I don't mind it at all. Well I guess that because my game plan tends to eschew malls in favor of little shops and boutiques. Sure it could be a bit pricier, but no one wants another set of Bath & Body Work's scented bath oils. Bonuses include not fighting for a mall parking spot, less children in my general vicinity and being greeted with a smile by the cutest employee as I take off my scarf and mittens. And most importantly instead of food court Chinese I can stop for hot mulled cider and bowls of Pho the size of my head. You will not break me harsh winter air!

And while I'm in the holiday mood what's wrong with self-gratification? Can't start shopping for anyone else if all I can think of is those kicks. But I've been eyeing them for a while. Plus they will be one of a kind and for a limited time only. Dammit I pay my taxes! I don't have to explain myself. Mmmm... Mongolian BBQ, Puma style.