I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!

I admit it, I'm a bit of a sucker for all of the holiday buzz.  While I agree with most reasonable people that the holiday decor popping up in retail stores as early as mid-October is a bit excessive... I have to say that I am eagerly awaiting the passage of Thanksgiving so that I can pull out the decorations and holiday music without feeling like a crazy person.  The other day I almost bought a new skirt for the Christmas tree, but had to restrain myself.  Must.. wait.. until November 26th...

As much as I enjoy other holidays (see Meggopotamus), I have to say that Christmas is by far my favorite.  Or, better yet, the weeks leading up to and surrounding Christmas are my favorite.  It's not so much the holiday itself (to be honest, the religious underpinnings are of no real significance to me), but it's the buzz around it.  It's holiday parties and warm slippers and enjoying and appreciating the people around us.  And dressing dogs up in reindeer antlers.

I know it's not very hip of me, but I love Christmas music.  My iTunes library boasts more Christmas-themed selections than it does cheesy 80's songs... and trust me, that's really saying something about quantity.  I love decorating the house with lights and shiny ornaments.  I love the smell of hot chocolate and honeybaked ham and cinnamon rolls.  I love those damned Mint Chocolate M&Ms that are only available during this time of year.  I love coming up with offbeat and thoughtful gifts for people.  I love watching Christmas movies (both the good ones and the horrible ones).  I love wrapping presents.  I love making fun of Delilah's ridiculously sappy Christmas radio broadcasts.  And I love remembering all of these things from every past holiday season, and looking forward to them for the next.

So c'mon, Black Friday, I need you to hurry up and be my excuse to let my holiday cheer spill forth!