The kick off..

The other night I went to my first holiday pot-luck for the season with my running group. Lights lead the way to the front door, the house was adorned with greenery and the tree was up and beautiful. We all noted how we scrubbed up pretty good, when we weren't donning wick away clothing. A lovely meal was made with everyone's contributions, along with the yummiest trifle and assortment of home-made cookies for dessert.

Mall parking lots are already crazy busy, as I scour for a parking spot. The stores are hot, crowded and line-ups to pay will now be the norm for the next month.

Driving in the city on a Saturday is the opposite of what it's like on a long weekend in the summer —it's now a permanent rush hour.

Events and get-togethers are being marked on the calender.

It's official, the holiday season is upon us, 'cause I saw Donner and Blitzen today making a quick appearance to show they are ready for their upcoming journey.

Donner, left,  and Blitzen, along with their handler.