Seven things that let me know its the holiday season

1. I am madly trying to figure out what to make for presents... and maybe finishing two of the twelve I had planned.
2. Massive amounts of cookie baking and potlucks
3. I take a break from thinking lots of lights on are a waste of energy and see the twinklies and think.... oooooh pretty!
4. I answer questions about my birthday being so close to Christmas and lie through my teeth saying, "Well, its not that bad."
5. I am spending 9 hours in a car heading west.
6. Sometimes there is this vibe from a crowd of people. One that is not unkind, and I like to think they are thinking about others... what they can do for other people. And I want to hug them all. This one is a little more intangible... but it happens and I can't help but smile a little.
7. Everything is better when its scented with cinnamon, ginger and pine. Both real, no fakies allowed.