Tis the Season

I'll be the first to admit that I absolutely abhor the fact that Christmas advertising starts before Halloween. I hate going into stores before Thanksgiving and seeing all the trappings of the season yet to come. There was a big inflatable Santa in front of a UPS store this morning and I so wanted to pop it.

But that said, I am so getting into the holiday spirit. I'm very excited for Thanksgiving this year, especially because we're going to be joined by the lovely and vivacious Buck. For the last 15 plus years we've spent the holiday with my family but that tradition is changing (owing a lot to the fact that The Spouse has to work on the Friday after Thanksgiving and it's really become a stressor to try and rush down to the folks and then rush back. Hi, have you ever been in holiday traffic?) We'll miss the fam but it's going to be awesome to start our own tradition in this regard. Buck being with us is going to make it that much more special.

And, while we aren't going full bore on the Christmas thing, what with wanting to celebrate Thanksgiving and Advent first, thankyouverymuch, there are little plans afoot: settling on the menu and inviting guests and thinking about what sorts of gifties we'd like to shower on those in attendance (including The Hat...oh, the joy of family holidays frosted with Blogtopian goodness...we're so lucky).

But the holiday season is, for good and for ill, most definitely upon us and the magic of this time is palpable. There is much giddiness and delight in the family these days for lo, the best and most magical of holiday celebrations begins this Friday.

"What?," says you? "I'm looking at my calendar and see nothing. Unless you people get giddy about Veteran's Day?"

No, gentle and silly reader, not Veteran's Day...although who doesn't love a nice three day weekend? No, the feast of which I speak, the celebration which is getting us revved up is none other than the sacred and much adored celebration of Iwanskifest. Yes. On Friday we will receive our box o' gout from Tastes of Chicago and embark on a four day frenzy of eating in honor of our personal hero, John Iwanski.

This year is even more anticipated than last year. It is not unlike, I'm sure, how someone would feel who had always celebrated Christmas but never believed in Jesus. A nice enough holiday but missing some essence. And then that person becomes a believer and suddenly Christmas is more than tinsel and presents. Last year we celebrate Iwanskifest because it seemed like a good excuse for a party. But now, having actually met the man and been in his presence, it will be so much more meaningful.

Plus this year The Neighbor will actually be in town so she'll be able to join us if she wishes. Good times.

Now I must away to finish preparations. There is the Iwanski calendar to create and garlands of beer cans to string. Busy busy.

Oh, and sorry I'm so late posting, for those of you who have your deadlines. I was busy spending the morning resigning from things.