One giant holiday blur

When I noticed just how long it's been since I last posted, I tried to figure out where the time has gone. The past few weeks have flown by in a frenzy of Thanksgiving preparations, followed by a mad dash toward Christmas.

The other day I had one of those Christmas shopping miracles we all dream about. I drove to the far southwest side of Miami to start my day at Starbucks. Caffeine is vital for the kind of morning marathon I had in mind. From there I went to Barnes and Noble for gift cards and a couple of CDs. I was there when the doors opened at 9 a.m. In and out in twenty minutes.

From B&N, I headed further south and landed at Crate and Barrel and Williams-Sonoma precisely at ten, just in time for them to open. Bought a couple of presents, along with a gift a friend needed for his wife. Hightailed it out of there by 10:30 and headed back north.

Reached yet another mall, where I arrived just in time for Bath & Body Works to open at 11. Bought more gift cards along with little bottles of shower gel and body lotion to accompany them. Mission accomplished.

I was home on Key Biscayne by noon. Any of you who happen to know South Florida traffic will truly understand what a miracle of timing and efficiency this was. If only all of my shopping excursions had gone as smoothly. Alas, while the others were ultimately successful, they were also mired in the usual holiday frustration and chaos. It comes with the season.

But I am thrilled to announce, I am finished. Every gift has been wrapped and those destined for other states have been shipped. Every card had been addressed and mailed. Now, if only the temperature were somewhere below 80, I could settle back with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, put my favorite Christmas CDs on the stereo and sit back with some good holiday reading. The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Instead, it feels a little like I should be blasting tunes by the Beach Boys!

How are your holiday plans progressing? Have you found the perfect gifts for everyone on your list? Baked your family's favorite cookies? I'd love to hear about your special traditions. Post right here or join the discussion on my Facebook fan page.

In the meantime, I wish you all a season of miracles and the joy of family!