time, PLEASE slow down!

So I went into panic mode this week, did anyone else?

Okay, so it was more like today, but WOW. We've picked up a few things here and there over the last month or so, but I was so proud of myself, felt ahead of the game. Then today the realization hit, it's NOVEMBER 15th

Whaaaat? What in the world am I going to get these kids for Christmas! I know, I know...we keep preaching to them about it not being about the presents, but as a mom of two small kids, it's still a big deal. Less than two weeks to the start of advent, oh yeah, and Thanksgiving is thrown in there too! whoa. I feel behind now, way behind...
Okay, now my seasonal induced rant is over, back to the reason I've been so quiet. WORK, ha. Yes work, it's been crazy, but it's that time of year. I guess I don't feel festive yet, there's not even been a dusting of snow, and today I saw people stringing up their Christmas Lights everywhere. We still havn't brought in our patio furniture, and as a matter of fact, were using it today after church even. On November 15th.

It's been so unseasonably warm, that last week on my trip to Omaha, I had to buy a pair of flip-flops. It was that warm. I was even sweating in Denver. Denver that's already had over two and a half feet of snow, was in the high 50's last week, low 60's. Oh, and got over a foot this weekend too. I'm not saying I NEED snow to feel the seasonal mood, but yeah, a good dusting or two would sure go a long way. I know a few of you are moaning right now, but holy cow people, it's NOVEMBER, and I live in Pennsylvania for goodness sake. I've not needed more than a sweatshirt in the mornings in like three weeks. We've barely had frost....so maybe my seasonal rant isn't over. I'm designing Christmas Cards, and I'm NOT in the mood to be designing Christmas Cards. I don't FEEL festive yet.

Friday night we took the kids to the mall to see Santa's arrival. It was fabulous. Still didn't put me into Holiday mode yet. We stood and watched as Santa arrived, made sure Fionn saw him, saw how excited we all were, we made sure he saw Maggie run up and give him a big hug, then waved bye-bye to Santa as we watched him get set for his first child to sit on his lap this year. Still it didn't hit me, not until TODAY.
So now I had better get back to work, and think about what's quickly approaching, otherwise Christmas morning is going to be a sad day for our two kids. On a side note, at least I already bought their Christmas jammies, which we always give them on Christmas eve to wear. That's ONE point for mommy and daddy at least.
Is anyone else feeling like it snuck up on them this year too?