Don't get me wrong. I love winter in Phoenix. I don't miss shoveling snow, scraping ice off my windshield or falling on my ass on icy sidewalks. The winters here are verrrry mild, usually sunny and just nice.

(You know there's a "but" coming up.)

However (ha! Fooled you!), there is one thing I don't like about winters here. It never truly feels like Christmastime here. Here it is, the last shopping weekend before the holiday, and everywhere I go I see people wearing shorts and tank tops. I mentioned this to a friend of mine who lives in Spokane and she started yelling, "SHORTS!?? SHORTS!!?? Are you fucking kidding me!?" She grew up in California, so the Washington weather has been a bit of an adjustments.

It just doesn't seem right. Last night, I decided to pull out my jacket to wear to dinner. (Notice I said jacket and not coat. I don't own a coat. I have no need for a coat, therefore, I don't own a coat.) To be honest, I could have not worn my jacket easily. I certainly didn't need my scarf, but I have a scarf and BY GAWD I WANT TO WEAR IT!

After seven Christmases, you'd think I'd adjust, but it never feels like Christmas. Usually it doesn't because I'm either in a funk or not in the mood. This year is different. I'm in a very festive mood. I've had that big holiday hustle bustle that most people have being ultra busy with holiday parties and assorted errand running. It's crazy, but it's been a lot of fun. Tiring, but fun. I told someone recently, "You know, last year at this time I was in a huge depression and didn't want to do anything for the holiday. BUT, I was well rested. There's something to be said about that."

So while most of you are bundled up in your heavy coats with your stocking caps and gloves (I don't own gloves either.), sipping your hot chocolate by a roaring fireplace on a crisp winter's night, I'll be sipping iced tea...on the patio....barefoot...enjoying our balmy 75 degree weather.