Yes, the Christmas season has officially begun and is already well-underway and we find ourselves with action-packed weekends all the way until the event itself. This past Saturday it was the local Parade of Lights which far surpassed anything we expected. The whole town turned out to line the streets as vehicle after vehicle drove by adorned with pretty, twinkling lights. We even had a live nativity and of course there was the not-unexpected giant illuminated RV pulling the not-unexpected giant illuminated cigarette boat which pretty much epitomises the mentality of the weird place in which we live (hellooooo, environment??).

It was actually a taster of what’s to come next week as the parade takes to the water- I really can’t wait for that one, it’s supposed to be an event that’s even more huge

As soon as the parade had passed our vantage point we hurried off and jumped in the car and headed down to the Peninsula to attend a holiday party. Yes, action-packed weekend. I worried at one point that it was going to be all too much for Baby Peach and that he would scream by the time we got there, but as always he was as good as gold.

I can’t believe he’s going to turn six months at the end of this week. Wow, the time has flown.

So it’s that time of year again when I find myself wracking my brains trying to think of a suitable present for The Man Who Wants Nothing And Has Everything, and that’s not just one gift to think of but two as the aforementioned also happens to have a birthday within two weeks of Christmas itself. Except this year that would be FOUR presents given that he now has a son and said son is too young to think up any gift ideas alone, let along shop for them. Four presents, seriously? I am so, so stuck here…

I myself am the opposite (although my husband would probably beg to differ). I am actually very easy to buy for as there is usually *always* something I can think of that I’d like. Note that I said “that I’d like” as to me that is what gift-giving is all about, giving something to somebody that they’d like, not necessarily what they need. It needn’t even be anything grand, it’s the thought that counts. If a surprise cup of latte brings a smile to someone’s face, then that’s a good gift in my eyes. But at the same time it’s nice to dream of the big things too- isn’t that part of what having a wish list is all about?

So, in case anyone (ahem) is wondering what might be on my wish list this year, here are some suggestions. Ok, ok, not all of them are exactly small but like I said, a girl can dream

1) DiorShow Black Out Mascara
2) Fortnum and Mason Hamper
3) The Pioneer Woman’s Cook Book
4) A selection of bath bombs from Lush
5) The Queen on Blu-ray
6) Canon G11 camera (although I’m happy to wait for the G12)
7) Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream
8) Bare Escentuals Smoky Eye Kit
9) Family History Journal by Graphic Image (*hint hint)
10) Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark
11) Chunky Fairisle Vest from American Eagle
12) Chroma Kimono Cardigan from Anthropologie (small)
13) Dr Hauschka Translucent Make-up (shade 01)
14) Wooden Tea Box (*hint)
15) Debrett’s New Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners
16) Canon EOS 5D Mk II
17) Houses of the National Trust
18) Bootie slippers from Landsend (large) (*hint)
19) Starbucks Gift Certificate
20) Morning tea in bed

So those are just a couple of suggestions as to what I might like. That was easy enough. If only shopping for my husband were so simple…

So how about you? What’s on your wish list this year?