It's Starting to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

That's right! The sun is shining, the temperature is warming up and summer holidays are looming...

Pohutukawa trees flower in summer and are known as kiwi Christmas trees

Oh wait. I'm sorry... that's just for the benefit of my downunder peeps...

The Kiwis: @SparklyJulNZ, @Eds_Piano, @VamptheNewBlack and @CasperNZ; The Aussies: @EdwardsIsobel, @StackedlikeSookie, @Anna_Faze et al... and of course there's my favourite South African, @NixHaw.

Disclaimer: If I missed any other Southern Hemisphere tweeps I sincerely apologise 

Thanks @SuzPetals for the festive touches

You might remember last Christmas I told you a wee bit more about how we do Christmas here, since it is so different to the festivities in the Northern winter. Well, this year, I have a few little touches of North America on my tree, and I thought I would share them with you all - and the memories they bring back for me.

Memories of fun times in SoCal w Jen & Sarah

Vegas, baby! Cocktails with Rikki

Monterey was gorgeous

Fun times in San Fran

A grapevine leaf from Napa with Charla,  Kate, Jamie, Amanda & Sharon

WA! Had a great time w Lesa, ChyLynn, Amy & Erin et al

From Mecca itself!

A special gift from @TwiPolar_Wife

I loved Vancouver, no bears on our twi-set tour though

My final stop, Vancouver Island with Deb

Oh, and I know someone else who wanted his two cents worth...

Thanks so much for the outfit, Deb!

I don't know about you guys, but I'd rather read fic, hang on twitter and read blogs than go shopping. So, this weekend is internet shopping central right here! I hate Christmas shopping with a passion, and every year I swear I'll do it early... and every year I don't.

How are your Christmas preparations going?