It's Black Friday

Be safe out there and no pushing and shoving.

The questions of the season include:

- What's the "hot" item this year?
- How much do you intend to spend on gifts?
- Will the high gas prices have an impact or are they overrated?
- Will the credit crunch mean anything to individuals or is it too distant to relate?
- Turkey, ham or other for Christmas dinner? (Too early to ask?)
- Is the season about giving, receiving, religion or some of all?
- When do the lights go up?
- When does the tree go up? Natural or artificial?

In France, the Christmas toys and dedicated shelf space at the stores has been focused on Christmas since early October. As an American, the holiday season seems more low key (except that early start in the stores) compared to other countries.

I visited a cousin in Vienna a few years ago during this season and just loved the local neighborhood Christmas markets. It was cold, but so charming and friendly. Everyone out walking and socializing. I know they have markets like that in Paris, but they're just not the same. The German/Austrian Christmas markets somehow just feel more Christmas-y, the way you thought it should be. What are the fun holiday markets where you are?