It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. . .

Growing up I always thought that each holiday has its own month. I knew February would be full of hearts and March full of shamrocks and then October full of pumpkins and ghosts but now November isn't just scarecrows and turkeys - Santa arrives as well.

I've nothing against the holiday season and love Christmas but when you read that Santa's arriving at the local mall the first week of November you (or at least I) can't help but have a puzzled look on my face. I love Santa and taking my son to see him and up until a few years back I had nothing against visiting the guy and telling him my Christmas wishes but the first week of November? Really?

As with everything else this holiday is more and more commercialized every year though I'm debating whether or not it's completely bad. Did you know that you can print out VIP Passes to see Santa at The Lehigh Valley Mall? Indeed you may. No more waiting in the long line; instead preorder your photo package and bring your pass and go straight to the front of the line...or at least the VIP line. Let us pray that your little one even WANTS their photo taken that day otherwise who knows if they offer refunds or rainchecks. Even a simple trip to Santa now requires you to hop on the computer because you know when you get there and the line's a mile long you'll wish you had a pass. Is all that extra hoopla a good thing or does it take away from the magic of the season. Kids waiting in line in anticipation while they rehearse their speeches and clutch their letters for the big guy. Now you have mom and dad and the pass heading to the line so you can get in and out. It does help when you have a little one who may not be in the same frame of mind after waiting but eventually everyone will have the passes and they'll need another idea to help speed things along. Personally I just go to obscure malls where typically there are 4 or 5 people in line. Where is that you may ask? I'm not telling. ;)

So when DOES the big guy arrive? Santa's Photo Shop officially opens at The Lehigh Valley Mall on Friday, November 12th at 6:30pm. If you plan to go, don't forget to look into that "Fast Pass".

As for other local malls you'll find good 'ol Saint Nick at:

The South Mall on Saturday, November 13th at 11:00am  in the Center court and he'll have free Webkinz® pets for Santa's first 200 young visitors!

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley will have their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event in Town Square (near Starbucks) on Saturday, November 27. Holiday music starts at 5:30pm and Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive
by Fire Truck at 6:00pm courtesy of the Upper Saucon Township Fire Department. FREE Jingle Bell courtesy of QNB while supplies last.

The Palmer Park Mall welcomes Santa on Saturday, November 13th at 11:00am. It will be a flurry of fun when Santa arrives aboard a flashing Palmer Township fire truck with Holiday music by the Bill Hawk Brass! Children visiting Santa will receive a FREE Lil'Kinz® pet, while supplies last.

The holidays have arrived...whether you're ready or not!  Ho! Ho! Ho!