This month, like many that came before it, seemed to fly by. But, it sure ended on a high note.

In the last week, I've had more time off from work than time on, and I was able to get the majority of my holiday shopping squared away. Of course, the majority of my holiday shopping for others was squared away two weeks ago, and this week, it was my turn.

I made sure to stay out of the early-morning Black Friday fray, instead scoping out the stores on Wednesday, then returning on Saturday. (My theory: If I saw something I liked, I wouldn't buy it right away. If it was still there in three days, it was meant to be mine. I really cleaned up. And everything was 20 percent off!)

Of course, I also bought a few things online this year: used books and games, calendars and a special Chanukah snow globe designed by Christopher Radko. (Thanks, Rue La La!)

Tonight, I ended the month in grand style, with dinner with out-of-town friends at the Grand Lux Cafe. It's always great to see them, and watching their kids grow is always a treat. (Trust me: You never know for sure that anyone's listening to you until you've heard it come out of a 3-year-old's mouth.) It's definitely true: Kids do say the darnedest things!