Guess what officially starts today?

I’m just sayin’.

You’ve probably got a lot of holiday travel in front of you, and as such, I thought you might enjoy some festive road music. Add these to your holiday road trip mix:

Holiday Mood by Apples in Stereo

Time of the Season by Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan

Electronic Santa by Blazer Force (aka Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords and The Muppets soundtrack)

That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! by Sufjan Stevens

You’re welcome.

Photo: ShedBOy^ via Flickr

The Christmas Tree at the Pub at 1785 Inn and Restaurant

Are you looking for a relaxing weekend getaway before the craziness of late December kicks in?  The Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, an event I attended last year, is the perfect way to relax, enjoy some beautiful holiday decorations, and get into the Christmas spirit.

The Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, which takes place in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on December 10th and 11th, 2011, will include 12 participating inns and bed and breakfasts.  In the self-guided tour, you can sample cookies at each inn, as well as view their specially decorated Christmas tree.  No inn is more than 15 minutes from another (and most are much closer), and you can take your time visiting each one on your own schedule.

Last year, when I attended, I loved the chance to see how each inn was decorated for the holidays – they all have their own distinct personality, and each was very different.

Special VIP packages are available for those who want to combine the cookie tour with a one- or two-night stay, and include breakfast, a keepsake ornament, discounted dining coupons, a cookbook, and other fun keepsakes.  To book a package, or learn more about the tour, visit the website.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: Last year, we were given free tickets to the Cookie Tour, two night’s stay at the Covered Bridge House, and dinner at the 1785 Inn.

A tree grows in Seattle.

Downtown Seattle offers everything you could hope for in a big city Christmas. Just wetter.

In addition to such great shopping as the Nordstroms flagship store, you can catch the monorail over to the Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle), listen to street musicians or ride the holiday carousel. Also, coffee.

Have a great holiday from you friends at UpTake!

Holiday shopping is such a blur.

It’s Black Friday. It’s 3 a.m. and the store is about to open. I’m still full of Turkey, pie and wine.

My kids better love these damn toys.

The photo above was taken at the Toronto Eaton Centre. It is covered in Swarovski crystal ornaments just like your tree.

Shop safe.

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays

Photo by bensonkua via Flickr.