Seasonal Affective Disorder

Are you feeling the spirit of the season?

First, the downs:

Earth to Wal-Mart: Seriously bad things happened, which were then followed up with an unfortunate lack of attention to public relations, and a touch of mommy-blogger catfighting. And then there was a seriously stupid thing, which again, makes you wonder who's driving the public relations bus over there.

In other bad news, handmade toys, children's clothing and other items personally crafted by individuals, often out of natural materials, and sold with the intent of being placed on, near, or in the hands of children are in jeopardy due to overzealous and unnecessary application of regulatory laws that normally apply to the lead-filled industrial junk sold at major retailers. Make it stop. Click here for details and how to take action. And go here for updates on the issue.


On to cheerier posts...

I've had a few things to say about travel preparedness lately, but this mom? Her packing list is freaking GENIUS. (I'll bet you've never thought of number 10!)

The daddy blogger who calls himself Captain Dumb*ss responds to a meme and in the process provides a Martha Stewart worthy childproof holiday decorations tip, and a priceless cheese men photo.

And Dooce and her husband John come up with the hippest gift guide ever (if only I'd seen this before I blew my budget).