I think I smell Christmas…or is that just my peppermint mocha? The holiday menu is BACK at Starbucks! Today marked my first trip into Starbucks in November (Yes, I realize it is only the third of November, but I will admit to being an addict) and it was also the launching of the holiday menu as well as all of the holiday paraphernalia including festive mugs, Christmas tree ornaments and adorable stuffed reindeerJ

The holiday drinks are all back, including the Holiday blend of coffee, the peppermint mocha (not a peppermint mocha twist because they are no longer serving it with peppermint whipped cream, sadly) as well as the eggnog, gingerbread and all new Caramel Brulée  lattes. The pastry case is now stocked with delicious looking holiday treats like the almost-too-adorable-to-eat polar bear cookie. It would take a very cold heart indeed to resist the warmth of the holiday spirit to be found at Starbucks. Michael Bubble is crooning about love over the loud speakers and everyone seems to be at ease. The tension that comes with holiday shopping hasn’t set in yet so people are still relaxed and happy, simply enjoying the anticipation leading up to the hopefully happy 2009 holiday season.