But it came close. This is one of the two balloons we saw at Chuy’s parade; Hello Kitty led off the parade and this was the other. Music was light this year. Los Texas Wranglers played nonstop. The Anderson High band was in full winter uniform. The Kyle Sisters and the Biscuit Brothers sang. And there was a karaoke contingent from GSD&M.

Crowd favorites were the little chihuahua in red holiday garb who kept jumping out of his tiny wicker sleigh. Other favorites were the Hawaiian dancers, the child gymnasts, and the gift-gatherers from Whole Foods masquerading as fruits and vegetables.

Maybe it was the sight of them that made us hungry, or maybe it was just the good fresh air. It was on to Matt’s, which was busy, busy, busy (and where the food was tasty, as always), followed by a stop at Rudolph’s tree lot on South Lamar next to the Walgreen’s – Maria’s Taco Xpress complex. I can’t think what else there could be that could possibly make this holiday weekend a happier one. And there’s still one day left!