Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day, which means today officially marks the start of the Holiday Season! I think most people really start to get excited for Christmas (most people, not us Christmas Nuts, right?) by watching the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, see photos from this year here! Where else do you get to watch magical floats, balloons, bands, and Jolly Old St. Nicholas himself!

Did you know that one of the oldest and largest Holiday parades in the world is Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade? I was lucky to be streetside last weekend to view this year’s great display, and would love to share some photos below!

What really marks the start of the Holiday Season for you, Parade? Sales? Snow? Let us know!

A few days ago, Macy’s anncouced the winner of the Great American Elf Adventure – the elf design that was voted the best on their facebook page, and will be made into one of their iconic balloons for this year’s parade.

Meet Gazer;

“Gazer’s job is to guide these wishing stars safely to the North Pole by pointing them in the right direction. He takes a lot of pride in his duties as he knows without him,these children’s wishes wouldn’t come true.

The wishing star’s trail wraps around Gazer’s body and appears on his hat with his eyes locked on the star.” – Designed by Keith Lapinig of Queens, NY.

The Great American Elf Adventure began with Macy’s hiding actual elf statuettes in their stores, nationwide! They gave clues on Facebook and Twitter as to the locations, and people could go and pick them up! Next, you designed your elf, and uploaded a picture to Facebook, where it was voted on, and eventually, Macy’s chose a winner!

I really like Gazer – and like what he represents, Christmas Wishes.

There are several other great designs, you can check out the Top 10 Gallery Here or, visit the Facebook App and see all the entries!

Also – just a reminder – Add @ThingsChristmas on Twitter for your chance to win a Free Xmas DVD – we’ll draw a winner on October 31 2011 if we have 1000 followers by then!