Definitely normal to have buds. Buds have been visible on mine for weeks. They'll bloom on schedule, most after Christmas.

Depending on the weather, sometimes it can be months before the buds open. I have some japonicas that bloom early winter... ie, they can theoretically bloom any time between Dec-Feb and in one freakish winter, they bloomed in March instead. Talk about waiting for a loooong time that year! Temperature swings that time caused the delay.