So before we throw ourselves into Christmas we have to enjoy Thanksgiving. So what are some of the traditions or favorites that you and your family enjoy? I know I am turning into the graphic t-shirt aka fun shirt family. I love, love anything that is unique with great sayings etc. I just love them. I think it allows you to have a little fun and during the holidays, that’s the best part. So you know that means I am an Etsy fanatic. Etsy is my go to for artist who can carry out my t-shirt design and so far I haven’t been let down. Shout out to all of the independent artist. Also if you have some great pieces especially if they are holiday related, shot me an email at toitimeblog@gmail.com I may just rock one of your pieces!
So outside of being the t-shirt gang, as I do coordinate our stuff too. I have two options this year, so you will have to wait for my Thanksgiving Day update to find how I find ways to wear them both. We just take it easy. I know that some folks wear super fancy outfits and the kids look all spruced up, but for us being comfortable, relaxed, and clean is our goal. We are here for the food and drinks. We take in the day with allowing the kids to bake with me the day before. They love it. This year we are doing a peach bundt cake with cinnamon swirl from scratch. I don’t always advertise but I am a little mini Betty Crocker. I don’t sell my stuff but I really love to bake for therapeutic reasons. It makes me feel so super calm. I get in my zone. We let the mini bakers in the kitchen with music on and we have a blast.
Charlie Brown anyone?
We ALWAYS watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special. I do not care what else is on television it doesn’t matter what is going on, in our home Charlie Brown is king. This year it will air on November 22 at 8pm EST. I will be glued to the television as if I have never seen it before. We get into our coziest pjs and by that time whatever I have cooking I plan around so I can leave it doing its thing so I can sit with the kids and soak it in. In case you just can’t wait or can’t catch it. Here is your chance, Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Wine and Things
I am who Google was made for. I am the queen of research and between that and Pintrest I am always on the search for any great Fall or Thanksgiving drinks both non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. I like to make something that is mocktail appropriate for my kids. No I am not pushing the kids to drink, but let’s face it kids are visual. Having a special drink that looks cool scores big mom points. And you do realize that for me at least, it makes the day that more fun. They are little, they won’t always be this little. Anything where I can do fun stuff and enjoy them I do and will continue to do.
I am a wine lover. I like wine and I am not ashamed so if nothing else one of this year’s t-shirt is super valid. Yes that is one of my looks I got from Etsy and wine is life. Don’t fool yourself to think you won’t catch me with a great white wine. To get this great shirt maybe even for next year, you can catch it here, Tday shirt
Pick up the phone
This year I am going to push for phone contact. I mean the old school, pick up the phone and call folks. So to my friends and family, be on the lookout. Even if folks don’t answer, I will be leaving my voice on voice mails. I love text messages, as they allow you to send messages and communicate with others but I love to hear how folks are doing. I have a situation happen where someone I loved recently texted and said they were fine, but in their voice they wasn’t. Not that this is fool-proof but talking always you to gauge others better than just a simple text can ever do.
Decorating Time
My husband grew up where the tree was put up the day before Christmas. I grew up where we did it before. I love the tradition of putting it up. To compromise we had it up but delayed it severely to accommodate both of us. Since the holidays, we now put it up the weekend after Thanksgiving mostly because we needed to add a little happiness and joy in our home since the passing of my mother in law. We will be doing the same as this is the second one we haven’t had her. It helps with the mood. the kids get super excited, and it allows me to be the biggest cornball ever as my mom calls it. I put on Christmas music, bake cookies that I have already made batches for, and we just dance, sing, and let the kids decorate their tree the way they want to. I try not to disturb their artistic ability. Again I will have my own tree later, this is their tree.
So as you can we don’t do much. We try to see as many family as we can. Other than we enjoy the time off, we enjoy each other, and we enjoy great food. It is the holiday to remember how grateful you are for everything good and bad. The bad helps you to be better so don’t despise the down times. We all need a little water to grow! I am grateful for my family, friends, my job, my life, and my followers! So now is the time to make the holidays what you want them to be. I try not to make mine what others make theirs. You can have a great time even if you spend it with a small group of folks or a large group. Also remember especially if you are just forming your own family, the things you bring in along with who you share your life with don’t have to match. Find ways to incorporate both sides. It will make for a richer holiday season! You make it what you want it to be!
