Holiday Cheer
Thanksgiving recap and looking ahead to the reason for the season!
The holiday spirit hit me early this year. Christmas decorating, baking, and songs filled the air a bit earlier than usual. However, I did my best to also lean into all the things that came with Thanksgiving and gratitude for the people and things in my life that we are so very blessed to have.
Prioritizing goodness in this season. The holidays are so fun and can be filled to the brim with visits, holiday parties, gift exchanges, cookie swaps and all the things that fill one’s heart with holiday joy. Just a reminder (to myself too) to take some moments for calm and lean into the spirit of advent. Think about in the hustle and bustle of packages and shopping how you can also help someone in need this Christmas. Think about sending a handwritten holiday card to a friend you haven’t seen in too long. Check in with your neighbors to see if anyone who may not have holiday plans could have their heart warmed by an invitation to yours. Tend to you and your family’s heart while also sharing the cheer with those around you.
Recipes
My inner type A is here and with that came a themed Thanksgiving Menu!! Can we tell how excited I get when I host? I love having people in our home and it was so special to partner on this Thanksgiving with the two ladies I love cooking with the most: Mom and Bama!
Also if you need an easy and delicious breakfast for Christmas morning or for a slow Saturday you have upcoming I can’t recommend these enough! You can pair with some fruit, breakfast casserole or easily eat them by themselves.
And, tis the season for soup! Avery shared this recipe for Greek Style Lemon Chicken Soup with me and oh my word YUM! So so delicious and perfect for a rainy, cold or snowy day ahead.
Reading Corner
Wow oh wow! I finished Go As a River and LOVED it! I first started reading this in April, but ran out of time to finish my Libby rental. I just got it back 6 months later and not only do I understand the wait, but goodness was it was worth the wait! I told a friend it is a book I would love to reread and I was continuously captivated by the imagery and I just may need to buy it so it can be on my shelf forever!
Favorite Four - Holiday Fun
1. Ornament Exchange
In the past I did an ornament exchange that was organized through instagram with new friends from all over the US sending ornaments to each other. It was super cute, but this year I decided instead of doing it with people I don’t know how much more special it would be to do an exchange with friends near and dear to my heart who are sprinkled in other states. Especially knowing the ornament was picked for you by someone who knows and loves you makes it so much more special on the tree and so fun to find sweet ornaments to share with those you love.
2. Holiday Dress
I love getting one new holiday dress each year and found this one on sale recently and think it is just darling. I am loving velvet this December.
I can’t wait to pair this with a cute pair of shoes and bow earrings!
3. Holiday Markets
Sweet Crozet, comes alive and feels like a real true Hallmark movie when our magical holiday market throughout downtown comes each December. Vendors fill local businesses and it is so sweet to walk through and see all the amazing creations people make as well as support some local artists.
4. Fraiser Fir Candle
I can be very sensitive to smells and candle picky, but I got this candle this year and my goodness it smells so beautifully of Christmas. It is strong so lighting it for just a bit and then letting the smell fill your home is plenty, but it feels like a real true Christmas tree wafting throughout your home.
Thought of the Week
A little Christmas blessing for you!
All my love,
Tate