Thanksgiving

So apparently there are at least two of you out there who check my blog and since I love my loyal following (however small it may be), I will update.  Honestly, it’s a good time to update because Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Now I know most of you classify Christmas as your favorite holiday.  I have always been a fan of Thanksgiving.  In fact, years ago my brother and I decided that Thanksgiving would be the holiday we spent together (once spouses and their families became an issue).  I don’t think my mother was such a big fan of this idea but I don’t know that we gave her much of a choice in the matter. 

Why Thanksgiving? 

1) The food is amazing and I enjoy cooking it.  Being in the kitchen the week of Thanksgiving makes me think of my Grandmother Johnston and how she used to cook and cook and cook for that one meal.  I remember my mom’s rolls (courtesy of Susie) and my Grandma’s pumpkin pie.  I like to think they are in that kitchen with me as I cook.  Silly and cheesy I know, but there you have it.

2) There are no presents and therefore less stress and better budgeting!  Christmas presents always make me nervous.  I want to get something that says “I thought this through, this gift is for YOU”.  I hate gifts that have no thought and no personal touch to it.  My brother is so hard to shop for.  I always feel bad for his wife around his birthday and Christmas because we all start calling her to ask for suggestions.  If we’ve known him all of his or all of our lives and we can’t figure it out by now, why should she have to come up with multiple suggestions for multiple people??  I digress.  Point is — I stress over picking out the right gift for the right person. 

3) Football.  Both on TV and in the yard.  Now, I don’t have a yard but I live right next to a park and I have a feeling someone will have a football game going on.  The Friday after Thanksgiving is usually the friends and family football and leftovers day.  LOVE IT!!!  Leaves falling, chill in the air, and football — so fulfilling.

4) Family is all there.  When I was younger, we always got to see both sides of the family.  So many cousins and so much fun.  Spades or dominoes anyone??  No, just me?  I promise I won’t get too competitive.  Really.  Now, I get to see Livi and Julia.  Now that’s a good day no matter what holiday.  Thanksgiving, please hurry.

5) No big decorating.  I bought a pumpkin and a cute little scarecrow for my fireplace and done.  It’s festive and cute but it’s not over the top and no one expects it to be.  All I really have to worry about is cleaning and laundry. 

So you see — Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  This year I’m attempting my mom’s stuffing (delicious) and rolls for the first time.  I’m a little nervous but a little excited too.  I am so thankful that I will be able to host Thanksgiving at my house this year.  I love my family and I love that I get to cook a big meal for them and then enjoy it with everyone.