This year I offered to host Thanksgiving for both of our families on the same day. Since it was going to be a small group, I suggested to my husband and my side of the family that we just have one Thanksgiving at our house. We have hosted my husband’s side of the family for many years, and I always enjoy being a hostess! It’s fun to cook for a group of people.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!I feel like it’s a constant learning curve as we have been married for nine years and hosting has evolved over the course of our marriage. It’s fun to add onto our yearly traditions. Life is ever-changing and holidays change in appearance as our families grow and people move. Change can be hard but it’s good to keep an open mind and try new things.
Clean home
For me, it’s important to have our house in order meaning laundry, toys, dishes are put away and general every day cleaning done before company comes over. I have learned to try and start the cleaning process about a week ahead of time and help get the kids involved. If I remind them that we are having family come over, they do a great job of trying to help keep their rooms cleaner and their toys picked up. They are just as excited to have family over and spend time with everyone.
Building Our Home
Although in many ways, our house is still in finishing mode. For example, there’s no trim in our home, and our fireplace just has sheet rock on it. At the end of the day when we look around, we don’t see those imperfections. What we see brings me joy family in our home and home-cooked meals.
A year ago, we were still settling into our home, having lived here for only a few weeks. Things were everywhere and many items were still in boxes. While there are still boxes to unpack they have all been sorted through and reorganized at least once. I am grateful for what we have and excited to see what another year in our home will bring.
Part of building our home involves adding decorations to make it feel cozy. I already have some fall decorations but recently went on a shopping trip with my mom to took advantage of the sales at Hobby Lobby. They have some of the most unique items in their store. While it is a craft store, it offers so much more. The excursion was great and something I truly enjoyed. It had been a while since we were able to just go out and go shopping just for fun. This is something I always enjoyed doing with my mom while growing up. I look forward to passing those memories down to my kids.
Traditions
Do you have family traditions that you do every year for Thanksgiving weekend? Each year we typically have Thanksgiving with my side of the family and his side of the family on different days. We try to get our Christmas tree as we cut down a live one. Our small town has a Holiday Extravaganza that we participate in the whole town comes together for. It can be a very busy but fun weekend. This year because the holiday is later in the month we will also be celebrating my grandpa’s 90th birthday. What a big milestone!
Stay tuned for Thanksgiving preparation to come. Make sure you subscribe to see all the delicious food and fun filled weekend!
Faith
During this time of year many people reflect on what they are thankful for in their lives. This practice of gratitude is important and should not be limited to just a few weeks. Cultivating a thankful heart can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life. In the Bible we find many examples of gratitude demonstrating how God values thankfulness. By remembering to express our thanks throughout the year we can strengthen our connection with others and with God.
Acts 24:3 (NIV)
Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.
Psalms 28:7 (NIV)
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.