Preparing for the Holidays

It is funny how just a little bit of awareness and mindset can set things off right. :)

I have been thinking the past month how I want to be ready for and savor the special days to come. Often Thanksgiving sneaks up on me, and then just as we put away the last dish Advent is on its heels and I have not even found the candles for the wreath. Then during Advent, I have to think about the shopping I have to do for Christmas, and though we are getting much better at savoring it, it can easily feel out of kilter.

Anyway, I have been thinking just a tiny bit ahead. Reading at my leisure some books on Catholic feast days and traditions. Doing little things.

Last week we made Souls Cakes for All Souls Day. And read a bit about All Saints Day.

Also last week I somehow ended up with the job of figuring out how my extended family was going to converge for Christmas. This year we are meeting at my parents' house. After talking to all parties seperately we actually found a plan that works for us all. We all live in different cities.

Thanksgiving is different this year, as that is usually when my side of the family gets together. But this year, my mil is flying in from across country to see us. So Thanksgiving dinner will be at our house for the first time in many years.

Today as I was out shopping for a birthday present for my husband, I came across some nice sales of fall/Thanksgiving things. I am not much of a shopper, so when I find something, like the price, like the item and it feels right, I know it is time to buy.

I got some pretty decorations to make my house feel fallish. I love fall. Last week I found a great deal on some Thanksgiving figurenes. My collection of decorations has aged and I never had a lot of Thanksgiving things. I remember my grandmother had the cutest little figurenes of pilgrims and Indians and I played with them whenver I went to her house for that holiday.

So I bought 4 couples- 3 versions of a pilgrim husband and wife and one of an Indian man and woman who are coming to the feast. I have them out on my coffee table now, next to a big straw pumpkin. It looks so festive.

Today I also found tableclothes- one a rich gold for Thanksgiving and one a red/burgandy for the next Christmas meal we have.

I am feeling festive, and like the idea of planning ahead.

I feel like we are preparing. This is good for me. Often I try not to make too big a deal out of material things, but then find we are not festive. Festive is good! Festive is memories!

More on our Thanksgiving soon...