Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I know that phrase mostly applies to days closer to Christmas, but I really believe the holiday spirit is at it’s fullest and most exciting the weekend of Thanksgiving. There are so many traditions of Thanksgiving that really exemplify the spirit of the season. And, it’s just getting us ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus and all the wonders we remember during Advent. This really is the most wonderful time of the year.

My family’s Thanksgiving was just lovely. My dear, sweet grandparents made the trip in from Philadelphia, and I am so happy to see them. They are such warm-hearted people and a wonderful example of love, commitment and faith for all of us. Our Thanksgiving ended up being a little bit different than expected. We were anticipating a small dinner for six, but when my mother found out that two of my dad’s friends were going to be alone on Thanksgiving, she insisted immediately that they must come eat with us. I admit, when I first heard this news, I was a little bit disappointed because I wanted to spend time with my family without having to entertain “guests.” Thanksgiving has always been a family holiday in our house. We celebrate and eat and clean up and watch football as a family. No cell phones, no errands, no computers. But my mom is truly an example of what this holiday is all about: sharing our blessings and opening our hearts and homes to those who are alone this time of year. She didn’t hesitate for a second to add three extra places at the Thanksgiving table (two friends and one of their aunt’s). She just sent my dad out for another bag of apples and a couple more potatoes. She didn’t think about how much harder she was going to have to work or what the rest of us would think. She immediately did what she knew was right—to share our Thanksgiving love with those who need it most.

On a lighter note, today Grammy, momma and I headed out for some Black Friday shopping. This has become a holiday tradition in our family, and no one was more excited than my grandmother. She comes with a list of gifts she needs to acquire, and we don’t stop until we have a package for every person on her list. We had such a fun day, and we even managed to find good parking spots and some yummy lunch in between.

Tonight, I’m heading out for dinner with some of my dearest friends from high school. We don’t get to see each other very often as we live in different cities (and different countries), but we always try to catch up over the holidays. Our group will be a little smaller tonight with only four of us, but I haven’t seen these ladies in so long, and I can’t wait to hear what they’ve been up to. I know we’ve had some big accomplishments this year, and I can’t wait to hear their stories. But, of course, we’ll miss the ladies who are traveling or too far from home to see us this Thanksgiving. I can’t wait to see them at Christmas!!!!

I better finish getting ready!

To our blessings,

Lia