Today we found ourselves stalled in Target, oodling over the Christmas section. Wait, is oodling even a word? The computer says it’s not, but I say it is. When I say we were oodling, picture this- me and my 3 kids (none of us are quiet), ooooing and awwwwing over every little thing that sings, looks woodsy or gives all those Christmas feels. We were quite the spectacle, but we didn’t care. We had no strict agenda and if there’s anything I want to teach my children, it’s to be okay with getting excited about things. Does something make you happy? Hold nothing back. Go all in. Sing. Dance. Oodle.
So…..Thanksgiving. It’s almost here and I really like this holiday. I like the food. The people. The importance of it all. To me, it’s not just a pre-Christmas. It’s important and when something’s important, you prepare. So, here’s a listy-list of things I’m going to be working on over the next week. I’d love to know what’ you’re up to as well!
Things I’m Looking Forward to Doing Before Thanksgiving:
- Make a pie and enjoy it. Here’s the thing you guys- pumpkin pie is SO good, but after you’re full? Well, you don’t really fully get to appreciate it. So between now and Thanksgiving, back a beautiful pie for no reason than to bake a pie. Then fix any old dinner and serve that delicious pie to your family. Tell them how thankful you are for them and enjoy it- since you won’t be stuffed with turkey and all the fixings. Today I made one for our family, using the Libby’s Pumpkin recipe and the Pioneer Woman’s piecrust. It smelled like fall and tasted like heaven.
- Workout, workout and workout. Maybe I won’t loose 10lbs before next week, but that’s not the goal. There’s something to be said for keeping with the routine. Our gym has awesome workouts planned for Thanksgiving morning. I can’t wait to sweat it out with my fitness family before our celebration later in the day.
- Declutter and take care of misc. papers etc. The second Thanksgiving is over, Christmas enthusiastically dumps itself all over our home. In order to not become overwhelmed by the festive disorder, I need to start with a clean slate. It’s just how I’m wired and instead of apologizing for how I am, I have to just do what works for me. Cheerfully, I prepare to welcome the chaos of Christmas before it arrives by getting crap taken care of.
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- Record Christmas movies! Okay, so this is my husband’s job but it’s important so, I’m reminding him. It’s time to search the TV listings and get those movies recording!
- Write cards to our kids’ teachers. We had teacher conferences this week and oh you guys, I was fighting back tears because here’s the thing….I. LOVE. OUR. TEACHERS. And gosh, they work so freaking hard. So, why wait until Christmas or until Teacher Appreciation Week? Write a card telling your teachers how thankful you are for them. They are working really, really hard for our kids.
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- Start thinking about Christmas cards. Don’t you love receiving them in the mail? I line our stairway with them and can’t even bear to take them down until the year is about half over. I just love them and it’s always fun to receive them early.
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- Starting the toy purge! Is there a better time to go through toys and do a mid year closet cleanout? Nope! New things are coming. It’s time to let go of the stuff, donate, giveaway or whatever. It’s so much more fun to welcome new things into a recently organized space.
- Make a fun drink for the hubby or friends! When we went to Friendsgiving at The Tom Douglass Hot Stove Society last weekend, we learned how to make what’s called a Paper Plane. It’s so good and easy! And can I just mention that we won second place for most beautiful drink? Not bad considering I’ve NEVER made a mixed drink before in my life! For real—– I’m so exciting.
To make a Paper Plane you’ll need
- 3/4 ounce bourbon
- 3/4 ounce amaro (bittersweet Italian Liqueur)
- 3/4 ounce contratto aperitif
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
Fill a shaker with ice. Add all ingredients and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and serve with a twist of lime for garnish if desired. We granished our drink with fresh cranberries, swirls of lemon peel and rosemary. It was festive, easy on the eyes and totally scrumptious. 
What are you up to? How do you prepare for the holiday season?