Building Our Traditions

This is our third holiday season together. In 2009, we were engaged and last year we spent our first Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year married. I love traditions! In fact, I was stressed out last year to find perfect holiday traditions that we could celebrate every year and be able to say, "We have done this every Thanksgiving since we were married." Silly, I know. One tradition that we started last year and did this year was a month of thankfulness. Since November 1, we have been writing every night at dinner thankfulness leaves and posting them on a board. This has been a really good way for the three of us to think about Thanksgiving as more than just a feast with a big turkey.

We have decided, at least for now, that we will stay at home on Thanksgiving and travel to St. Louis to see both of our families at Christmas. We will miss seeing our families today, but are so thrilled to have a relaxing weekend at home together. This morning we are just lounging around and will watch the Macy's Parade. Well, I will watch it. Andy and Sam are still snoozing! This afternoon we are volunteering for clean up at KARM's Thanksgiving lunch (Knoxville's homeless mission) and this evening the Blantons are joining us for dinner. I have been cooking little by little each day this week and I am looking forward to a great holiday!

This weekend we will decorate for Christmas. I am definitely a no Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but I am ready for some Christmas cheer. Andy and I will deck out the house and then decorate our family tree when Sam gets home from work on Saturday. We will visit the Fantasy of Trees which is one of my favorite Knoxville events!We have had such an incredible year and I am so blessed to share my life and my home with Andy and with Sam. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!