Celebrating the Joy of Thanksgiving

The other day one of my children asked me, "Mom, why do we have to have Thanksgiving anyway, why can't we just skip it and go to Christmas." Then this child followed up with, "Halloween is fun for kids and so is Christmas, but Thanksgiving doesn't really have anything fun to do."

From a child's perspective I can totally understand this logic. I think many times I felt the same way. For awhile I have thought that Thanksgiving kind of gets swallowed up in between Halloween and Christmas. It is really a wonderful holiday it isn't about getting anything or having to come up with something to give. It is about spending time together, offering thanks and gratitude. In our world of face paced living I think November becomes the month we prepare for Christmas. Which I totally get. My Christmas shopping started months ago. But my goal this November is to bask in the moments, and practice gratitude. I wanted to start by decorating my home for Thanksgiving. My other goal not to buy anything new to decorate with. I think I've done pretty good so far. Over the next few weeks I want to share with you, ideas to focus on Thanksgiving and of finding joy in giving Thanks. I would love to hear your ideas.

These fake candles are from the $ store and were for our Jack O' Lantern's. I filled candle holders with dried lentils and split peas (already had) and tied a leaf on the front with Jute.

I love my chalkboard that I made a few months ago from a $ store plate. The metal basket was a $1 find at DI and I filled it with our extra pumpkins and berries I had from last year.

I love the simplicity of white flowers with bittersweet, my milk glass plate trimmed with orange ribbon and left over pumpkins. The one on the left side was one Mini B painted at a Pumpkin Tea Party and she was so thrilled that I would use it on our table.


The mantel I decided to go more simple with a mirror I had, a wreath, pumpkin, candle and flower I already had. I love it and it feels elegant and simplistic.

I made this stitch a few years ago and haven't really ever put it up.

I love this pumpkin. One of my friends brought it to me for Halloween, but it is perfect to leave up for Thanksgiving. It is just scrapbook paper Modge Podged on. I LOVE it and it looks so great on the chair part of my desk. Hope you are enjoying the first few days of November and getting ready for a month of Gratitude.

Much Love and Thanks.

Em