A Practical Walk

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving! My husband smoked a turkey and my mother-in-law and I split up who’d make the sides and desserts. We took our food to their house and enjoyed a lovely day of food, Thanksgiving games, laughter, and sharing what we were thankful for.

The next day, Black Friday, we wanted to start decorating for Christmas. But one of the things I don’t like about Christmas decorations is how they clutter up space, so we decided to declutter before we did any decorating.

The results were one big bag for the trash, a box of donations and a few things I’ll look into selling.

I thought decluttering was wonderful way to start off the holiday season and think it should become a new tradition!

And then we put up the trees!

Biggest tree we’ve done as a family! It was a Goodwill find, but my husband had to make a stand, and we took one section out.

We also put up the silver tree, which I hung Nanduti (Paraguayan lace) on as nod to my childhood. Then the little tree, the one on the fish tank behind my daughter’s arm, is one we bought in Africa. It’s been in many suitcases and had a rough life, but it’s still with us! I just realized how appropriate it is that these “international” trees are right in front of the world map!

I’m enjoying cranberry sauce and vanilla yogurt on waffles. I even tossed some vanilla, cinnamon, and allspice into the waffle batter.