Here We Go

Well, my friends, here we go! Today is the day it all begins. Today, we prep for tomorrow, Thanksgiving, a day to gather with family and friends, or perhaps with each other, and marvel how another year has passed so quickly. There will be some variation of turkey, ham, duck, potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and pie, of course. For many, loved ones' chairs will be empty this year, and the pain and grief of loss will be felt a bit stronger, as special days bring specific memories that make us pause and remember. I, for one, will miss my beautiful, sweet momma, who always managed to create the most delicious Thanksgiving dinner from a frozen turkey sitting in the kitchen sink!

Today begins all of this and so much more. For me, the day before Thanksgiving is like the unofficial start to the magic, awe, and wonder that is the Christmas Season. Along with Thanksgiving dinner and all those leftovers, there will be Christmas trees in our living rooms, light displays in the neighborhood, Christmas specials on TV, and favorite Christmas songs playing in the background of our daily lives. We will write out pretty cards and wrap packages, hope for Christmas snow and light Advent candles. The kitchen will smell of gingerbread as we bake cookies to keep and to gift. 

This special, cozy, holy time will pass quickly in a flurry of preparation, and suddenly it will all come together as we head to mass on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day will come, whether we are ready or not, as my mom used to say, and once again, society will try to convince us that we have but one day to realize and enjoy all the effort, hope, and joy we have put forth to create Christmas this year. We, however, have a choice. We can choose to ignore the push to move on from Christmas on December twenty-sixth. Instead, we can, and we will choose to enjoy the peace and joy of our Christmas tree, our leftover cookies, and our families during those unique and cozy days in between. 

Before we know it, New Year's Eve will arrive, with the promise of excitement, champagne, noisemakers, and a burst of fireworks at midnight. (Which I may or may not be awake for, just saying.) And then, the quiet of New Year's Day will arrive. The day that today, the day before it all begins, seems so far away, will come, and we will feel a sense of sadness that it is over, but perhaps a slight pull to return to our normal, whatever that may be. And that will be it for another year. 

So, take a deep breath, my friends. It is here, the Christmas Season of 2025. Think about how you want to spend it and enjoy! No worries about pleasing everyone or cleaning every baseboard. No added stress of overstimulating or accepting every invitation. Use aluminum pans and paper plates, if you want. Wear cozy clothes for Thanksgiving dinner, and keep your tree up as long as you want. Cry when you feel grief for the loved ones who have passed, and take a nap when you feel overwhelmed, or call a friend who probably feels the same. Christmas will come, and too quickly it will pass. Let's enjoy it, my friends. Our way.

Busy nights this time of year call for grilled cheese and tomato soup for supper.

Walking in the mornings of November means beautiful sights.

And pups near Christmas trees? Yes, please.

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving, my friends!

See you back here Friday!

Billie Jo