I’m sitting here on this November day warming myself by the fire beside me and shaking my head in disbelief that Thanksgiving is just two weeks away.  I glance over at the corner of my desk and spot a little picture that has been printed and clipped from years ago.  I set it there on my desk at the beginning of the month, just because it’s a memory from nearly 25 Thanksgiving’s ago that is one of my all-time favorites!

My girls were piled up on the love seat with a warm afghan over their laps because they were dealing with a stomach bug.  We all got it.  It was no fun.  It kept us home from the big family Thanksgiving dinner with my family, but look at those smiles!  They weren’t happy because they were sick, I think the joy came from us being forced into the most simple of holiday celebrations ever.

• Our activities included making Indians and pilgrims out of toilet paper rolls and construction paper. We had so much fun being creative! Cost – $00.00
• Our decorations were paper headbands and the pilgrims and Indians we had made. They were so cute! Cost – $00.00
• Our meal (for those able to eat) was carry-out from the local grocery store deli.It was really good! Cost – Under $10
• Our company was one another – just the four of us. It was special! Cost $No Stress
• Our memories are paramount from that year.  It was unforgettable! Cost – Priceless

I don’t know if you’re hosting or planning on being a guest for Thanksgiving, but can I remind you that most of the time the things we enjoy most are the simple things?  Just as most children play more with the paper from birthday gifts than the the gifts themselves, we don’t need bigger to make it better!  The truth is that simple is better.

So this year, instead of worrying about having the most spectacular tablescape and centerpiece, a million sides to accompany the turkey, a perfectly decorated and cleaned home, and everyone doing just what you wanted them to do, stop and ask yourself how you could simplify things.

• What food item causes you stress?  Get help.  Buy it already cooked/baked.
• What company stresses you out?  Pray about how you can resolve that problematic situation. Perhaps keeping your distance (lovingly), or inviting others that will help you cope could solve the problem.
• What expectations could you life from others?  Release your family from what you think they should do or how they should respond on this holiday.
• Don’t have time to decorate?  Use items you have near you.  Pinecones, nuts, your jar candles, pumpkins, flannel scarves, or burlap.  Or have your children help you by making handmade decorations!
   

  

  

  And of course, we have to include some Indians and pilgrim decorations!

  

  Who knows?  You just might end up with a photo that you pull out every year to remind you of the most memorable and special Thanksgiving you ever had!

  Do you have special memories of a holiday that got changed due to uncontrollable circumstances? I’d love to hear about it!

  Refresh your holiday by remembering that Simple is better!