Happy Thanksgiving

Just thought I'd drop in to wish all of my readers a Happy Thanksgiving - no matter where you are or where you're from! It's a great day to just reflect on the year and to be thankful for the things in your life. Trials are a way of strengthening us to walk straighter and prouder, knowing we've fought all that life throws at us with our heads held high. When you give in and give up, fate has won and taken your life. So if you're struggling with things right now (and really, who isn't?) be Thankful because you will come out the victor if you continue to fight hard and choose the right paths.

I also wanted to try and bring some comfort to the lives of those that I know are facing a tough Christmas this year. It's ok if you can't afford to buy everything on your kids' wish lists or get gifts for those that you love. Trust me, most of the time it's not the gift they remember anyway! Be creative, make it a fun and heartwarming time. What you get doesn't have to come from a big retailer. Buy from small businesses, thrift stores, and yard sales. You get more and infuse the economy with more than you do from big business.

Did you know that Saturday is Small Business Saturday anyway? Avoid the headache of Black Friday and go shopping online or hit the little stores. They'll be having sales for Christmas, too! Want more info? Go to the official Facebook page and take the pledge to shop small.

Christmas is a time to really show each other that we love each other. It wasn't until big business got involved in our holiday that it turned into something else. Isn't that the way it usually is? It's the media, advertising, and big retailers that make you feel like you're not doing enough. Your kids will remember making paper chains, popcorn decorations, cookies, and being with you. They will say, "We didn't have much, but we had the best Christmases ever!" Isn't that what you want anyway? Enjoy the holidays, love each other, and keep it crafty!

Holidays and crafting

As the holidays approach I see so many new crafty ideas hit the internet. Christmas and fall seem to inspire people to create in ways that they haven't all year. I think it's the beauty, the mystery, and probably cooler weather that set our minds free to wander over worlds of possibilities and anticipation of another year's end.

In our home, Thanksgiving is a BIG holiday. We're joining up to cook at least 368 dinners for people in the community, delivering 7 uncooked dinners to others, and then we finally settle in with our own family on that big Thursday to share each other's company, enjoy conversation, and eat. This has been a difficult year for our family. Many things have happened that have either saddened us, stirred us to anger, or caused us to fear. However, in the end when it's all over it is just another memory. There have been many blessings as well. So we do give thanks for the things that helped us grow and those that strengthened us to become better and wiser people.

Christmas is also a wonderful time. For the last couple of years we've had some pretty slim-looking gift-giving. With 5 children it's difficult to meet their needs and wants all year and then do a big hurrah at the end. However, I know my kids will never forget Christmas in our home. Not because of what they got, but the trip to Grandma's, dinner, the anticipation of Christmas Eve, stockings, candy, hot chocolate and so many more memories. Those are the things I hold dear. My dad was a scrooge, but my mom made the holidays wonderful and beautiful. I can recall only 3 gifts from that entire time. My radio with a CD player, a unicorn blanket, and a "working-girl Barbie." I rarely get anything at Christmas now, as it all goes to our kids. But each Christmas I remember and will always hold deeply.

I think of simple gifts, the beauty of a star and the miracle of angels singing from the Heavens when I think of Christmas. Most people were actually ticked off that night because they were being counted for a census so they could be taxed properly. But it was a night not soon forgotten or dismissed.

I have created a place mat from a pattern to remember my little boy's 4th Christmas. He turns 4 a few days before Thanksgiving each year. If you would like one, come on over to my studio and have yours done. Turn around is 4 days, so I have time for a few more!

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas everyone!