Category: Holidays

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor

Holiday Home Tour 2023

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

It’s the time of the year when I really love my time at home enjoying the twinkle of Christmas lights. It’s always quite a bit of effort to get everything in the right spot, but I’m always so happy when we have our holiday decor out.

While it doesn’t change too much year to year, today I’m sharing how we decorate for Christmas.

Come on in!

I changed up the console in the front hall a bit compared to last year. I just moved some holiday items to different spots, and then added in a couple of my cute new houses from Kirklands.

This year, I did print out old pics of the kids with Santa to change up the frames that are out year round. They are sweet memories.

This year, I changed up the trunk in the living room. Last year, I made note that I wanted to get a couple of pre-lit trees for the trunk and then add in a mix and match of trees that I’ve collected through the years. I love these trees from Walmart, and it was fun adding in various trees I had in my Christmas storage bin.

I love my morning view of the coffee table tree and scented candle.

On the fireplace, I put out my favorite Santa and some nutcrackers.

On the built in, I switched out the picture in the frame to include my favorite Santa pic of the kids.

I added snow globes and another LED house from the Kirklands set to a couple of shelves too.

Just like when I shared my fall decor, I have to be honest and say my couch will never really look like this, but I love when it does. The couch is usually covered in order to Homer proof it! haha

I’m still loving our new tree, and it’s even better now that it’s decorated with ornaments and a few presents.

Nothing new in the office area…but a few of my favorite decorations and the sweet pic of the kids under the tree for their first Christmas.

I love my view from the kitchen when I’m cooking…and I love the little pic of Hadley being Hadley…and Hayden being embarrassed of Hadley. My brother took their Christmas pic many years ago. I also picked up a snowy fern from Trader Joe’s.

On the kitchen island built in, I added the bell and candle. The Santa plate isn’t really a spoon rest, but that’s what I’m using it for currently. The Merry and Bright sign is of KC’s Plaza lights which I love. I’ve had the monogrammed hand towel for years.

I’m still loving how I decorated the mantle this year with new garland and “Merry Christmas” sign from Smallwoods.

I decided not to hang the stockings yet…and Hadley is beside herself 😆

I added a few things to the tray on the kitchen table; I decided not to use a table runner this year.

Hadley’s favorite part is the village…She put it out the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

It looks even better at night.

A few other festive touches in the dining area:

A couple of years ago, my mom gave me this Santa cross-stitch that she made.

Much like the living room couch, the sun room doesn’t often look this neat and tidy, but I love when it does!

It’s similar but different every year too. I always change what I put in the tray and what I add to the side tables. The pillow slip covers are an easy way to decorate.

At the end of the hall, I added a few things. I put out some of the cards that I received last year from my mom, Gma, and aunt. They always make the best cards. The LED trees are also from Kirklands and provide the perfect glow for the nativity scene.

In our bedroom, I have our pencil tree and reindeer crock. When the crock has a candle in it, the stars shine on the wall. I love it.

Some years, I wish I had more neutral decorations, and this year, I wanted to “do less,” but Hadley wouldn’t let me! haha

Posted in Clothes, Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

Friday Favorites {#185]

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday…and happy December 1st!

It felt odd not posting last Friday, but I’m back this week to link up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week:

I think I usually do some kind of Thanksgiving recap, but never got to it this week.

Last Wednesday, we traveled to KC to spend Thanksgiving with my family. On Thursday, I watched a bit of the parade, per tradition.

Then, we hung out at my mom’s house before heading to my dad’s cousin’s house for Thanksgiving (late afternoon) lunch.

She outdoes herself, and the tables always look so pretty. Per tradition, we have chocolate turkeys with our names on them. How fun!

We were able to get a family pic…

…and hang out with family for a while. Unfortunately, we had to leave a bit early because Travis wasn’t feeling well. We ended up getting a hotel room in hopes that we wouldn’t spread germs, so I dropped Travis off and went to my dad’s to get his things.

Unfortunately, he shared his stomach bug with me, and by Friday morning, I joined him at the hotel.

Thankfully, the kids are old enough to (mostly) fend for themselves. They hung out with my dad, my brother’s family, and my mom and Gma on Friday and then again on Saturday morning.

On Friday, the kids baked cookies and made waffles with my mom, Gma, aunt, and my brother’s family.

Then, they went to the nearby “magic tree” that we usually visit when we are in town for the holidays.

My sister-in-law sent me this pic which I really appreciated.

On Saturday, we were feeling good enough to head home. I was bummed that I didn’t get to hang with everyone on the trip, but I was glad the stomach bug seemed to only be a 24 hour one.

Fave clothes:

I have a couple of Walmart finds that have been great this holiday season. I shared these pjs the other day…

…and this green fleece is so cute and warm. I’ve already worn it a few times, and I love it. It comes in a few colors and is under $20.

Our Angel Tree gifts are due this weekend, and due to our crazy schedule, I ended up taking the kids shopping individually for gifts.

I know I can find most things on Amazon, but I really want the kids to be intentional about choosing gifts and thinking of others…no matter how busy of a season we are having.

On Sunday, Hadley and I headed to Target. She got us drinks at Starbucks while I picked up a few things I needed, and then we shopped for the girl she chose.

I didn’t know what I was ordering, but I saw the iced gingerbread latte on the menu and went for it. I don’t want to know how many calories it has…because it is delicious!

On Wednesday, Hadley had volleyball practice after school, and I picked up Hayden from school and headed to Target. We shopped for the brothers that he’d picked from the tree.

On Sunday, I suggested we go ahead and put ornaments on the tree. The house was a mess, but I knew we had a busy week ahead.

I’m so glad we took the 30 minutes to do this. The tree looks even better now, and it’s always fun to see the ornaments year after year.

On my Sunday Trader Joe’s run, I picked up some seasonal favorites!

Last week, Hadley’s volleyball pics came in, and there were so many great ones. This one was my favorite:

Tuesday was 8th grade night for volleyball. I honestly can’t believe we are hitting these middle school milestones.

The school did an awesome job celebrating them, and some of the volleyball moms were so thoughtful to order flowers and a balloon stack.

The posters the coaches put out were so fun to see.

The athletic director even took family photos after each girl walked in. This might just have to be our Christmas card pic. haha

Favorite Mom Meme:

I’m not sure I’ve ever related more to a meme than this one…lol

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

When I was making the Shutterfly ornaments, I went down a rabbit hole of old pics. These ones of the kids with Santa about did me in!

So sweet.

I decided to print them and put them in frames I already have out. It’s a cute way to “decorate” and share memories as well.

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week including some memes and a couple of fun link ups:

Monday Memes
What’s Up Wednesday
Monthly Musings

I’m thankful for a pretty chill upcoming weekend, but I do think it’s going to include monitoring a science fair project. Bah humbug!

Thanks for reading,

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

It’s the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for this month’s Monthly Musings.

This is a fun linkup sharing answers to a certain topic.

This month’s topic is how we holiday.

I feel like “how we holiday” varies year to year, but we also have some traditions that we don’t pass up.

1. Favorite holiday traditions

Some traditions have changed as the kids have gotten older, but we always watch Christmas movies, go to the horse park to see the lights and bake a few batches of cookies.

One of my favorite traditions is putting ornaments on the tree.

Another favorite tradition is letting the kids choose a gift for each other…and then they usually open then on Christmas Eve after church.

2. Favorite holiday fashion items or accessories

I love plaid during the holidays…

3. Favorite holiday recipes

Besides baking, I don’t really have any recipes that I make specifically for the holidays.

For Christmas dinner, we usually have salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

4. How do you celebrate holidays?

As far as celebrating Christmas with our family, we either have a lot going on or very little.

If we are staying home, we celebrate with Trav’s family on the 23rd, go to church on Christmas Eve, and then we celebrate Christmas at home on the 25th.

If we are going to KC for Christmas, we have our family of 4 Christmas on the 22nd, go to Louisville on the 23rd, and then head to KC on the 24th. In KC, we go to my dad’s side of the family on the 24th, and then we spend time with my dad, mom, and Gma on the 25th. It’s a lot, but we make it happen and are happy to see everyone.

5. Do you go see holiday lights?

Besides the horse park, we usually check out other displays in Lexington.

When in KC, we’ve gone to see the Plaza lights a few times, and often go to the “magic tree” in my home town.

This year, Travis and I ended up sick the day after Thanksgiving, but my mom took the kids to the “magic tree” that evening (bottom pic)

6. How do you decorate your house for the holidays?

I do decorate for the holidays. I will say that decorating for Christmas stresses me out a little bit more than decorating for fall. It’s probably just because I feel more of a time crunch, and I always feel busier this time of the year. It can be a lot of effort to enjoy for only a few weeks.

My decorations don’t change much year to year, but I do tend to buy a few new things every year. I just can’t help myself. That being said, after I decorate, I try to toss or donate what I don’t use as to not have too much Christmas decor pile up.

This year, I did buy a new sign from Smallwoods and new garland from Kirklands. Year after year, I try to piece together the mantle, and I’m never happy with the garland. I wanted something pre-lit and substantial, and Kirklands had the perfect garland for my mantle…and I think it ended up being 50% off…and only around $30. (The sign was on sale too!)

Hadley set up the Christmas village which is her favorite thing to do.

7. Real or fake Christmas tree?

We always used to have an artificial tree, but then for about six years, we got a real one at one of our favorite places.

I’ve also been putting up a couple of pencil trees for the past couple of years in my bedroom and the sun room.

This year, we’re back to an artificial tree, and I’m loving it.

8. Favorite holiday treats?

We usually make cookies over winter break. We never really seem to have time before then. When we go to KC, we make German Christmas cookies…Pfeffernusse (my fave) and waffle cookies using the waffle iron made by my mom’s great grandfather in the late 1800’s.

This year, the kids helped bake while Travis and I stayed away because of our germs.

At home, we make peppermint crinkle cookies (I use this recipe and then add in a splash of peppermint extract), peanut butter blossoms, and usually some kind of sugar cookie.

For Christmas dinner dessert, I always make Shay’s Peppermint Mocha Bundt Cake.

9. Do your pets get gifts?

We’ve always given our dogs something…whether it’s a toy, a treat/bone, or a new bed.

Our pups have always had their own stocking too.

10. Best tips to make the holidays less stressful?

I try to make a list early. I wish I shopped earlier too, but I always feel like I have to get through the kids’ November birthday first.

A few years ago, I started making an Amazon list for the kids (and myself) to share with the family for easy shopping. I think everyone appreciates that.

Also, I’ve found that it’s ok to say “no” to things if/when needed. I do like to “do it all,” but I’ve been trying to find that balance through the years. That being said, some things have been taken off my plate as the kids have gotten older…and sometimes that’s actually a bittersweet feeling.

Ahh…after writing this post, I feel really ready for the holidays!

Posted in Holidays

Thanksgiving Fun

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy day before Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving break has always been one of my favorite times of the year. It’s just enough time off, and Thanksgiving calls for great food and no gifts!!

In honor of my favorite time of the year, I’m sharing a few fun ideas I’ve seen…mostly thanks to Pinterest!

1.

I’ve shared @ashton.creates posts before, and this Enneagram one is perfect for Thanksgiving.

I’m a 5w6, and it rings true for me. (FYI – my favorite side is green bean casserole!)

2.

How delicious does this Thanksgiving punch look?

3.

I will be the first to admit that I don’t gravitate towards the veggies on Thanksgiving Day, but this turkey veggie tray is too cute.

4.

Oh! I love a pretty tablescape!

I’ve sat at some pretty tables through the years thanks to my cousin and my sister-in-law.

This site has some great ideas.

5.

Here’s a fun turkey day “Table Talk” idea:

6.

These glitter nails are so festive!

7.

I’m still obsessed with cute cookies!

8.

This snack mix looks delish and so thoughtful.

9.

Maybe you can snack on it while watching some family friendly Thanksgiving movies.

10.

I saved the best for last. Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving leftovers?! Honestly, I really do love to warm up a plate of turkey, green beans, and mashed potatoes this next day. We also always make turkey rice soup! It’s a great way to use up the white meat that tends to dry out more quickly.

I hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.

See you back here on Saturday for Share 4 Somethings.

Posted in Holidays, Kids

Birthday Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday…a Tuesday that feels like a Friday! I’ll take it.

Yesterday was the kids’ birthday, and it was an action-packed day.

Today, I’m recapping how we celebrated them these past few days.

While the month of November leaves me feeling frazzled, we’ve had luck the past few years having a free evening the Friday before the kids’ birthday.

So, we penciled in a little birthday celebration with them and their friends.

While Hayden wanted to go to Sky Zone, Hadley wanted to try something different and requested Breakout Games.

All the kids came over around 5:00, and Travis took the boys to Sky Zone.

Our Breakout Games session wasn’t until 6:15, so Hadley and friends hung out for a while, and she opened her gifts from them. These girls know her so well. She received a cozy blanket, a Lululemon gift card, and a basket of baking supplies.

Then, I took them to Breakout Games. We’d chosen Mystery Mansion, and it was kind of spooky.

At first, I wasn’t going to go in with them, but then Hadley said she wanted me to come. I was just trying not to “cramp their style,” but I’m glad I went with them.

I think they’d all been to these types of places, but they were spooked a couple of times, and they were all over the place with trying to solve the clues. I was like, “Girls! Focus!” haha

Mystery Mansion was a total of three rooms, and we broke out with five minutes to spare.

The boys were finished jumping, so we met them for pizza and cake. One of our favorite Italian places has a room with a long table, so the kids sat in there while Travis and I sat in the main dining room.

Middle schoolers are funny…the boys and the girls sat at opposite ends of the table…haha

We had pizza and cookie cake…

…before heading home.

This is a great group of kids, and they’ve all known each other since kindergarten (give or take a year or so).

The boys ended up at our house for a bit to play basketball, but I took the girls home since most of them had to be up early for the volleyball tournament.

Saturday, Hadley had her tournament, and Hayden had a race in Louisville.

That evening, we met Trav’s brother and his boys for hibachi. We did this a couple of years ago too. We have lots of November birthdays to celebrate in the family.

On Sunday, Hadley had more volleyball, and Hayden had a basketball game. That evening, we had leftovers from hibachi, and then we went to my brother’s house for cake.

We hung out for a bit and watched the rest of the Missouri basketball game before heading home.

Yesterday, was their actual birthday.

Hadley was with me at Kroger last week and requested the cinnamon swirl crumb/coffee cake for birthday breakfast. So, the kids had that yesterday morning before going to school.

Hadley had a volleyball game last night, so they didn’t open presents until after we got home from the game. When I picked up their Bundt cake on Sunday, I got some “Bundtinis” for Hadley to share with the volleyball team, and an individual cake for them to have for dessert on their birthday.

Yes, we consumed lots of cake over the past few days, but we were always sharing it with others…so thankfully there weren’t a lot of leftovers!! haha

Overall, I think they had a great birthday.

Gifts:

Tis the season for gift giving.

We have to “double down” on gift ideas due to the kids’ birthday and Christmas being so close together.

I’m not sure if I will have any kind of “gift guide” posts in December, but if you have a tween or tween, they might like what my kids like too!

Hayden is definitely harder to buy for than Hadley is, and he also didn’t send me a power point like she did either! haha.

Anyway, it’s very specific to him, but he needed new running spikes, so Travis gave those to him before his race on Saturday. I usually get him the Kentucky Basketball magazine that’s at our local Joseph Beth bookstore. Travis got Hayden a hooded sweatshirt and some basketball shorts. Hayden told me he needed a new Gatorade bottle, so I purchased this two pack. It’s a tradition, but I always get the kids Christmas pjs, and Old Navy prices can’t be beat!

As for Hadley, she requested this pair of camo Athleta leggings. They are $89 leggings that are on sale for $22! She loves Aerie, and had her eye on the Chill Crew sweatshirt. It comes in lots of colors and is 40% off. During “Prime Days” this summer, I got this mini bluetooth speaker for her, and held on to it as a birthday gift. She requested a new straightener after the one we’ve shared for years died. I thought this one looked like a good option because it is a 2 in 1 straightener and curler. Hadley leans into the holiday season, so she appreciates the Old Navy pj tradition, and I also picked her up these cute slippers from Target.

I think the kids like having a birthday on a school day, at least Hadley does. It was a busy evening with volleyball, but I’m glad we took the time to have dinner, open gifts, and have one more bite of cake even if it was a busy evening.

I guess I say it every year, but it’s hard to believe how big they are getting!

Posted in Holidays, Kids

Happy 14th Birthday!

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Well, Mondays tend to be my least favorite day of the week, but this type of Monday hits different.

We only have a two day week of school and…today Hayden and Hadley turn 14! So, today is a great day!

We spent the weekend doing all the things they love….

Hanging with friends…

…running cross country…

…playing volleyball…

…and basketball…

…& eating cake!

I feel like we went from this…

to this …

in a flash!

(excuse the lack of #4 on the cake — we couldn’t seem to find it. Welcome to my life!)

It was a very hectic weekend as we wrap up a very busy month, but it was a good one.

I saw this meme…and chuckled.

I feel like it can also apply to parenthood 😆

November is going by so quickly, but we still have quite a few more things going on between now and Thanksgiving break…including two days of school and two evenings of volleyball.

Thanks for reading!

Posted in Amazon, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I hope you are having a great week. The day off yesterday was just what I needed to have a bit of downtime mixed in with productivity. Now we’re on the downhill slide to the weekend.

I had to double check my calendar. I can’t believe it’s the second Wednesday of the month! That means I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let‘s Look.

So far this year, we’ve looked at:

  • Scheduling/organizing a busy family in January
  • What’s in your medicine cabinet in February
  • Favorite Amazon finds in March
  • I skipped April because we had pet peeves as a topic for May’s Not Just a Mom post, so I saved those ideas for that post.
  • Around May’s link up, I shared a “Day in the Life” post, so that ended up including most of my morning routine.
  • Best travel tips in June
  • No post for me in July.
  • In August, I discussed worst habits in a blog challenge post.
  • Our evening routine in September
  • I skipped October because I’d already shared a post about fears for the blog challenge.

This month we are looking at…stocking stuffers.

Tis the season, y’all!

I looked back at my Amazon history, and today I’m sharing a few favorite stocking stuffers.

I know it seems random but this tissue box cover “elevates” an eyesore on the counter. There are a variety of colors, and it’s less than $8! I have this “pastel gray” one and have gifted it to others as well.

I stuck this razor kit in Hayden’s stocking last year. While he doesn’t need it often ☺️, it has definitely come in handy.

This heatless curl set is Hadley approved. It comes in a few different designs…including “candy cane!”

Both Travis and Hayden have these stocking caps with a light for running. It’s the perfect gift for a runner during the winter months.

I hate to exaggerate, but this ground meat chopper is a game changer for cooking! I use it every time I cook ground meat.

I have this watch band, and I love the scallop detail. It comes in so many cute colors; maybe I should grab another one.

These rose gold earrings are my favorite, and I wear them almost every single day. They are less than $10, and have a $1 off coupon.

These socks are fun for any gamer or teen in your life. For only $6, they’d be a perfect stocking gift. I got them for Hayden a couple of years ago.

Bananagrams is a fun game for all ages. It’s the perfect size to take for family fun when you travel.

I’ve shared these portable chargers before, and they’ve worked great for us through the years. They got us through the five day power outage last spring. I have my eye on this one because it’s slimmer, and we could use one or two more.

Honestly, stockings have always been my favorite part of Christmas morning.

Happy shopping!

{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}

Posted in Holidays

Halloween Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy November 1st!

Wow! That escalated quickly. I feel like October went by in a blink, and November is one of our most hectic months. I guess I’d better buckle up!

Well, I guess we’ve hit the “new norm” of having older kids on Halloween. For the second year in a row, Travis and I sat on the front porch and passed out candy while the kids did their own thing.

Here’s a recap of our Halloween festivities these past few days.

Last Thursday, Hayden and a few friends went to a nearby haunted house. The mom who took them is officially the “fun mom!”

They had a great time, and let’s just say that the “creatures” at the haunted house quickly determined that Hayden was the “weak link.” lol

No pics, but Friday night the kids went to their school’s haunted house and had lots of fun.

Over the weekend, I made Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies. I’ve made this recipe before, but I don’t know what went wrong. They tasted delish, but were flat and sticky even after baking.

I put out my “scary” skeletons in my mums. My porch is still decorated with pumpkins and mums, but right before Halloween I usually put a couple of these guys out. They prop up nicely in my mums.

Then, I typically put spider webs and spiders on the front bushes, but with the really soggy weather this past weekend, I never got to it. I will save the cobwebs for next year.

On Sunday, we had mummy dogs, “brains,” and “eye balls” for dinner. It’s a family favorite.

Sunday night, we found a bit of time to carve pumpkins. I still love this tradition and will cling to it!

Hayden carved “UK” for Kentucky, and Hadley found this “scary” face online with little horse shoe shaped eyes and a big mouth. After she carved it, we laughed because we thought it looked like a bear! Oh well.

Yesterday, at my school, the teachers decided to dress like students (& it was a surprise to the students! 😆) *not pictured: my AirPods I’m my ears*

Hadley and friends had a last minute idea to be Alvin and the Chipmunks for Halloween. Their costumes were so cute!

Hayden and friends…had no theme! haha…but they had fun. Hayden didn’t grow a mustache week, per my suggestion, but he still wore his Travis Kelce jersey.

Oh! It was a cold evening, but Travis and I passed out candy while the kids had fun with their friends.

Alvin and Kelce!

It was so cold that I wore my winter coat and warm boots.

We ended the evening at our friend/neighbor’s house for chili and s’mores.

Her “spooky” charcuterie board was so cute (and delish!)

Now that it’s November, it’s time to focus on the kids’ birthday and Thanksgiving. How much longer until I put up my tree?! haha

Posted in Holidays, This and That

This or That: Halloween Edition

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and…

I haven’t written a “this or that” post in quite a while, so I thought a Halloween one would be fun. I found this one on Pinterest.

This or That:

  • Trick or Treat

Definitely treats, please!

  • Spooky stories or Spooky movies

While I love reading books that are suspenseful, a spooky movie is fun this time of the year. That being said, I’d take a Halloween/fall themed movie over a spooky one.

  • Apple cider or pumpkin spice latte

I like apple cider, but I prefer coffee with a splash of cream and a dash of pumpkin spice.

  • Hocus Pocus or Nightmare Before Christmas

I definitely prefer Hocus Pocus. We watched the new one last year on fall break.

  • Hay maze or haunted house

I definitely prefer a hay maze. I don’t think my anxiety could take a haunted house. haha

Hayden and friends went to a haunted house last week. My friend who took them definitely wins for “fun mom!”

Then, my kids’ school hosted a haunted house for the community like they did last year. The kids went last Friday night and had fun.

  • Carve a pumpkin or paint a pumpkin

We always carve them. I love that tradition…and I’m clinging to it.

  • Scare someone or be scared

Neither!!!

  • Buy a costume or make a costume

Through the years, we’ve always bought them. When the kids were little, my mom did make one of their costumes…just like she did my brother and I were little.

  • Trick-or-treat or pass out candy

We are back to passing out candy after many years of trick-or-treating. I do think the kids will go out tonight for a bit. Hadley and friends have a group costume, but Travis and I will be on the front porch handing out candy.

  • Halloween party or cozy spooky movie night

Definitely a night in would be on my list. It’s not spooky, but I miss the tradition of watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

  • Pumpkin patch or apple orchard

You know I love a pumpkin patch!

That being said, I grew up across the street from an apple orchard, and I loved going to pick apples. I haven’t done that with my kids though!

What would your answers be? I will post this one on Insta!

I hope you have a great Halloween.

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, it’s almost time to turn the page of the calendar to November, so today I’m sharing my answers to Patty and Holly’s fun end of the month link up.

This month’s topic is Thanksgiving prep.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. We get to see family, enjoy great food, and don’t have the stress of gift giving!

1. What are your Thanksgiving plans?

We typically alternate staying home vs. going to KC for Thanksgiving. This year is a KC Thanksgiving year.

2. Favorite Thanksgiving dish? Please share recipe.

I love green bean casserole at Thanksgiving. I always just use the classic recipe on the side of the French’s fried onion container.

I also love corn casserole, but I tried to make it once, and it was a fail. I will leave it to the Thanksgiving pros (AKA my sister-in-law and/or Trav’s aunts)!

3. Best food prep tips?

I’ve really only hosted Thanksgiving a time or two, and it’s so much work. I’m really grateful for those who have hosted through the years.

Of course, making a list is always helpful, and asking others to bring some of the food is essential too.

4. Favorite Thanksgiving traditions?

I love starting my Thanksgiving morning with the Macy’s parade.

5. Turkey? Ham? Other? Both?

To me, turkey is for Thanksgiving and ham is for Easter!

6. Apple pie? Pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie all the way. I love my pumpkin pie served cold with a dollop of Cool Whip!

7. Football or family movie?

There’s typically football on in the background while everyone hangs out and eats at Thanksgiving. Christmas movies start the Friday after Thanksgiving.

8. Stuffing or dressing?

It’s the same thing, right? But…one is inside the bird and one is out?! I definitely don’t like stuffing, but I’ve made sausage dressing a time or two, and I really like it.

9. Turkey trot or Thanksgiving parade?

Thanksgiving parade all the way.

10. Have you ever done Friendsgiving?

Our neighbors hosted a Friendsgiving a few years ago, and it was so nice to get together. That being said, the month of November about takes me out every year with Travis working so much, the kids’ activities and birthday, holiday travel, gift buying and more. So, it’s hard to find the time, at this stage of life, to do some of the extra fun things like Friendsgiving.

Thanksgiving always has been one of my favorite holidays. What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving?