Sitting down at the computer to come up with a Sunday blog I realize ONE MONTH FROM TODAY IS CHRISTMAS EVE! I can’t believe it. I’ve been immersed in the family gathering around my table on Thanksgiving and it hadn’t occurred to me how close the Christmas holiday came just behind it.

Relatives are coming from out of state and my house will be full. I have a turkey thawing in the frig and I’ve gone over the shopping list dozens of times.

Tuesday evening my sister and her husband come from out of state;

Wednesday both sisters and I will make pies, sandwiches for lunch, turkey goes in the roaster before bed late that night;

Thursday morning we finish making the sides and the family gathers at noon to strip the bird clean;

Friday we recover and if anyone wants to eat, the frig is that way;

Saturday the guests leave, and I pass out for a few hours.

The beginning of the holiday season is next week. We eat too much, clean too much, spend too much, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to the grocery store. But I am so thankful that I have people who want to come and be with me. There are many who don’t. I can’t imagine not having the stress of the holidays and being alone with a TV dinner. I am lucky. I am thankful. My family means everything to me, the ones close at hand and the ones far away.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope your holiday is full of family stress (the good kind) and too much food. No food fights! Stay warm and bathe in the warmth of those around you.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!