not just yet

I've seen Christmas decor all over social media since the beginning of November. I've always been one of those who don't decorate until after Thanksgiving. One holiday at a time. Growing up, I never knew anyone to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving. Who can eat a turkey dinner and celebrate thankfulness for our food, family and friends with a Christmas tree twinkling in the background? It's just "bassackwards". Reminds me of the Sesame Street song that goes, "one of these things is not like the others; one of these things just doesn't belong." I think the onslaught of social media has pushed people to decorate earlier every year; a competition to be one step ahead.

But this year is different. There is no "normal". I hear people on Instagram saying that they need the cheer; that the bright lights and pretty Christmas tree make them happy. I totally understand that. Go with whatever makes you happy, especially this year. Christmas decorating isn't something that sparks joy in me: it's just another chore. So I'm waiting until I feel that Christmas spirit.

In the meantime, I do enjoy browsing the Christmas decor in independent stores. It's lovely and inspiring and I didn't have to do any of the work! One of my favorite local shops had just finished setting up their Christmas displays, so I went to take a peek last week.

I couldn't leave empty-handed and I'm a sucker for bottle brush trees, so these two came home with me. Mary, the shop owner, uses vintage materials to craft these trees. The red base on the white tree was part of a vintage chandelier from a restaurant in Chicago that closed. Mary said she had the chandelier for sale in her shop for a long time. It never sold. She took it apart and re-purposed the parts.

I received early Christmas cheer in the mail a couple of days ago, too. Kris from Junk Chic Cottage had a giveaway and I was one of the winners of these two wine bottle ornaments. Her note said no judgement from her if the wine didn't make it until Christmas. 😉

Back to Thanksgiving, what are you all doing this year? It'll be just the two of us here this year; we're staying home as we have some high-risk family members. I don't like turkey but Brian does, so we purchased a small frozen turkey breast at Trader Joe's. It has stuffing in the middle and is wrapped in phyllo dough. For sides, I'm making mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts with pecans, cranberry relish, and bourbon corn casserole. For dessert, I'll make a pumpkin pie. I know it sounds like a lot of food for the two of us, but we love Thanksgiving leftovers.

 

Whatever you choose to do for Thanksgiving, I wish you a safe and blessed one.

💓