Category: Blog

A Thanksgiving Road Trip Tradition Worth Starting

Posted on by gigis ramblings
thanksgiving road trip

Thanksgiving sneaks up fast every year, and with it comes the same old routine. But there’s something downright magical about shaking things up and hopping in the car for a holiday road trip. If you’ve never tried it, this is one tradition worth starting—one that mixes adventure, family time, and a whole lot of memory-making.

Why Thanksgiving Makes the Perfect Road Trip Weekend

Thanksgiving gives you a rare blend of time off, cooler temps, and beautiful scenery. The roads may be busy, but the energy feels festive. Town squares glow with early holiday lights, diners serve warm comfort food, and small towns you’d normally pass through suddenly feel like part of the adventure.

A Thanksgiving road trip lets you skip the chaos of hosting—or escape it. You get the freedom to wander without a strict schedule, explore places you’ve always talked about visiting, or find a cozy spot to relax far away from your everyday noise.

What Makes the Tradition So Special

The moment you turn on the ignition, everything slows down. Conversations get deeper. The scenery feels richer. Even the silence hits different. Whether it’s you and Santiago cruising with the music low or the whole crew piled in, a Thanksgiving road trip brings out the kind of connection that’s hard to recreate at home.

Plus, you get to enjoy Thanksgiving food without cooking all day. Plenty of restaurants, small-town cafés, and roadside gems serve holiday meals. Some offer buffet-style spreads, while others plate up old-school Southern comfort.

Ideas for a Thanksgiving Road Trip

Here are a few ways to make the tradition something you look forward to each year:

Visit a New Small Town Every Thanksgiving

Pick a different small town each year—someplace with charm, character, and a little holiday sparkle. Texas is full of them.

Plan a Scenic Route Instead of a Destination

Sometimes the drive itself is the trip. Choose backroads, historic highways, or routes lined with fall color.

Stay in a Cabin or Vintage Motel

Instead of a big hotel, go for a seasonal stay—mountain cabins, lakeside cottages, or renovated retro motels with personality.

Go See Christmas Lights in Every Town You Pass

Since you already love looking at lights, this fits like a glove. Some towns start their Christmas displays right after Thanksgiving.

Make One Signature Stop Every Year

A bakery, a landmark, a photo spot, a little antique shop—something that becomes your thing.

Tips for Making It Smooth

  • Pack light but warm
  • Plan fuel stops if you’re going rural
  • Make reservations for Thanksgiving dinner early
  • Bring a small cooler for drinks and leftovers
  • Download maps in case service drops

A good road trip is about being prepared enough to relax, but not so planned that you lose the joy of the unexpected.

Why This Tradition Sticks

Years down the road, you won’t remember the dishes you washed or the exact turkey recipe you used. But you will remember long stretches of highway, laughing in the car, finding hidden gems, and making Thanksgiving about presence—not pressure.

A Thanksgiving road trip tradition gives you a chance to pause before the holiday rush, reconnect with the ones you love, and see the world a little differently each year.

If you’re looking for a holiday tradition that feels meaningful, simple, and fun, this one’s worth starting—maybe even this season.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Time to Thaw That Turkey!

Posted on by gigis ramblings
thanksgiving turkey preparation

Alright, friend—if your turkey is still chilling in the freezer like it’s on vacation, today is the day it needs to come out. Frozen turkeys need around 24 hours of thawing time for every 4–5 pounds when thawing in the refrigerator. So if yours is around 16 pounds, you’re looking at about four full days. That means it should already be thawing, starting now, not Wednesday morning when it’s still an icy bowling ball.

Here’s a quick guide:
8–12 lbs = 2 to 3 days
12–16 lbs = 3 to 4 days
16–20 lbs = 4 to 5 days
20–24 lbs = 5 to 6 days

Set it breast-side-up in a pan or tray to catch drips so you’re not mopping up turkey juice later.

Make a Menu Before the Madness Begins

Now is the perfect time to finalize what’s actually being served. Turkey is the star, but what else? Dressing or stuffing? Mac and cheese? Mashed potatoes? Cranberry sauce (from scratch or in that fancy ridged can)? Once you know, you can make your shopping list and catch what you forgot—like butter, foil, cooking twine, poultry seasoning, or that one spice you only buy once a year. And yes, check your coffee, too. Holiday mornings run on caffeine.

Desserts Love Being Made Early

Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sweet potato pie, and even cheesecakes can all be made a day or even two ahead. They usually taste better the second day anyway. Wrap them well and store in the fridge. You’ll thank yourself later when your oven is taken over by stuffing and casseroles.

Spread the Work—Seriously, You Don’t Have to Do It All

Ask people to help. Let someone bring drinks and ice. Assign someone the green bean casserole. Have someone else handle table settings or bring store-bought rolls because, let’s be honest, nobody complains about Sister Schubert rolls.

People WANT to contribute—give them a job before they show up with just one lonely bag of chips.

Create a Little Flavor Station

Set aside a small space for salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, sage, rosemary, thyme, paprika, butter, olive oil, and whatever else you use a ton of on Thanksgiving. That way you’re not digging through cabinets with oily fingers during chaos hour.

Get Your Serveware Out Now

Pull out that gravy boat you only use once a year. Grab the ladles, big serving spoons, pie servers, casserole dishes, trays, and cutting boards. A fun trick—label each dish with a sticky note: Stuffing goes here, mashed potatoes here, sweet potato casserole there. Helps a lot when guests ask how to help set things out.

Clean Out the Fridge (Yes, Really)

Future You will be so happy you did. You need space for thawing turkey, desserts, trays, and leftovers. Toss the mystery container from last week and clear off a shelf or two. It’s the calm before the stuffing storm.

Last Reminder: You’ve Got This

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be picture-perfect. It just has to feel warm, welcoming, and mostly edible. Getting ahead now gives you less stress, more time to enjoy, and fewer panic moments wondering why the turkey is still frozen on Thursday morning.

Thaw the turkey today. Make the menu. Prep a little. Laugh a lot. And remember—people care more about being together than having perfect linens or homemade cranberry sauce.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

The Great Pie Debate: Pumpkin vs. Pecan

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pumpkin and pecan pies on country style counter

Image created with Canva AI

When November rolls in, so does one of the most heated Southern food debates you’ll ever hear around a holiday table: pumpkin pie or pecan pie. Now, I’ll be honest with y’all — I’m a pumpkin girl myself. Not because I don’t appreciate a good pecan pie, but because I don’t actually eat pecans. I’ll straight-up scoop that gooey middle out and leave every single nut sittin’ right there on the plate like they offended me personally. But that’s the beauty of this debate — it’s all about tastes, traditions, and what your family grew up serving.

Pumpkin Pie: The Cozy Classic

Pumpkin pie is smooth, spiced, and comforting in that “wrap-you-in-a-blanket-by-the-fireplace” kind of way. Most folks expect it on the Thanksgiving table — almost like if it’s missing, the whole meal feels off. It’s the kind of pie that tastes like fall in a single bite, with cinnamon and nutmeg doing all the heavy lifting.

It’s also the more widely loved option for people who aren’t into crunchy textures. Creamy, velvety, and topped with a lil’ whipped cream? Hard to beat.

Pecan Pie: The Sweet Southern Icon

Now on the other side of the ring, we’ve got pecan pie — the pride and joy of many Southern kitchens. Thick, sugary filling, a buttery crust, and toasted pecans on top that give it that unmistakable crunch. It’s richer, sweeter, and absolutely decadent.

For folks who grew up with pecan trees in the backyard or grandmamas who baked this year-round, pecan pie isn’t just dessert — it’s heritage.

Even though I don’t actually eat the pecans, I’ll gladly enjoy that sweet filling. It’s like candy baked into a crust, and I’ll never turn down a slice… as long as I can pick the nuts off.

Which Pie Wins the Holiday Table?

Truth is, both pies hold their own in completely different ways. Pumpkin brings the warm spice. Pecan brings the deep sweetness. One is creamy, one is crunchy. One tastes like fall, one tastes like the South.

So really, the “winner” depends on whose house you’re visiting.

But in this kitchen? Pumpkin takes the crown — with pecan pie filling coming in as a strong runner-up once those pecans head on out.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about picking the “right” pie. They’re about sharing dessert with people you love… even if you’re scraping the toppings off before you dig in.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

The History of the Cornucopia: More Than Just a Basket of Fake Fruit

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thanksgiving cornucopia

What Is a Cornucopia, Really?

You’ve seen it in fall décor — a woven horn-shaped basket spilling out apples, pumpkins, leaves, grapes, and sometimes those weird decorative gourds nobody actually eats. But the cornucopia is more than just a seasonal centerpiece. Its name comes from Latin: cornu copiae, meaning “horn of plenty,” symbolizing abundance, nourishment, and blessings. From ancient myths to modern Thanksgiving tables, it represents more than just décor — it’s a mindset of gratitude, harvest energy, and having more than enough to share.

Ancient Roots: Where the Cornucopia Came From

The cornucopia goes all the way back to Greek mythology. The story says baby Zeus was raised by a goat named Amalthea. One day, he accidentally broke off one of her horns, and that horn began overflowing with fruit, flowers, and endless nourishment. This magical horn became the first cornucopia, a symbol of unlimited abundance and divine provision.

In Roman culture, it became a powerful symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Statues of gods like Fortuna, the goddess of luck, often showed her holding a cornucopia to show the gift of plentiful harvests and wealth.

Harvest Symbolism: Why It Belongs to Fall

As farming cultures developed, the cornucopia naturally became a harvest icon. It represented a successful growing season, filled barns, and enough food to last through winter. The overflowing produce wasn’t just decorative — it was a visual celebration of survival, gratitude, and blessings.

In modern times, we still feel that same energy in autumn — the season of gathering, preparing, and giving thanks. That’s why the cornucopia is seen everywhere from school crafts to elegant Thanksgiving centerpieces.

What It Means Today: Decor, Mindset, Energy

Today, the cornucopia isn’t just about food. It has transformed into a symbol of mindset:

🌾 Abundance Mindset

It reminds us to focus on what we have, not what we lack. It’s about acknowledging blessings — whether big or small — and letting that gratitude attract more.

🧺 Sharing & Community

A full horn spilling everywhere means there’s more than enough. The modern meaning encourages generosity, whether that’s sharing food, time, kindness, or knowledge.

🍎 Seasonal Decor & Home Style

Cornucopias make a perfect centerpiece when decorating for fall, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and harvest-themed gatherings. You can fill them with:

  • Mini pumpkins and pears
  • Dried wheat, acorns, and eucalyptus
  • Cinnamon sticks, pine cones & faux florals
  • Amber, bronze, and deep green hues for a rich, southern cozy feel

Think bountiful, layered, textured, warm — not minimalistic. It brings that Southern charm we love: full table, full hearts, full spirit.

Cornucopia in Modern Celebrations

  • Thanksgiving: A reminder of gratitude, togetherness, and blessings.
  • Friendsgiving: A modern take — abundance in friendship, laughter, and shared food.
  • Home Decor: Not just a centerpiece — it can be displayed on mantels, entryway tables, coffee bars, or even hung on the front door like a wreath.
  • Mindfulness & Affirmation: The cornucopia teaches us to embrace abundance — in love, goals, creativity, finances, and joy.

Final Thought: More Than Décor — It’s a Whole Mood

The cornucopia isn’t just a basket of fake fruit. It’s a tradition that has survived centuries because it represents something timeless: hope, harvest, generosity, and gratitude. Whether displayed in your home or woven into your mindset, it is a powerful reminder that we are blessed — and there is always enough to share.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

The Real Story Behind the First Thanksgiving (Minus the Elementary School Myths)

Posted on by gigis ramblings
The original Thanksgiving

Forget the Construction Paper Hats — Here’s What Really Happened in 1621

We all grew up with the same bright-colored classroom myth: Pilgrims in buckle shoes, Native Americans in feathers, long tables filled with pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, and smiling hand-holding “friends.” Cute, but not even close to accurate. The real story behind the First Thanksgiving is way more complex, deeply political, and honestly way more fascinating.

Who Was Actually There?

In the fall of 1621, about 50 surviving English colonists (out of the original 102 who arrived on the Mayflower) gathered with around 90 Wampanoag men from the surrounding tribal communities. These Native men were not “visitors” — they were strategic allies of the Pilgrims, led by the respected sachem (leader) Massasoit.

This wasn’t just a friendly dinner. This was a political event, more like a diplomatic gathering meant to secure peace, protection, and negotiation between the struggling English settlement and the powerful Wampanoag Nation.

It Wasn’t Even Called “Thanksgiving”

Colonists did hold religious “Thanksgiving” services — but those involved prayer, fasting, and zero feasting. The 1621 event was a harvest celebration, not a Thanksgiving at all. It was simply a successful crop party, celebrating the fact that the colonists had finally grown enough food to survive the winter — thanks mainly to Native knowledge of planting, harvesting, and land management.

What Did They Eat? (Hint: No Pumpkin Pie & No Mashed Potatoes)

Let’s clear this up right now:
❌ No pumpkin pie (they had pumpkins, but no flour, sugar, or ovens)
❌ No mashed potatoes (potatoes weren’t in North America yet)
❌ No cranberry sauce (they had cranberries but no sugar)
❌ No stuffing, no green bean casserole, and definitely no cornbread

Historians believe the menu looked more like this:

  • Wild fowl — likely duck, goose, and possibly turkey
  • Venison — the Wampanoag brought five deer as gifts
  • Eels and shellfish — mussels, clams, oysters, and lobster were everywhere
  • Roasted corn — but not sweet corn, more like cornmeal or porridge
  • Nuts, beans, and squash — thanks to Native agricultural expertise
  • Berries and foraged herbs

This was a meal cooked over open fires, flavored with wild herbs and onions, not butter and brown sugar.

What They Wore (Yep, the Buckles Are a Myth Too)

Those shiny buckles we always see on Pilgrims’ hats? Pure fiction — buckles were expensive and not fashionable in 1621. Pilgrims wore earth-tone clothing: browns, greens, and grays, made from wool and linen. Native clothing was just as practical — deerskin, fur-lined cloaks, and beautifully decorated accessories.

Why Did It Happen?

The Wampanoag weren’t invited just to feast — their presence was political. The English desperately needed allies for survival and protection. The Wampanoag were dealing with enemy tribes and saw value in cooperation. This was a diplomatic gathering — a cross-cultural negotiation sealed through feasting.

The Hard Truth: That Peace Didn’t Last

While the 1621 feast is often celebrated as a symbol of unity, the harmony was temporary. Within just a generation, land disputes, cultural conflict, and broken agreements led to devastating wars and the eventual displacement of Native peoples throughout New England.

So… Should We Still Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Absolutely — but with a deeper understanding. Thanksgiving can still be about gathering, gratitude, and tradition, but it’s also an opportunity to honor the Indigenous cultures that shaped the America we live in today — long before the Mayflower ever set sail.

Final Thoughts

The real story behind the First Thanksgiving is less about turkey and more about survival, political alliances, and two vastly different cultures trying to navigate a new world together.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

The Great Debate: Real Tree or Fake Tree?

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home decorated for Christmas

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Why This Debate Comes Up Every Year

As soon as the holidays roll in, folks start choosing sides. Some love the nostalgia of a real Christmas tree. Others can’t imagine giving up the convenience of a fake one. Most families land somewhere in the middle, which is why this debate never dies.

Why Real Trees Still Win Hearts

A real tree fills a home with a scent you simply can’t fake. That burst of fresh evergreen when you walk into a room instantly sets the mood. The natural shape, the soft needles, and the classic feel all play into the magic.
The formal tree in the living room is the only live one here, always either a Fraser fir or a Noble fir — the bigger the better. The smell, the texture, the whole experience is part of what makes Christmas feel real.

Why Fake Trees Are the Practical Favorite

Fake trees are easy, reliable, and versatile. You can get them pre-lit, slim, flocked, short, tall — whatever suits your space. They don’t shed, don’t need watering, and stay picture-perfect for the entire season.
That’s why they’re perfect for homes with multiple trees. Three of them stay up every year: one in the dining room, one in the master bedroom, and one upstairs. There might even be another added this season.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

The real question is what fits your life and your traditions. If you enjoy picking out a tree every year and love that natural smell, real is the way to go. If convenience and consistency make the season smoother, a fake one might be your match.
Many people mix both — a grand real tree in the main living area and artificial ones throughout the house. It keeps decorating fun without piling on stress.

Final Thoughts

Real or fake, your Christmas tree becomes the backdrop of the season. It’s where the memories happen, where the gifts pile up, and where the glow feels warmest. The best tree is the one that makes your home feel magical.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Sixteen Years Later… We’re Still Here

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16 years anniversary post

Sixteen years. If we’re being honest, I don’t think either of us—or anybody watching from the cheap seats—would’ve guessed we’d make it this far. Not because we didn’t love each other, but because we walked into this thing with more chaos than calm, more questions than answers, and absolutely no blueprint on how to blend two very different worlds.

He had never been in a serious relationship before me. Never lived with anyone but his parents. Never had the kind of structure most folks grow up with. Meanwhile, I came in like a whole tornado of organization, expectations, and routines. It wasn’t exactly a seamless transition.

The Growing Pains That Shaped Us

There were moments where we almost fell apart. Moments where I felt like I was raising another kid—kind of—because he missed a lot of basic life skills growing up while his parents were off in a bar instead of at home. He was used to utter chaos and mess. It took patience, teaching, and a whole lot of deep breaths.

But let’s be real: I’m no picnic either. My dominant personality can be… a lot. I like things done a certain way, and I don’t bend easily. So trust me, the growing pains were on both sides.

Why Our Relationship Works

Some folks would call us co-dependent because we do almost everything together. Outside of work, you’ll rarely find us apart. And you know what? It works. Other people don’t have to understand our rhythm or our routine. We figured out a long time ago who to keep at a distance and who doesn’t need to be anywhere near our relationship.

We’ve changed a lot over sixteen years. We are now in our calm era. All the kids have grown up and started families of their own. He went from never being in a relationship to being a partner, a stepdad, and a PawPaw to fifteen grandkids in record time. And he handled it like a champ, even when life handed us more chaos than calm.

The Quiet Moments Matter Most

This year, our anniversary weekend was exactly the way we like it—quiet, simple, no stress, no circus. Just us enjoying the calm we built together. We’ll probably take a little celebratory road trip before the month’s over, nothing fancy, just one of those easy adventures that always ends up being our favorite kind.

Sixteen Years of Choosing Each Other

Right now, I’m just grateful. Grateful that after all the hard moments, all the learning, all the adjusting, all the storms, I still have someone walking beside me through this wild, ridiculous life. We’ve laughed, fought, rebuilt, raised kids, spoiled grandbabies, and somehow made it through every bit of it without killing each other—and that alone deserves a trophy.

It’s been one helluva ride. But I’d do it all again. Every last minute of it. Here’s to 160 more with my bestie!

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

How “Friendsgiving” Became a Modern Tradition

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friendsgiving gathering

When the holiday season rolls around, we all know what to expect — turkey, mashed potatoes, family gatherings, and maybe a little chaos mixed in. But over the last couple of decades, another tradition has taken root alongside Thanksgiving: Friendsgiving. It’s cozy, casual, and all about celebrating the people you choose to call family.

What Exactly Is Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving is, at its heart, a Thanksgiving-style meal shared among friends rather than family. It usually takes place before or after Thanksgiving Day itself, giving everyone the chance to connect without juggling multiple family obligations.

Think of it as Thanksgiving’s laid-back cousin — no stress, no assigned seating charts, and no one judging your store-bought pie. Everyone brings a dish, shares stories, laughs too loud, and maybe watches football or holiday movies in the background.

The Origins of Friendsgiving

While there’s no single official “first” Friendsgiving, the concept started gaining steam in the early 2000s. Some say it began as a way for young adults living far from home to still celebrate the holiday season with their chosen families.

The term “Friendsgiving” first popped up online and in pop culture around 2007, but it really took off thanks to social media. Instagram posts of beautifully mismatched tables, overflowing charcuterie boards, and toasts over pumpkin punch helped turn a simple gathering into a cultural moment.

Brands soon caught on — from grocery stores running “Friendsgiving” ads to TV shows dedicating episodes to the theme — and now it’s as much a part of November as the Macy’s Parade.

Why Friendsgiving Feels So Special

There’s something refreshing about celebrating without the pressure of perfection. Friendsgiving is about gratitude, but in a softer, more personal way. It’s about:

  • Flexibility: You can host it potluck-style, cook together, or order takeout.
  • Comfort: No family drama, no travel chaos — just your favorite people and good food.
  • Creativity: Every Friendsgiving table looks different — from candlelit dinners to backyard bonfires.

And let’s be real — sometimes your friends understand you in ways even your family doesn’t. That’s what makes Friendsgiving feel so meaningful.

How to Host Your Own Friendsgiving

If you’re ready to start your own Friendsgiving tradition, here are a few easy tips:

  1. Pick a date early. Aim for the weekend before Thanksgiving so more people can attend.
  2. Plan the menu together. Use a shared note or group chat so you don’t end up with seven mac and cheeses (unless that’s the vibe).
  3. Set the mood. Cozy lighting, music, and a few seasonal touches — dark woods, warm tones, rustic table settings — make it feel festive without being fussy.
  4. Don’t forget gratitude. Go around the table and share one thing you’re thankful for this year. It always hits home.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

Whether you’re surrounded by lifelong friends or a new group you’ve just found, Friendsgiving is proof that family doesn’t have to be defined by blood — it’s about connection, laughter, and showing up for one another.

So this November, take a moment to celebrate your people — the ones who’ve seen you through your best and worst days, and who show up anyway, casserole in hand. That’s the real heart of Friendsgiving.

How to Transition Your Home from Fall to Holiday Décor

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living room decorated for the holidays

As the weather cools and the last of the autumn leaves fall, it’s natural to start thinking about holiday decorations. For some people, that transition starts as soon as Halloween is over, while others—like me—prefer to soak up every last bit of fall. Personally, I don’t start my holiday decorating until Thanksgiving night, because I adore all my pumpkins, scarecrows, and turkeys. But here’s the thing: you should decorate whenever it feels right for you. Enjoy the holidays your way.

Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate

Before you begin pulling out the garlands and ornaments, take a little time to clear away fall clutter. Dust off surfaces, pack up your pumpkins, and give your home a light refresh. This helps you see your space with new eyes and makes decorating less overwhelming.

Step 2: Choose a Transition Theme

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to fall just yet, try blending both seasons together. Think cozy plaid blankets mixed with twinkling lights or neutral holiday tones paired with your favorite rustic décor. Using textures like burlap, pinecones, and evergreen branches helps create a warm, in-between look.

Step 3: Swap Out Scents and Textures

Changing the way your home feels and smells can make a big impact. Switch from pumpkin spice and cinnamon scents to wintery aromas like cedar, peppermint, or vanilla. Add a few faux fur throws or knitted pillows to bring in that cozy holiday vibe without going full Christmas right away.

Step 4: Layer in Holiday Touches Slowly

If you like to ease into the holidays, start small. Add candles, wreaths, or a few twinkling lights to your existing décor. Gradually replace fall elements with more festive ones as you go—maybe swap your fall wreath for one with pine and berries, or trade out your orange candles for silver and red.

Step 5: Make It Personal

There’s no rulebook when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Maybe you love bold Christmas reds, or maybe you prefer a soft, snowy winter palette. You might even leave a few pumpkins out alongside your nutcrackers—and that’s perfectly fine! The best décor reflects you, your family, and your traditions.

Step 6: Enjoy the Process

Whether you decorate early in November or wait until Thanksgiving night like I do, remember that the holidays are about joy and togetherness. Don’t stress about perfection—just create a space that makes you happy every time you walk through the door.

Veterans Hold a Special Place in My Heart

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US flag with old cannon

Every year when Veteran’s Day comes around, I can’t help but think about my own family and the legacy of service that runs deep in our blood. For me, it’s more than just a day on the calendar—it’s personal.

My Family’s Legacy of Service

Both of my grandfathers served in combat during World War II. They didn’t talk much about what they went through, but their silence spoke volumes. My Granddaddy was a Purple Heart recipient, a quiet, humble man who carried his experiences with grace and strength. He never looked for praise or sympathy—he just lived his life with the kind of integrity that leaves a mark on everyone around him.

And then there was my maternal grandmother. She served, too, during a time when women weren’t always encouraged to take on military roles. But she did it anyway—with courage, determination, and a sense of purpose that made me proud long before I was old enough to truly understand what it meant.

Lessons Their Service Taught Me

Growing up with those examples shaped how I see the world. My grandparents taught me that service isn’t about recognition—it’s about sacrifice, honor, and heart. It’s about doing what’s right even when nobody’s watching. Their stories remind me that courage doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s found in showing up, doing your part, and carrying on even when it’s hard.

What Veteran’s Day Means to Me

Veteran’s Day isn’t just a day to say thank you—it’s a reminder to live in a way that honors those who’ve served. It’s a time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of people who were willing to risk everything. To me, it’s about remembering the faces, the stories, and the hearts behind the uniforms.

To all the veterans who’ve served, and to the families who’ve stood beside them—thank you. Your courage, strength, and sacrifice don’t go unnoticed. You are remembered and appreciated, not just today, but every day.