Fall

During Fall, there's a new excitement in the air. I can remember as a teenager always loving Fall because there were football games to attend, and I could cozy up in my boyfriends over-sized sweat shirt or jacket. The air was cold and crisp which meant you could sit extra close "because it was cold" outside.

I still get that excited feeling to this day, and I still love how the cooler weather brings out the best in your snuggle partner!

Another favorite of mine (probably my favorite holiday) is Thanksgiving! This year I want to start some new traditions that we can do year after year with our family. I want something that our kids will look back on and remember how they enjoyed whatever it was.

You're probably wondering if I have any ideas.....Well, as a matter of fact, I do!
1. Decorate the Tree after we eat - This would require some planning on my part to be sure we pulled this off, but I think it could be done. I would have to be sure all the decorations and lights were out the night before, ready to go...and Rick would have to help me get the tree up and situated awaiting it's decorations.
I think instead of everyone being glued to the TV watching football (sorry football fans) we could be interacting as a family with the game in the background (as opposed to the foreground!) You get together to see EACH OTHER ...you can watch football any day. I think Holiday music playing from the iPod docking station would be a nice added touch as well. I wouldn't mind the confusion of music and football all together...I'm flexible!
2. Attitude of Gratitude - This one is good, and we've done it before. Let each family member know they need to come to the table with their top 3 things they are thankful for (other than basics like food, shelter,etc...). Things that really matter most to that person should be shared at the table with all to hear...this could open up some good conversation as well as give others who may not see you too often a glimpse into your soul. Also, it really makes you search your soul for what matters most to you and think about your priorities.
3. Phone a far-away relative - We have a cousin living in Germany (serving our country...Thank you James!), a grandma out of state, some other cousins and relatives out of state who would like a phone call. Since we will have a lot of folks at our house, we will call them and let everyone say hello!
4. Favorite Dish - This one I know exactly what to make! Do you have that special dish that just makes your holiday? Without it, it just isn't Thanksgiving? Make that dish in honor of your loved one who always made it, or in honor of someone who can't be with you this year. I'm sure they'd be thrilled to know that their contribution to years gone by meant so much to you!
5. Say cheese! - And I'm not talking cake this time....Take a picture of the group and send a copy to each guest, so that they have something to remember the special day. I'm always grateful for the group picture we took that last Thanksgiving we had my Dad in Nov. 2002! Little did we know we would suddenly lose him just 4 weeks later!

I am looking for more great ideas...so if you have some long time favorites, I would LOVE to hear them. Please follow my blog and add your comments!