It is officially November.

It is really fall. Fall has come! The leaves have started to change and it makes you want to take scenic pictures every time you're driving down a back road. It may be November, but it is still hot as July down here in Georgia!
Since Halloween has come and gone, it is only reasonable that every store now smell like cinnamon and have Christmas decorations up already. It is time to plan for the holidays.

Thanksgiving first.

My Thanksgiving day does not start until the Macy's Day Parade ends, but once it is over I am expected to be ready for the festivities.

Who will come to dinner? Or where will you be going for dinner?
Will you have turkey for dinner or Chinese food because three years ago the turkey pan busted and crusted up in your grandma's oven, so she refuses to cook for holidays anymore?

What else will be on the menu?

Desserts? Will grandma make six pies that are three different flavors, even though we told her not to bring anything?

After dinner, your mom may bring in all of her sale flyers to plan her shopping trip starting in 6 hours. You may go along just to stand in line, and because you know you'll get to pick out some last minute Christmas gifts for yourself. Plus, she'll feed you breakfast after a night of shopping.

After Black Friday, Christmas is officially coming.

Everyone has begun their shopping, and you should too. Amazon Prime is one of my favorite ways to get my Christmas shopping done. You don't have to leave the house, and everything comes with a box so all you have to do is wrap it. But as the holidays role around, don't forget about yourself and what we are celebrating.
Don't let the holiday stress take over for two months. Go to your favorite stores and enjoy low maintenance shopping. Stop by Michaels to see their train set up around the Christmas trees. Take a drive to look at the Christmas lights.

Most importantly, remember what we are celebrating.

On Thanksgiving be thankful. Count your blessings and thank God for all he does for you and everyone around you.
On Christmas, tell Jesus happy birthday. Remember to thank God for all that you have.
For New Years, make realist goals that you can reach to better yourself and make God proud of who you are.

Happy Holidays!