{A Recap of Our November}

November was a month full of little projects, early traditions, and moments that reminded me exactly why I love this season so much!

We kicked things off with a creative afternoon making personal charm necklaces, just the girls and I. The girls carefully picked out each charm, and it was one of those special moments that instantly felt like a core memory in the making. Now we all have matching necklaces and it just brings such an indescribable joy to my heart!

By mid-November, it was time to switch into Christmas mode. Christmas decorations started going up (yes, I proudly wear the badge of “early decorator”), and every year I’m reminded just how much happiness it brings all of us (even Joe!). I love Christmas decor so much that I definitely hold the philosophy of “why not enjoy it a little longer?” Also, there’s something so special about watching the kids’ faces light up when the tree turns on for the first time.

Soon after, we slipped into our annual Christmas pajama photos…this year with matching sets alongside our cousins! The fun continued with a very festive cousin breakfast at our house: Christmas pancakes, a full hot chocolate bar, and, of course, a couple Christmas-themed cocktails. Needless to say, we are wasting no time getting into the holiday spirit over here!

Right before Thanksgiving, we dove into our big once-a-year baking day. I don’t normally bake, but this is the one season where I willingly roll up my sleeves and pretend I know what I am doing, HAHA! And surprisingly… it went so well this year! We filled the kitchen with flour, sprinkles, and frosting…literally. I think the clean up takes longer than the actual baking and decorating!

Thanksgiving itself was filled with family! We even got a private puppet-show performance of The First Thanksgiving, completely written, crafted, and acted out by cousin Kaia. It was the sweetest show, I love the creativity in her spirit! The day after, we kept another long-standing tradition alive and joined our cousins in helping Grandma decorate her Christmas tree. It’s a tight squeeze to fit all the cousins around the tree, but watching these little hands placing ornaments (and some landing and breaking on the floor), I know this tradition fills my mom’s heart with so much joy!

And to wrap it all up, November ended with our first big snowstorm of the season. The kids were out the door instantly, leaving trails of boots and snow gear behind them as they dove into every bit of winter fun they could find.

This month, the traditions, the earliest sparks of Christmas joy….these are the moments I live for! The simple, meaningful memories woven into our everyday that I know my kids will carry with them. November still felt full, but in a more intentional way…the kind of “busy” that fills your heart instead of draining it.

Until next month…