Flip the Christmas switch

“For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch.” ~ Carrie Underwood

Growing up Christmas was not like this. I mean some of it was but I knew nothing of the joys of Thanksgiving living here in the UK. It was not until Michael moved here back in 2011 and we got married that I was properly introduced to an American Thanksgiving. I admit to being sceptical but that first one we celebrated was so amazing. We had a huge gathering of friends and Michael cooked a literal feast. It was absolutely magical and I have been a dedicated fan of the holiday ever since. In fact I think I get more excited about it now than he does.

I love the food and the idea that it must be a meal shared with plenty of people. In the past, we always had a mini feast with my kids and then a big feast with friends but now that my children are big old adults there is no mini feast for them any more. They want the full thing, and that is what they shall get tomorrow. We never do Thanksgiving on the actual day as everyone has to go to work in this country so we always do it the weekend after. Today there will be ALL the food. Both the kids are bringing their partners and I can’t wait. My tummy and my heart is so excited.

The other thing I absolutely LOVE about Thanksgiving is being introduced to the idea that it is also the weekend you put up all your Christmas decorations. If you have been reading my blog for a while now you will probably know that I LOVE Christmas decorations. All the sparkle and lights and wonder of it all. Just thinking about it makes me do a little excited sqeeee. All the outside lights already done. They got turned on last night to welcome my daughter and her partner home from Rugby. But today whilst Michael cooks there will be tree decorating. EDIT: It was all so good that I nearly forgot to post this and it is only going up on Sunday evening!

So yes, this is a picture from a previous year but it fitted perfectly with the quote and how I feel today and how Thanksgiving makes me feel and act as gateway drug to Christmas. It is joy, cosy, warm, comforting, beautiful. It makes me heart happy. Today we give thanks and flip the Christmas switch. Tis the seas and all that whatnot