This is Thanksgiving week in the United States.

It is one of my favorite holidays, and not just because it could be termed our National Day of Eating! 

Gratitude

Many of us, myself included, take time to consider what we are grateful for this time of year. As I look around, I am surrounded by so many blessings. I have good health and a family who loves me. I have a dog who makes me laugh every day. I have friendships that I treasure. And I get to explore my creativity. My life is overflowing in goodness.

Happy New Year! From all of us at ICAP – Morna, Suzanne, Bernadette, Laurie and Caroline.

I’ve been getting ready for the holidays. I have done some decorating, which includes getting out my Santa collection. I think I have about 75 in a variety of sizes, and they fill lots of spaces in my home. The collection started back in 1978 with a KMart “blue light special” and grew from there. What did you ever buy at a “blue light special”? And, do they still have them?

Last week I was baking and made two of our family favorites: a chocolate chip pumpkin bread and a cranberry walnut bread. I have some stashed in the freezer for last minute visitors. They won’t last long around here if I don’t hide them away!

I’m doing some traveling over the holidays too. I spent part of last week visiting my husband’s family in Connecticut. We also took a drive to visit one of my cousins who lives in northwest Connecticut. I loved the family connections.

Back home we will spend Christmas at our home here in Maryland where two of my sisters and nieces will join us. Later, we will head over to our townhouse in St. Michaels to enjoy a quiet few days relaxing and recharging. We’ve been remodeling our kitchen, so I’m looking forward to seeing the progress.

I hope that you have a peaceful and joyful holiday and that you celebrate in a way that is meaningful to you. We are always tugged by so much, it’s nice to stop and remember what it is that brings joy and meaning into our lives. What is your favorite way to add meaning? I’d love to hear about it below or on our Facebook page.