Hello and howdy, dearheart!
The other day, I read that Thanksgiving is the middle child of the holidays. Placed between the more popular holidays known for candy giving and gift giving, Thanksgiving gets lost in the middle. It cracked me right up (I’m the oldest child in my family of origin, so my apologies to those of you who feel this deeply!). I’m afraid I’m adding to the problem here by listing several Christmas-centric favorite things. (I’m sorry, Thanksgiving…I’m truly thankful for you and all you represent!)
Alas, friends don’t let friends miss out on great deals, good ideas, and fun stuff. Not everything I have listed is a gift that could be wrapped and put under a tree. But everything listed is a gift in one manner or another! May you find something from the list that brings a moment of merry and bright as it delights you and/or a loved one, too.
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Making Moments Merry and Bright
Therapy & Theology Podcast: Bestselling author Lysa Terkeurst hosts this podcast with her own licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress, as well as with the Director of Theological Research at Proverbs 31 ministries, Dr. Joel Muddamalle. Together, they use their collective expertise to tackle a lot of relational issues, but their easy going camaraderie makes it feel like you’re just listening to friends have a conversation. If you anticipate maneuvering tricky relationships around the Thanksgiving or Christmas table, this might help.
Spicy Hamburger Vegetable Soup: I first heard about this from Melanie and Sophie of The Big Boo Cast. I made it for the first time on Monday, and holy smokes, it was DELISH. I’m definitely making this over Christmas for the fam–and maybe over Thanksgiving break if we get tired of leftovers!
Praying Through Loneliness: a 90-Day Devotional for Women Loneliness is a struggle that so many of us face during the holiday season. Even if you’re in a room full of people you’ve known all of your life, you can still feel mighty lonely. This book offers fantastic encouragement for that person, whatever caused her lonely season. It even includes devos specifically written with this time of year in mind. Plus, it fits quite nicely in a stocking! Find aaaaalllll the links to your favorite booksellers here, or read more about it at Amazon (where it’s on sale!) or B&N directly. Like Amazon, the book is also 25% at Christianbook.
OPI Malaga Wine Polish: SUCH a great holiday maroony-red!
Plaid Blankets: I bought two of these throws for one of our bedrooms that has twin beds, and they’re beautiful and beautifully soft and festive, too. Here’s a cute buffalo check throw on sale, and there’s lots of fun wintry patterns available there, too.
Vuori Mens Pants: My husband and son both love this Vuori pair of pants. They feel comfy like sweat pants but look really nice!
Travel Duffel Bag: This bag is sturdy and inexpensive, and Santa shall be bringing one for Faith! I especially love how it can slide over your suitcase handle whilst traveling.
Thymes Frasier Fir Candle: While visiting my daughter in College Station, TX, earlier this month, I found this candle inside a store and immediately fell in love. The scent is soothing and Christmasy with just the right amount of pine–not overwhelming at all! I bought one and brought it home! Find it here in a smaller size, too.
Comfy neutral New Balance sneakers: Okay…where I was born and raised all sneakers were called tennis shoes. So, I tend to still say the same! But I suppose most folks call them sneakers unless they are actual shoes for playing tennis. Anyhoo, they’re white/cream colored, and because of the cream coloring, they can take a bit of scuffing and dirt and still look nice. Their neutral color palette means they go with everything, and they’d make a great gift, too. I love to wear these on flights, too, because they look nice but are comfortable. Right now, you can get them 30% off!
These are another great pair of sneakers-SUPER comfy!
Christmas Playlist: I love my ever growing Christmas playlist!
For anyone interested, here’s a list of Advent books for you and/or your family.
I’m so thankful for beautiful you this Thanksgiving and always. May you and yours have a wonderful Turkey Day!
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