Early Thanksgiving Traditions Explained

Sometimes I think that we forget why we celebrate Thanksgiving and the people who started it in the first place. I believe that it is a good reminder to think back and thank those first settlers in the Americas and all that they sacrificed to make America what she is today. So I have done some research and found out why we celebrate some of our most favorite Thanksgiving traditions.

30 Days of Thankfulness in November - Day 17

Day 17 - Today I am grateful for my parents! I have the most loving, kind parents in the whole world. They would literately give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. My parents have taught me to enjoy life and love others. I am so thankful that they are my parents. I had a great life growing up and they are the best examples ever of Christ like love. Love you Mom and Dad!

12 days of Christmas

I found this in the Daily Herald Newspaper online. I have always wanted to do the 12 Day's of Christmas to someone, but never really had any good ideas of what to do.

I think that this is perfect!

The “12 Days of Christmas” is a standard part of the Christmas season — like Charlie Brown or mistletoe. It’s a fun little song with unknown origins, although there are speculations that circle. For a fun family service project, use the “12 Days of Christmas” as a catalyst for gift-giving to a family in your area.

Have everyone suggest people to receive the 12 Days of Christmas and why. Then discuss and decide as a family who should be the recipient or recipients. Perhaps it’s someone who is particularly lonely, or a family with health problems. Maybe it’s a family who has done extra nice things for you over the past year.
Use the verses, one for each day beginning on Dec. 13 and ending on Christmas Eve, and deliver tokens and a note explaining how it coincides with the song.

 We give examples of what could be given, although some may need to be tailored for the recipients. On the first night, include a note explaining what these nightly gifts are, for example: “Congratulations! You are receiving the gifts of the 12 Days of Christmas. Watch your doorstep each night until Christmas Eve to find out why we think your so great.”

It’s also fun to do this in secret. Leave each present on the doorstep, ring the bell and run. Watching from the bushes makes it even more fun.

I really love this version of the 12 days of Christmas, so I made these cute cards that you can print off for your own 12 day's of Christmas!

{Click on the picture to save it to your computer}

Gift list:
Day 1: Basket of pears
Day 2: Turtle chocolates and Dove chocolates
Day 3: Gift card for French Fries at a fast-food restaurant
Day 4: Whistle — any type, such as slide whistle, referee whistle, recorder, etc., available in toy departments or dollar stores.
Day 5: Candy Ring Pops
Day 6: Dozen eggs. If farm-fresh eggs are available in your area, all the better.
Day 7: Hand or dish towels
Day 8: Hot cocoa mix
Day 9: Candy canes
Day 10: Slipper socks
Day 11: Bouquet of balloons
Day 12: Collection of kitchen utensils such as a wooden spoon, spatula, whisk, etc., tied with a ribbon.

Enjoy & Merry Christmas!

20 Amazing Holiday Wreaths

Oh how I love this time of the year and gathering ideas to decorate my home for the holiday's. Christmas time is one of my favorite holiday's for so many reasons. I love the colors and I am a freak for red, green, and white. I love the music, and the atmosphere! Most people don't like the snow, but I love it! It is peaceful and white and pure. Plus I can watch it from my window!

Here is a collection of Holiday wreaths that will get your creative juices rolling! Notice how most of them are red, green, and white. I told you I am drawn to those colors. I just can't help it!

What are your favorite colors to decorate with? What is your favorite part of the season?

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30 days of Thankfulness in November - Day 16

Day 16 - Yup I went there! Food. I like to eat I am not going to lie. My favorite is Mexican! I love me some Mexican food, especially tacos. I could eat them everyday!

I found this yummy spin on tacos and thought that I would share. You can find the recipe here.

30 days of Thankfulness in November - Day 15

Day 15 - Today I am so thankful for this sweet little girl, my squishy! After we had our fourth child and it was a girl we were happy and thought that we were done having kids. For a while I was just fine and happy. My family was complete. However when Kaylee was about six months old I started to feel like there was someone missing. And here she is. Kierstin is the caboose for our family and we just wouldn't have been truly complete without her. She is my chunky little monkey and such a happy little girl.

I am so grateful to have this little girl in my life. She has brought so much joy and happiness during hard times. I love this little girl!

30 days of Thankfulness in November - Day 14

Day 14 - I am so thankful for this sweet girl! All I ever wanted was a daughter. I wanted to experience having a little girl and then growing up with her and shopping for prom and wedding dresses. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys more than anything, but there is something special about having a daughter. I remember the day that we found out that we were having a girl. I cried all day long.

She has been such a blessing in my life and I am so grateful that she is my daughter and I get to be her mom.