‘Tis the season for all the shopping! I went to the big mall in Chattanooga last weekend, and y’all, I got out of there as soon as I could. It was so crowded and just not fun to be there. That’s a huge part of why I’m making an effort to shop local this holiday season. That, and my love for supporting local brands and establishments.
Another year, another holiday season, another, “oh my goodness, the year is basically over” moment. But seriously, I swear it was just February, and now 2018 nearly over. But y’all know what that means? Another holiday Instagram challenge! If you liked last year’s December Instagram challenge, then I have a feeling you’ll enjoy this year’s, too.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I know that’s generally a Christmas-time sentiment, but the November holiday season is just as fun and magical and inspiring. It’s still early in November, but Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, and Christmas won’t be too far behind it. The holiday season just goes by so fast every year.
Even though fall is coming to an end and winter is approaching, I still get excited this time of year. The holiday season brings so much more inspiration and creativity, what with parties, gifts, arts and crafts, decorations and just being happy in general.
Christmas time is here!
Once I’ve seen A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV, it’s officially Christmas season in my world. None of this “Christmas music on the radio before Thanksgiving” business. With my birthday at the end of November, Christmas doesn’t start until after that, at least in my family.
With Christmastime comes a unique set of events and routines that just don’t happen at other times of the year. Or if they do, it’s not the same then as they are at Christmas. Do y’all ever feel that way? That some things are just better or more fun this time of year?
My family has traveled every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My parents and I have lived in different states from our extended families since I was 5 years old, so holiday travel has always been a part of the plan. We always drove; airports just didn’t seem worth it. The road trips were long, especially from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, but always worth it to see our family that we didn’t get to see but 3 or 4 times a year.
This year, I’m making the drive from Tennessee to North Carolina–with Maggie kitty along for the ride–for both holidays, and meeting my parents and family there. We’ve traveled with pets before, but I’ve never done it solo. #prayforkate
I like to think that we’re holiday travel pros at this point, since we’ve done it so much. Over the years, we’ve learned some tips and tricks to making travel less of a hassle.
Peanut Butter Balls
Truffles
New this year! I saw these on Food Network a couple weeks ago and Anne Burrell made them look really easy. Naturally, I tried them, and they were awesome. They might be a new addition to the Christmas treats. Find the recipe here.
