Earlier this week I turned the calendar page to November. Here is How To Enjoy November.
How To Enjoy November
I began to think of tablescapes that needed to be set, holiday décor yet to be created, presents not only unwrapped… but not even bought.
Before I knew it I could feel the anxiety of all that was undone beginning to rise up in me.
It didn’t help that other bloggers were already showcasing Christmas.
Christmas! I just wanted to enjoy the Thanksgiving preparations!
So I decided to do just that.
I began by checking that my holiday linens were all clean and pressed. I selected a favorite estate sale tablecloth to lay on my formal dining room table. Slowly I ran my hands over the delicate cutwork and embroidery. It was lovely to take a moment to revel in its beauty and appreciate the handiwork of days long ago.
Then I polished all of the pieces of silver, taking my time to admire the intricate patterns. As I worked I made notes as to what was still needed, such as new candles, but did not allow myself to feel overwhelmed or rushed.
I stacked shiny silverware, napkins, plates, and glasses on the sideboard.
It brought peace knowing that our Thanksgiving table could be quickly and easily set if perhaps there was cooking chaos.
I began to create a centerpiece for the table that could be enjoyed and would last until the holiday arrived.
But I am saving the bliss of a full reveal to share tomorrow.
Because everything doesn’t have to be done in one day.
We can take our time and savor each moment.
This next week a collection of five special blogger Thanksgiving vignettes will be presented each day. The exception is on Thursday when everyone is welcome to join the gathering at Thoughts of Home on Thursday Thanksgiving Edition Linky Party.
Perhaps this lovely tour will inspire you to take a deep breath and enjoy November too.
Laura
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” ~ Psalm 100
Looking forward to all the lovely vignettes. That tablecloth is amazing and can't wait to see your beautiful table.
Love the acorns, Laura!
And this:
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise…”
🙂
Sandi
Laura, I think you've hit an important point there. Now, what we need to do is petition our Thanksgiving being in mid-October during harvest time – and not 4 weeks from Christmas. We need to note how well it works for Canada.
BUT until it is changed- and every woman in the world would love that change – it is important to savor this time of year. I REFUSE to decorate for Christmas too early.
But I do keep my holiday decor up until Epiphany – keeping the religious aspect of the holiday in mind. Most put everything away the minute the guests leave, haha.
I can already tell how amazing your tablescape is going to be. WOW! ♥♥♥
What a good idea for an early TG vignette plan. I'm looking forward to these.
I don't start Christmas decorating till the day after TG. But now I'm in a TG mode, ready to go all cozy and harvesty! I'm looking forward to this week's posts!
In this fast paced world, the sentiments you've reminded us of ring true in so many instances – enjoy each moment and be present in it.
A beautiful post, Laura. I can't wait till the tour this week!
November is my birthday month. It is my month. I love November. ♥ And yes, please – no Christmas just yet. My daughter is the worst when it comes to that – the minute Halloween is done, she's all about Christmas, bugging me to put up Christmas decorations and I'm like “No, no, NO”. I of course promptly removed all of my Halloween decorations November 1st, but I left up all of my autumn leaves and other autumnal decor and added my Thanksgiving decorations and that's how it will remain for a while yet.
Love, Linda
This may sound strange, but I always feel that Thanksgiving is being “disrespected” in a way. The holiday has evolved into being a gateway to Christmas!
Thanksgiving should be a day of reflection, of being with loved ones and sincere appreciation for our many blessings. I fear that it has evolved into a just a meal prior to holiday shopping. How sad!
I'm looking forward to celebrating November and Thanksgiving!
Marilyn (in Dallas)