The Holidays are here already????

Yikes! I just realized that Thanksgiving is next week! As a student of history and a fan of tradition, family and food - I love this holiday. It is SO good to focus on what we are thankful for for a change instead of what we are missing or what is wrong etc. I like to try to make a Thanksgiving ceremony that involves reading the Scriptures, some poetry, some of William Bradford's journal, singing and some round the table sharing of what we are thankful for. But it is often hard to do with a big crowd - the focus falls so much on the food and getting it all cooked and passed around.
Then comes the 1st Christmas shopping day after that! Wow - the Christmas shopping season is at hand - how did that sneak up so quickly. Seems like it was just hot and sticky summer a few weeks ago. But I won't complain because as much as I love Thanksgiving - I love Christmas even more. I adore the music!! I love the decorations and the traditions. I love the giving spirit that pervades even the most cranky individuals this time of year. And, of course, there is the 2 weeks of vacation too! That really makes the holiday sweet!