Monthly Musings-November

I'm participating today in the Monthly Musings link up, hosted by Holly (Pink Lady Blog) and Patty (Good, Better, Best) on the last Thursday of every month. We're sharing our musings one week earlier this time around because next week is THANKSGIVING. 

Does anyone else feel as though we're roaring like a freight train towards 2025? Thanksgiving is my favorite and I look forward to savoring Autumn's last hurrah. 

Any holiday parties on tap? 

Always. We do love a party, and although we're not hosting any in December we will be attending several.  I look forward to sparkly clothes, bubbly drinks, and twinkling lights. 

We have both a wine dinner and our neighborhood party the first week of December. We have a Santa Pub Crawl set up with a big group of friends the second week in December (always a blast!), and we have friends hosting a party in their home the third week in December. Par-tay! 

This was the pub crawl group photo from two years ago. We missed last year as hubs was under the weather, but we're looking forward to this year's fun. 

Best holiday prep advice? 

In the age of internet everything it's easy to get caught up thinking we have to do x or y when really there are no rules. We can also feel pressure (from others, but oftentimes from our very own selves) to keep things the same year after year, but if you find a tradition no longer brings you (or your family) joy it's okay to let it go.  Enjoy the people in your very own house. Leave space in your day, in your calendar for a cup of tea beside the tree. Don't let the reason for the season get lost in the busy-ness of making your home/tree/table look or feel perfect (psst-there's no such thing as perfect).  

Here's what I like to remember when December rolls around: 

The first Christmas was simple and mine can be too. 

3. Share a holiday recipe that's a crowd pleaser. 

This jalapeno cranberry dip is scrumptious, always a hit, and easy to put together. I thought I had a picture but have spent a ridiculous amount of time scrolling through old blog posts tagged Christmas with no luck. There is a photo in the recipe link. 

4. What holidays do you celebrate in November and December? 

Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and of course bidding adieu at the stroke of midnight to the year that was. 

5. Favorite beverage? Alcohol or alcohol free. 

Champagne of course. 

6. What part of holiday prep is a total struggle for you? 

I wouldn't call it a struggle necessarily, but wrapping is probably my least favorite holiday task. I do love to buy all the pretty paper, ribbons, tags, and embellishments, but actually doing the cut and tape part is just eh. 

7. Go-to holiday party outfit?

Well I mentioned in a recent Wednesday Hodgepodge that I love my sparkly pants. I'll post it again in case you're like me and too lazy busy to click over lol. 

I have a black velvet dress I might wear if there's a call for fancy-ish, the sleeves are sheer. This was taken at a holiday party last year-

I also have a black velvet top with a big black satin bow at the bottom where it sits on the hip that I really love. And a black velvet jumpsuit. Hmmm. I guess I like black velvet for holiday happenings.  

8. Do you send out holiday cards? 

Yes. Sending and receiving Christmas cards (or new year's or whenever people want to send them) is one of my favorite things. We've moved a lot and have friends scattered far and wide so I really enjoy touching base at the holidays. If there's a photo, even better. 

This was last year's card. Some years feature the grands, some years it's just me and the hubs. It depends mostly on what logistics are like in any given year, and I think you know this year they've been a little challenging. I'm already planning on a big family photo next year, once my oldest daughter and her family are living back stateside. 

9. Black Friday shopper? Yes or heck no? 

Heck no. I mean I'm not opposed to popping inside a shop or two if we're out and about, but I don't get up early or make a special effort and I never have. I'm more of a Cyber Monday shopper these days. 

10. Do you listen to holiday music before or after Thanksgiving? 

Typically after, but I'm not opposed to people who want to get a jump start on their Christmas spirit. We haven't played Christmas music in our house yet and won't until we get past turkey day. 

Well this was fun. Feel free to play along. Merry Thanksgiving everyone!