It’s Officially Christmas Season!!!

I’m back! After a few days of celebrating with family and visiting with friends, we’ve made our way back to our cold and snowy home. It’s nice to be home.

Thanksgiving morning was spent snuggled on the couch, under a blanket with the boys, while my Dad took his place in the big, green recliner. As the rest of the family slept, we tuned in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I enjoyed each musical performance, as my Daddo predictably ranted about how the parade has been taken over by Broadway. The kids watched with wide eyes, as the unimaginably large Spongebob and Spiderman balloons made their way between the buildings and they danced along when the music moved them. And then, the moment we were all waiting for arrived. Santa made his way down 34th street. The Christmas season has officially begun.

I’ve mentioned my intense love of the Christmas season before. My anticipation for the entire season is so overwhelming that I physically ache with impatience. It’s beyond the point of normal Christmas spirit. It’s taken all of my self-control to restrain the Christmas in me up to this point. But, now that we’ve seen Santa in the parade, we can officially begin celebrating without shame. It’s time for twinkling lights and glittery ornaments, fresh baked cookies and holiday menu planning, gift wrapping and ribbon tying. Break out the silver bells. This girl is ready to ring in the season!

While the children ran around causing mischief in my childhood home, my dad and I began the holiday countdown by watching a nearly constant marathon of perfectly corny Hallmark Christmas movies. We laughed and we cried at the stories of angels, love, and Christmas miracles. During the commercial breaks, I completed my holiday shopping online, snuggled under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa in hand and a warm crackling fire burning to my side. It was the perfect way to begin the season.

Thanksgiving dinner at my Grammy’s was predictably delicious. We enjoyed our traditional feast of antipasto, fruit cocktail, stuffed shells, a full turkey dinner, and bountiful dessert buffet. We all left thankful for the delicious meal and quality time spent with family.

New recipes coming up tomorrow and stay tuned for the first Christmas cookie of the season! But for now, take a look back at my Four Variations on Thanksgiving Leftovers for a few ideas on how to finish up the turkey day leftovers filling up your fridge.