I’m not going to lie, I feel a little bad for November.  It’s such a great month, it should be allowed to stand on its own. It’s a cornucopia of love, gratitude and thankfulness and it never complains about December.  You know what I am talking about. December just can’t be happy with its own 31 days, it wants more.  Of course, if November could get its holiday straight and do it earlier in the month, December might not need to encroach so early.  I mean a few weeks is just not enough time for December to bloom into its full glory.  It has no choice, but to move in a little earlier than some feel is necessary.

All that being said, I don’t feel SO bad that I am keeping a lid on Christmas.  I can’t help myself.  All the beautiful, warm lights and the coziness of the season just lull me in. In fact, my house looks a little conflicted about the season.  At least, I have taken down Halloween.  You never have to twist my arm to put the skeletons back in the closet!  However, there is fall garland on the mantle with pumpkins sprinkled in and a Christmas lantern and trees on the hearth.  I’m not sure how I feel about the orange tones mixed with the reds and greens.  It’s definitely a look.

If you are thinking this sounds familiar, you’re right.  I wrote about this same topic last November.  It’s basically the idea that beginning in early November we start to spread Christmas cheer all over the house because we need more time to enjoy the holiday season.  Yes, it’s happening again, I just feel a little bad this year because I feel like I am totally dissing Thanksgiving.  I don’t want my excitement for the holidays to overshadow the blessings of the season. So, I have decided to leave space in the main living area for pumpkin spice, fall colors, cozy fall candles and maybe just a few lights.  After all, when I make my turkey, I want it to feel like it’s Thanksgiving.

The rest of the house is fair game, though, and the pillows and blankets have made their debut in the bedrooms.  I have also bought some new things for the basement, including a tree, since we had not purchased any decorations since we finished it last year.  Andy made the BIG mistake of bringing the tree inside and putting it in the basement where I could, at any moment, be tempted to unpack it and put it up.   I’m not kidding.  I am like a child on Christmas morning!

I may also have a hot chocolate station at the ready. It’s this super cute tiered stand with anything and everything you could ever want in your mug of chocolate yumminess. Speaking of chocolate, I also bought Christmas chocolates, flavored popcorn, wrapping paper, tape and bows.  Now, that I see it in writing, I may have gotten carried away for early November.  I probably shouldn’t tell you about my trip to Target that ended in a cart full of additional Christmas items that I didn’t even know I needed.

I admit, I may have a problem.  It could be the Holly radio station I have been listening to since November 1st, but I can’t say for certain. Whatever your November looks like, I hope you take the time to feel grateful for all of your blessings.  I don’t want any of you heading into the Christmas season with greedy little hearts.

Sunshine & Sarcasm,
Lowi & G