I don’t know about you, but for me, nothing kicks off the Christmas season like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Growing up, it was almost a tradition that on Thanksgiving morning, we would wake up whenever and spend a lazy morning on the couch, watching the parade. Not gonna lie though, I introduced Elliot to the notion that some people run the Turkey Trot, and I instantly regretted sharing that nugget of info. This year, I’m just happy I get to spend the day with my family.

Is it just me, or did November just fly by? The added bonus of a late Thanksgiving really just brings it home that December is right around the corner. But it’s okay, because I am SO ready for Christmas to be in full swing.

November brought a few birthdays, some lovely weather, and lots of excitement for the holidays. Here are a few of my favorite things from this month!

101 in 1,001. At the beginning of the month, I started my first 101 things in 1,001 days challenge. I’m really excited for what the next (almost) 3 years will bring and I love having a list of goals that I can achieve in that time. Make your own list and send it to me!

No wine at night. I sometimes used to have a glass of wine with or after dinner, but I didn’t love the way it made me feel. I didn’t sleep well or feel great in the morning, so I started swapping it for a hot cup of herbal tea at night. I have found that I feel tons better, sleep better and still can enjoy a relaxing beverage in the evening. I found a Cinnamon Apple tea that was SUPER cozy, in addition to my typical faves, Goodnight Chamomile and Peppermint.

Community Theatre. My sister and I took my grandmother to see Frozen Jr. (ie, the community children’s play) at the Everett Theatre. It was so cute, and really nice to see these young kids learning to sing and dance and doing something they love. What was even more amazing was that the majority of the audience was children supporting their friends and classmates. It filled my cup to be able to support our kids and their love for theatre, and enjoy a cute show at the same time! I'm hoping to return for their Christmas show, and to make it a regular occurrence.

Manicures. Let’s just start by stating that I do not do my nails. I actually have a really bad habit of picking at my fingers, so nothing ever lasts and it’s just not cute. If anything, I’ll use these killer glue-on nails from Amazon (they’re pretty and sturdy and less than $4!). But, for my sister’s birthday, we both got full sets and I am in love with them. They have held up beautifully and I got this very festive burgundy with glitter and I don’t see a future where I don’t have glittery nails.

Instant Pot! Okay, y’all. This thing is a GAME CHANGER. No joke. I just started using it, because I didn’t know how or what it even did. I made chicken + rice soup in 12 minutes. WHAT. And it was amazing! According to my husband, the Instant Pot can cook a completely frozen chicken in an hour (uh, MAGIC) and the meat falls off the bone. I’m basically never using my stove unless I absolutely have to, because this thing is the bomb.com and I just can’t handle it. I’ll keep sharing the best recipes we try, so keep in touch.

Disney +. Yes, I was one of the 3 million people who signed up for Disney+ and I do not regret it one bit. As a big Disney fan, I was super excited to have access to all my favorite movies from my childhood, in addition to all the newer ones. AND NOELLE. Noelle is my new favorite Christmas movie, and I don’t care what anyone says about that. It’s sweet and happy and just a lovely film about Christmas spirit. It’s delightful.

Frozen 2. I have no words. Frozen 2 BLEW MY MIND. I laughed and I cried throughout the whole movie and I am OBSESSED with the soundtrack. I saw it last week with my sister, and tonight I took my husband because A. I knew he would love it. and B. I NEEDED to watch it again. It was even better the second time. 10/10 would recommend. Go watch it.

There you have it, folks. I hope you all have the best Thanksgiving, and be extra extra grateful for everything you have. You are something special, and I’m grateful for you. Happy Thanksgiving!