Post Holiday Gratitude

It seems like Thanksgiving comes and goes faster and faster every year.  I can't believe that we're 2 days post-holiday and roaring toward Christmas.  Thinking about what I was grateful for in the days leading up to Thanksgiving was good for my attitude over the last few weeks.  Now as we head toward Christmas, I want to remember what it is really about and not get caught up in all the craziness of it.  Before that, though, here is my last gratitude post (maybe) until next year.

1.  I'm grateful for the great Thanksgiving we enjoyed on Thursday.  Time with both families was good for all of us.  Even the littlest ones had a great time.

2.  I'm so grateful that I was not doing the Black Friday deal yesterday.  Brandon got out (against his better judgment) to Nebraska Furniture Mart when it opened to see if he could get a TV he has been researching that they had for a great price.  He said he knew as soon as he parked that it wasn't going to happen - but he went in anyway, just for the experience.  He said that should cure him of ever wanting to do that again in the near future!  I don't love to shop & I really dislike it even more in big crowds, so I'm thankful I stayed home in my nice, warm, & comfy bed!

3.  I'm grateful the tree is up and looking pretty.  Luke has been so excited to get it up & ready, but I'm a strict - not-until-after-Thanksgving person. It always goes up the day after and down the day after Christmas (with the exception of one year - can you sense my OCD-ness coming through?).  It looks "nice and beautiful" and "splendid" to quote Luke at different times during the process of getting it all up and decorated.

4.  After the tree lighting & decorating extravaganza, I set to work cleaning my house.  I even cleaned some windows & washed some curtains.  I'm grateful that I'm done with that!

5.  I'm grateful that I can listen to Christmas music out in the open now.  I usually tend to be a strict no-Christmas-music-until-after-Thanksgving person too, but I couldn't stop myself.  I've been secretly listening to it for the last 2 weeks.  I can't help it - it just makes me happy. 

6.  I'm grateful for so much.  The list is too long to even begin to try to say it all.  My life is full & blessed.  I'm so thankful to the One who has given me all that I have.  I don't want to take a minute of it for granted.