Sunday Letter: 11.22.2020

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

Thanksgiving is nearly here! Even though it will look a bit different, and it has taken some effort for me to get excited about it this year, I’m finally there. Hands down, the holidays have always been my favorite time of year. Momma always made it magical, and I strive to carry on that tradition as best I can. (She continues to add an entertaining dose of fun.)

I know lots of people have already begun decorating for Christmas. I’m all for doing whatever is needed to up the joy in your life. (Lord knows, we have enough judgment being thrown around to add guilt about early Christmas decorating or tree preference.) Personally, for me, I can’t bring on Christmas until Thanksgiving gets its full and deserved attention. I’ll admit when I heard Christmas music playing at the grocery store this week, I was hap-happy. And I love seeing pictures of Christmas trees all twinkling.

Now, onward to Thanksgiving!

Friendsgiving

Have you ever attended or hosted a Friendsgiving?

We hosted our first one a few nights ago. We thought it was important to celebrate friends, this year in particular. Because of COVID (of course), it wasn’t the large group we would have liked, but still it felt special and mighty important for our mental health. Even though I’m a homebody, not being around friends this year has been a bummer.

So this is how our safe Friendsgiving went down…

• We invited two other couples (our across-the-street neighbors) for cocktails and appetizers. We planned to sit in the backyard around the fire pit, but because of gale force winds(!), we moved our shindig to the front porch. With chairs spaced out and a stiff breeze, hopefully any COVID in the air blew right on through.
• Rather grazing from a community platter of food, I created three separate charcuterie bowls, one for each couple.

• I placed hand sanitizer at each spot.
• Drinks were serve yourself in plastic cups (or bring your own).
• Our neighbor, Valeria, brought individually made apple tarts for dessert.

With good conversation and a little music in the background—our Friendsgiving was a much needed respite and a relaxing way to kick off Thanksgiving.

I believe it’s possible to be careful and safe without going insane. At least I hope so!

Thanksgiving Greetings

This year, I decided to mail Thanksgiving cards to a few friends and family members I don’t often see. (I’ve not been very good about sending Christmas cards the last few years—I get busy and distracted and simply never get around to it.) But Thanksgiving seems like the perfect time to mail greetings. After all, that’s what the holiday is about—being grateful. And friends/family are high on the Things I’m Grateful For List.

I bought Thanksgiving cards from my friend, Jo Ann (Designs by Jo Ann). She creates the cutest handmade cards for every occasion. And she donates the proceeds to Random Acts of Kindness projects throughout the year. How thoughtful is that?

I say all this as a reminder to shop from your local artisans this year and to drop a handwritten note in the mail to a friend. A card or letter can brighten someone’s day. It may even be a random act of kindness to the person receiving the card.

I don’t think Jo Ann has a website, but if you are interested in her cards, let me know and I’ll try to connect you. If you live in Fayetteville, I’m pretty sure you already know her.

Another thing you might do is make your own cards! Click HERE for creative handmade card-making tips from The Spruce.

Fallen Leaf Art

Here in Northwest Arkansas, most of the brilliant fall color has begun to drain from our leaves. But fading leaves worked quite well for today’s art. You knew I couldn’t let Thanksgiving pass without a new fallen leaf art creation. Right?

Tada!

Gobble Gobble.

I might be able to make one more leaf design before all the color is gone. Any requests?

Meet Gracie

If we are friends on Facebook, you have probably already heard about our new baby. Gracie is joining our family at Christmastime! She’s a miniature schnauzer (like Annabelle) and sooooooo stinking adorable (like Annabelle). We officially met her last week when she was 3.5 weeks old.

This week, she began transitioning to milk.

She’s still trying to figure out the milk bowl. 😍

Annabelle has no clue the change coming to her idyllic existence.

Things Momma Says:

I deleted my TikTok account.

😳

*****

Thanks for sticking with my Sunday Letter ramblings this year, for reading, sharing, and commenting. No matter how your Thanksgiving looks, I wish you a safe and peaceful holiday, and I hope your heart is full.

Blessings to those who are sick.

Extra blessings to those who have lost friends and family in 2020.

Be kind.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.