With Thanksgiving around the corner, it is really easy to fall down the rabbit hole and begin to feel the stress that comes along with the holiday season. But what if this year, we just said “no.” No, I’m not going to let the small things like errand running, awkward family conversations and materialism cloud the real meaning behind this holiday. Black Friday? Who needs it. The Pinterest perfect pie crust? No one needs that kind of intimidation. This year, we will make it a habit to cultivate thankfulness. After all, gratitude is the key to a happy life right? Not in achieving the perfect Autumn table scape or attending every last social gathering. Trust your gut and limit your tasks to the ones that honestly give you peace and joy.

This reminds us of the year that we realized we didn’t really feel like eating turkey. So we decided to go against the grain and make prime rib. It was delicious and it also felt

good to think outside of the norm. This is really the point we are trying to make. Do “you” this holiday and don’t feel your experience has to fit neatly inside of some sort of predetermined box. You will be much more content at the end of the day. Remind those closest to you to keep things in perspective too. Simply put, cut the stress and all that comes along with it, complaining, lack of sleep, headaches, etc. Give to those who have less and offer thanks to the ones in your life who need to hear it the most. Expressions of thanks cost nothing but will do much to strengthen relationships and foster harmony and happiness in our homes. With this in mind, we want to thank all of our readers for their kind words and warm sense of community.

Your neighbors – Sam & Shaleen DeStefano