The high today is in the low 50's...yes, this is November in the northeastern part of the United States where temps should not be this high! The good news is that I will be able to clean up the patio area in relative comfort!
So, yesterday I finished shopping for the big Thanksgiving meal as well as food for the weekend when we have guests staying with us. Took three hours of shopping at two separate stores (both were extremely crowded...had to park at the edges of the parking lots)!
And even though I shopped sales and store brand items as much as possible, I realized that it costs a lot more than it did last year which is why I cut back on items that I had planned on buying. But you know what, in the long run, the lack of those items really doesn't matter.
Any type of meal, from barebones basic to extravagant over-the top can be a celebration! It all depends on how you approach it...from the idea of abundance (Yes, we have something to eat!); or the idea of scarcity (It's not as good as what others have nor what I really want.).
Actually, when you live your life with abundance, no matter what you have, you will always feel better. That doesn't mean that you don't want things to get better, it just means that you can be thankful (and happy) with what you have now. And let's face it, being thankful is what the Thanksgiving Celebration is all about.
So, I have a few more ideas about a countdown calendar to whatever holiday(s) you celebrate...
1. One easy method is to decorate a small box or jar or even can (from food like tomatoes or corn) to make it festive. Cut out the number of strips of paper that equal the number of days to the holiday event. Finally write something different to do, think about, give to others, be thankful for, etc. on each strip of paper. Draw out one strip of paper each day and complete the activity.
2. A similar idea to above is to create a 'calendar' either on your computer to print out or by hand. Make a grid that equals (as close as possible) the number of days to the holiday event. Then write an activity in each day. Post it where it is easily seen every day.
A word about the types of activities:
1. Make sure the activity can be done easily by the person/child. Children may need simple activities where as adults can complete more involved ones. Children may also want to 'do something' whereas adults may want to 'think about'. For instance, with an activity about being thankful for something...a child may respond better by drawing something whereas an adult may want to only think about something or write it down.
2. Make sure there is time to do the activity. You may want to keep activities simple during the week and more involved on weekends.
3. Make sure you have all the supplies needed (especially recycled ones) to complete the activity.
3. This countdown creates a decorative element. Cut out a snowflake each day. The old adage that no two snowflakes are alike comes to mind. All you need is regular plain white cheap paper and a scissors. When the snowflakes are done you can hang them on string, yarn, wire, etc. or attach them to the window. One way to make them sturdy is cover them with something clear. The least expensive way to do this is to use house brand clear wide packing tape. You will probably need two pieces per side for small snowflakes. Cover one side first, then turn over and cover the other side and trim. They really are pretty and shiny.
Well, that's all for today. Have an absolutely wonderful day...
Talk with you tomorrow...