thanksgiving traditions

I love the traditions of thanksgiving. Maybe even more than the traditions of Christmas? I think I appreciate the more limited commerciality of thanksgiving when you compare it to christmas. It is simpler and easy to keep the focus on the true meaning. 

One of my favorite traditions is one that was started by my mom. For as long as I can remember, she has put a poster board up on our fridge throughout the weeks leading to thanksgiving that said "we thank God for..." and our family & any friends who came over would fill up this poster board with big & small things to be thankful for. 

Last year, my sister created a whiteboard version of this tradition that can be seen on her blog. So now that I have my own house & am creating my own traditions, Ross & I started a chalkboard "thankful" board. I love how this keeps me thinking of things to thank God for. 

 Another tradition that started 3 years ago was to have a "friendsgiving" a little bit before the real Thanksgiving. This was started when my friend, Malorie, had a turkey from work that she had no idea what to do with, so we got together a group of people and attempted to make our first thanksgiving. We have come a long ways since then and felt very grown up using the appropriate pots & pans and having matching dishes this year. Although, our table wasn't really big enough for everyone. Hopefully we will have a new one by next year...

...and the traditions continue tomorrow on Thanksgiving. Three years ago, I got to join the Postmus Thanksgiving festivities for the first time. And its a pretty amazing time!!! I always love getting together with them and it reminds me to be thankful that Ross & I both love to spend time with our families & eachother's families. We will also be joining my parents for church in the morning & hope to make this part of our Thanksgiving day traditions as well.

(mini pumpkin pie bites! my go-to this fall season. Sooo good!)

So, happy Thanksgiving to you. I am thankful for many many many things this year, especially the traditions were I get to enjoy the so many people & things I am thankful for.