Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

It's official, the Christmas season is here! The season kicked off with shopping on Black Friday. Do you get up in the wee hours of the morning to save a few dollars? I don't but Dave does, every year! He doesn't just do it to save money, for him it's more about the energy that comes from the retail experience. He has a long history in the retail industry, primarily being the one preparing all the treasures you are getting there so early to gobble up.

We had our big Thanksgiving dinner and celebration this weekend and it just couldn't have been nicer. Mike arrived Wednesday night so that gave us three full days together. Mike and Dave did tons of work cleaning the yard, minor repairs around the house, and lots of cleaning and food preparation. Greg and Heather got here Friday night and did we have a ball with Josh (just days away from being one!). Saturday Diana, James and Lisa, Roberta and Steve, and Julie all arrived and we just fell in to a comfortable rhythm playing with the kids, visiting, and getting ready for dinner. The meal was spectacular and all of Dave's hard work in the kitchen was clearly appreciated. We all gathered in the living room for a spirited game of Trivial Pursuit before it was clear we were all fat and happy and ready for bed! Sunday morning found us at Awful Annie's for breakfast and from there, everyone headed off to travel home or to their next adventure. David and Lisa Anderson stopped by on their way home from Truckee and it was the perfect time to indulge in leftover turkey sandwiches! This part is almost as good as the main meal itself!

Now it's time to put away the turkey's and autumn leaves and get out the polar bears and Santa's. Christmastime is here. I'm not big on the material part of Christmas. I love baking cookies, decorating the house, sending and receiving Christmas cards, and gathering with friends. Of course, I love getting Mason the thing he's pining for that shows up under the tree from Santa, but I'm not big on so many gifts he can't tell you what he actually got.

Here's what I'm proposing; why don't we all spend this holiday season simplifying our idea of Christmas? On my Intentional Winning blog, I'm going to spend all of December sharing ideas on how you can get back to basics and enjoy this season with little or no money. More importantly, show the people you love how you feel about them without a boxed candle set, shower gel, or a make-up set valued at $79.99 for only $9.99! Join me and share your ideas for feeling more this holiday and ringing in the new year on a high note!


With love,
Kathy