This Thanksgiving week was filled with ups and downs. It started with a punch to the gut. After a possible exposure situation, we weren’t able to be with my side of the family for Thanksgiving. It was very last minute. I cried, but the worst part was holding Hailey as she cried. It’s both our favorite weeks of the year, and in a year that we need family more than ever, it stung a little extra.
After a big fat pity session, we rallied. The four of us played Kubb, a new yard game David recently made pieces for in his workshop, a lot of Settlers of Catan (on super sale at Walmart today!), and picked up sushi for dinner since I had done such a thorough job of cleaning out the fridge. Oh, and wine. There was wine for us and Zevia for the kids as we licked our wounds and tried to make the best of the last minute switch.
I highly recommend these adorable gnome window clings! So cute and festive, easy for kids to put up and move around.
We spent the next few days family focused. We hiked five miles at Stone Mountain Park (and cut it close to dark so the girls really had to haul booty the last two miles; we were super proud of them). We had our first fire of the season. We watched Christmas movies and the parade. We made a Thanksgiving meal for the four of us, naming the last minute chicken we picked up “Turkey” so we could say we had turkey for Thanksgiving.
We also realized our big, deep freezer was unplugged and the meat inside of it (luckily there wasn’t too much) had spoiled. So we had to toss and clean that situation on Thanksgiving day. If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry…
Thankfully we were able to be together with Mema and Grandpa and David’s brother and crew for a couple days over the weekend. The weather gods smiled on us and we were able to play a lot of Kubb, roast hotdogs and marshmallows over a fire, go for long walks, and play a lot of Samba, too. The girls loved playing with their cousin (and their lab puppy) and Kaitlyn lost a front tooth during the time together, too. Lucky for her, the Tooth Fairy has excellent tracking skills and was able to find her in South Carolina.
We arrived home yesterday and did the regular routine- get through laundry, workout, cook dinner (fish tacos!), search for Star (our elf has arrived and the girls love it!) and put up a few more twinkling fairy lights, which really are the best holiday bang for your buck. I’ve added them to the garland on my mantle, behind our Christmas card display, and as a curtain. We are getting our tree later this week, then I’ll post some pictures!
This is the busy season for blogging. It’s when more people shop through affiliate links and companies pay top dollar for ads. It’s a time when I’m spending a lot too, on gifts and giving, yes, but decorations really add up too, don’t they? It’s tempting to work my tail off to maximize good stuff to share with y’all and thus, profit, too. But I’ll be honest, I don’t think I have it in me this year.
After this past week especially, I am feeling the need to take some pressure off myself. My main focus is the joy and connection within our four walls at home. I’m making space for board games by the fire and baking cookies with the kids (which we all know takes twice as long). I’m prioritizing family hikes, warm baths, and couch snuggles. In between those, I want to keep some schooling rolling too, even though we “school light” (mostly lang arts and math) during December.
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Since every decision (choice) involves an incision (saying no to something else), I’m lightening up the pressure I put on myself to keep blog content regular. Maybe I’ll post about the Christmas ornaments my Nannie taught us to make (I really want to!), but maybe I won’t get to it. Maybe I’ll stop in more with stream of consciousness posts; maybe I won’t. Grief has me on a rollercoaster of sometimes wanting to share everything and connect and other times wanting to become very private just to block out others’ opinions and judgements for a while. I never really know what direction it will jerk me in.
Today seems to be the former (I’m looking at you, 1030 word count post…), and I really enjoy chatting with you this way. While I know you aren’t asking for an explanation, it feels good to me to be able to give you one as to why I might be showing up here a lot or not as much.
I am curious though, while we’re on the subject- how do you read blogs? Do you check in directly to see if there is new content? Use a service like Feedly? Wait until I share a link of social? Wait for the newsletter? If you could let me know how you follow along, it would be super helpful to me.
To wrap things up, I hope you’ve been well. I hope you’re making cozy memories and cherishing your blessings. If you’re doing that while also juggling a whole lot of tough emotions from loss or unmet expectations, I see you. I feel you. I don’t really have any advice for you, but I can share what I’m doing, which is to cry when it hurts, but then to look around and pick out all the incredible things I have to be grateful for.
The best tip I’ve learned? Be specific! Instead of saying “I’m grateful for my family,” pick something from that day. For example “I’m grateful that my girls played Legos together for over an hour, clad in new Christmas pajamas.” Because is there anything better than matching Christmas pajamas? I think not.
Ok, signing off. Happy Monday, friends!
Christina says
Our Thanksgiving was unexpectedly lonely too. My sister’s two kids and my parents were directly exposed, which meant our little family if 3 had to spend the holiday alone. We had all the food at our house, so we cooked it all and played food delivery service Thanksgiving day.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh so sweet to cook it all and deliver! How thoughtful and a way to make the most of it. 💜
Jeannie says
I love reading your blog. I look at Bloglovin to see if there is a new one. Have a Happy Holiday!!
MurdocksMama says
I too use Bloglovin 🙂
Kathy says
Happy Holidays!
I swipe up to read when you share on Instagram.
Carole Caldwell says
the same thing happened to us. We had to stay home for Thanksgiving because of possible exposure. The kids were so disappointed and it was the hardest. Hope Christmas will happen this year!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so sorry the same thing happened to y’all. I’m with you in hoping christmas goes more smoothly! 💜
Alyssa says
We were at home too, just to minimize exposure as travelling to our family is an 8+ hour trip involving lots of stops with an almost 2 and 4 year old… While I missed family time, there was something nice about not having to travel for a holiday. It was relaxing and we got in a lot of family time outside since the midwest decided to give us some temps in the 50’s!
I check your blog daily. I have a list of all the blogs I read in a bookmark folder and I go through them all every day just to see if there is something new! If not, I just click on to the next one!
I would also love to see an ornament post if you feel like you can get to it! Those looked so pretty in your prior blog post.
Brittany Dixon says
So glad yall had some nice weather! Ok, I’ll work on the ornament post; they are really neat! I just need to find some cards to cut out so we can make them for my to photograph 🙂
Jessica says
Our thanksgiving was a little weird too, but also perfect. We typically spend the day with lots of family, and with so many little kids it can be very tough on my to juggle it (them!) all.
As far as how I follow your blog, it’s always either through your newsletter or a swipe up link on IG. Both are appreciated but I love an email so I can get to it on my time, since I can often miss stories for over 24 hours.
Have a great day!
Kim says
Hello Brittany,
A long time blog follower for many years from MN. I really appreciate you being honest about your feelings, especially your grief process. My mom, Carol, passed away in 2018 and I miss her dearly every day. Some days are ok and some days I’m so sad for all the loved ones I’ve lost, yet like you I try my best to think of all I’m grateful for♡
Its been tough too as since March I’ve been dealing with a new type of grief for my adult son who has chosen to separate himself from my life, it hurts my heart so much. My faith is what gets me through each day.
I apologize for the novel, just wanted you to know I appreciate you and all you do and express to your readers. I typically check in daily to check for content since I’m “old fashioned” & don’t use social media.
Take good care & stay well.
Kim
Brittany Dixon says
Oh Kim, I’m sorry to hear about the multiple versions of grief you have been/are experiencing. I’m so glad you have your faith; sending you a lot of love during this holiday season. Thank you for your kind word and take care. <3
Rebecca says
Glad you were able to make the best of your Thanksgiving. We decided Monday to stay home. Tough decision, but the right call.
I used to check the blog frequently for new posts (and back when you had more of a schedule) but now I head over when I see via Facebook that there is a new one out.
Liz T says
I use bloglovin’ to follow the blogs I do!
Erika says
Our daughter was quarantined from being exposed at daycare until the 24th so thankfully we were able to at least see my parents. It was a small gathering instead of the usual siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews but we made the most of it.
I read blogs through Feedly and click over the site for comments.
Jamie Berger says
Hi Brittany! Sorry to hear about your Thanksgiving – what a bummer! I go to your website almost every morning as I’m drinking my coffee and eating breakfast to check for a new post. I hope that doesn’t sound super creepy – but there are 3 blogs that I read almost daily – including yours.
Laura says
I read through Feedly and click over to comment (or read comments) on occasion. AHS is always the first post I choose read when I open Feedly!
Caroline L says
Hi Brittany!
I’m sorry you had to cancel at the last minute. That’s so disappointing and extra hard while grieving. Thank you for your honesty and for so eloquently describing what you’re going through. I lost my Mom in 2016 (same type of cancer as your dad) and completely relate but could never describe it so well.
It was just 4 of us immediate family on thanksgiving and we zoomed with my family.
I read your posts through Feedly so it doesn’t matter to me how frequently you post because I’ll see it when you do! I’m happy that you’re doing what is right for you and will be here when you’re in the sharing mood. When you’re not, take good care of yourself. We’re thinking of you.
Tracy says
I regularly check your blog directly to see if there’s a new post. I’m glad you’re recognizing the need to take the pressure off. Enjoy the holiday season with your family!
Anne says
Enjoy time with your family this month! Over the years I’ve whittled down the list of blogs I read to less than ten, and a few times a week when I’m sitting down for lunch I check for new posts.
Our Thanksgiving was just our family of four, too. Christmas will probably be the same. Trying to embrace that reality while looking forward with hope to 2021!
Erin says
Hi! I really love your stream of consciousness posts. I have a list of blogs I check in with directly daily while I’m eating my lunch. It’s muscle memory at this point what order I go in! Wishing you peace for the rest of the holiday season. My 97yo grandma passed away this past Saturday and I’m sitting with the sadness of missing her. Grief is so hard and I appreciate you sharing your journey with us.
Lauren says
I use an RSS feeder app and just check for new posts. I also get your newsletter so I see them that way too.
amy says
I check in directly to see if there is new content and I love posts like these 🙂
Katya says
I read when i see you post a link either on facebook or instagram. Occasionally I’ll type in your blog name but not too often, it’s mainly the social media links that bring me in.
Lauren Williams says
I check in directly several times a week. Enjoy your holiday season and just keep doing what feels right for you and your sweet family.
Kelli H says
I check your blog directly to see if there is a new post. Usually check every couple days.
Lauren T. Jones says
I check the blog daily, if possible for new content! Hang in there, you and your family are in my prayers. XOXO
Stephanie says
I have read your blog since day 1- I check the blog about 3-4 times weekly for new posts. 🙂
Megan Wynalek says
I check the website daily when I read all my blogs. No new post, then move along.
Brittany Greer says
Hi! We had some last minute cancellations for thanksgiving too, due to Covid exposures. Thankfully we were still able to drive to Florida to be with my in laws, but missed those who couldn’t make it, like my own parents and brother and sis in law. It’s one thing when plans were already so different this year, but then the last minute changes really make it even more tough. I’m glad you guys could make the most of it.
I use Bloglovin and always check the app every day or two to catch up on posts from my favorite bloggers (like you 😉 )
Stacey says
I’m glad to read you ended up finding the positive in your Thanksgiving day. It can be so hard sometimes to look forward and not wallow in what’s missed (I also struggle). We too stayed home – 1 family member tested positive, and since we have a 2 year old freshly potty trained, it was just easiest, best, and safe to stay home and not drive to see the others. Us adults were pretty prepared for this mentally, but it was hard on our 5 year old as she loves traditions and hanging with her cousins. I have a bookmarks folder with blogs like another reader mentioned and check in almost daily to see what’s new.
Mary says
I also check directly – every week or so. Thanks for the window cling recommendation! My 5 and 2 yr olds will love them!
laura says
hi! so sorry to hear y’all had a scare and change of plans! thank you for sharing anything with us at all, let alone be so open and genuine with us. i view your lovely blog on feedly and am not on the edge of my seat waiting for content. it’s nice to hear from you when you’re feeling up to it. xox
rachathi says
I use Feedly for all my blogs! I’ve gotten behind lately (hence commenting on this a solid week after it posted 🤣) but I usually stay pretty on top of it. I do follow you on IG too and try to comment and like posts on there.