The First Gift of Christmas

Or Operation Mistletoe continues...

I have in my possession perhaps 40 rolls of giftwrap, various gift bags and boxes. What is the first gift of Christmas? A plain paper package tied up with string (or vintage seam binding as the case may be). When possible, I like to wrap the present to suit the receiver; maybe their decor, favorite colors, hobbies. This would explain why I have a dusty roll of John Deere tractor paper among my collection. I'm hurrying to finish the wrapping for my sister's family before we head off to Michigan for Thanksgiving!

I hope she and her hubbie like it.

I think she'll like these too since they're foodies. Gorgeous, rich vanilla beans!

Danielle tagged me for 6 random facts a while ago and it seems appropriate to share 6 facts or 'traditions' about my Thanksgiving (don't wig out on me if I have a weird quirk or two!):

1. My sister and I rotate homes for Thanksgiving each year. This year is her turn to host. We haven't decided what's worse; the expense & stress of buying all that food or the expense & stress of travelling between Maryland and Michigan. It's all worth it. Most years, our parents or my younger sister may join us. This year, our parents are moving on Thanksgiving weekend. We'll miss them!

2. We plan at least a month ahead of time what our menu will be. It usually begins when the November issue of Bon Appetit lands on our doorsteps. She makes up a spiffy spreadsheet when it's her year. I usually have the menu jotted down on sticky notes. Can we guess who the has the gift of administration?

3. I'm a big kid when it's comes to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Super huge highlight of the day for me. This is where I will let the turkey burn and the potatoes boil over while I sit on the floor and watch random numbers of current Broadway shows. Isn't it sad that I generally choose what I want to go see in the next year by a 2 minute number performed on Herald Square?:)

4. My son has a tradition to stay out overnight at Best Buy for the Black Friday sales. Some call this crazy. Some call it savvy. He thinks it's fun and is in mourning that he will not be able to have friends to join him this Thursday night. He has no shopping list. He didn't last year either, but he did come home with a new flat screen monitor for my computer.

5. Last year we started a new tradition of the Family Talent Show. After watching Dan In Real Life and seeing their talent show, we thought we'd give it a try. We had magic, singing, displays of physical strength and more. I've been informed that this year, my nieces have been working hard and plan to thrash the rest of us thoroughly. Guess I better stock up on age appropriate prizes!

6. We also have a Thankful journal to write our menu, draw pictures, journal what we're thankful for this year, etc. I added a few new touches to bring it into this Thanksgiving season.

I got all teary eyed looking through it today. I'm looking forward to filling the pages with more written expressions of gratitude this Thanksgiving.