Happiness all Around

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!!

Truly - it is.  I absolutely LOVE this time of the year.  From Thanksgiving to New Years, I just have this never ending ecstatic joy in my heart!  I don't know if it's the food, or the smell of pine trees, or the snow, or family, or my birthday, or the sparkliness of new years, and the warmth of random people because it's the holidays - WHATEVER it is - I JUST LOVE IT!!!!!!

I hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed their Thanksgiving - I know I did. My family played host and that allowed my hospitality alter ego to go wild!!!  All my purchases from Home Goods & TJ Maxx, and Pottery Barn for the year - came off of the shelves and onto the tables. 


Our theme: "Bountiful".  According to Webster's it means: "given or provided abundantly ".  This year my mom stated it best, my family realized how much we have been given and in turn, we realized how much we have to give! 


Our flowers, table settings, and décor all reflected our theme - you can see the pictures below!

And then my other FAVORITE Thanksgiving tradition - CHRISTMAS TREE SHOPPING!  I lived in New Jersey when I was younger and every year, for about 6 years, my parents made sure we had a beautiful, fresh, live Christmas Tree!  Then due to some changes, and after we moved, we stopped with the Christmas trees (sadly); and though Christmas was still filled with love and laughter - it was different.  So when I was finally in a position to change and help out with Christmas - we reinstated the Christmas Tree shopping!  AND I WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!!!! And let me add, I WILL NEVER GO BACK!!! (mom & dad - you are stuck with live Christmas Trees for the rest of my life). 

Luckily, my parents have very tall ceilings - so this year we have gone as tall as we possibly can (a little over 10ft) - and I will tell you this, I hug the tree every morning and every night!  I love it! 

More than ever, during this time of year, I surround myself with family and friends.  I try to express to them, more than normal, how much I love them and care for them.  My grandmother, thank the Lord, just celebrated 90 years of life. My cousin and I both have birthdays coming up, and life is just all around more beautiful (excuse the bad English) when there is love, laughter, family, and friends!

Enjoy the pictures, feel free to tell me how you are spending your holidays, and most importantly - let your loved ones know how much you love and care.  It doesn't have to be in the form of a tangible gift under the tree - but in your actions, your time, and hugs are great too!

Hugs & Love,
Des

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