I hosted my first Thanksgiving, and survived!

There is something beautiful, yet uneasy when you gather different personalities, opinions, voting beliefs, religious backgrounds, food favorites, and holiday emotions around the same table together. Its really exciting and really scary all at the same time.

But, we survived and had a great day celebrating this holiday of thankfulness with my side of the family.

The older I get, the more I realize how the holiday season can bring up so many different feelings for people. For some its all joyous and for others it is filled with hard and sadness.

Everyone can come to the exact same table but we all come from different spots in our lives.

If you are dreading the holiday season due to all the unknowns it may bring, feel free to listen to my latest podcast episode. A few years ago I said no to the standards set for me for the holidays and said yes to the traditions and standards I wanted to set for my own family and well-being. It was the best thing ever!

If you already committed to spending time this holiday season with some challenging family members then my advice would be extend grace just as grace is extended to us. Let go of the little things, and know that each of us are made so very differently. The world would be boring if everyone was the same. So start focusing on the things you enjoy about someone vs the things you cant stand. This will make things a lot easier when you have to sit at the same table together ;)

You cannot control what other people say or do, but you absolutely can control YOU. How you interact and love on others and setting a good example is important.

Be the change you hope to see. It starts with YOU my friend, not with them.

Remember to take time to slow down, to breath, and focus on your blessings above all else.

I am rooting for you and hope this month of December is filled with so much goodness, love, peace, and joy!

Love + Friendship, Megan