Officially a Grown-Up
The Torch Has Officially Been Passed!
Last year, my mom handed over the Thanksgiving reins, and this year, I’m thrilled to bring our family’s cherished traditions into the warmth of our home. Hosting is a new adventure for me, especially during a season filled with so much gratitude and love. As I begin prepping for our family gathering, I find myself pausing often, feeling overwhelmingly thankful—for salvation, family and friends, health, food on our table, and countless other blessings we may take for granted.
There’s a certain kind of weight, responsibility, and even leadership that comes with gathering everyone. Setting the tone, making sure each detail speaks to the love and gratitude I want our family to experience—it's humbling. So, as I get swept up in preparations, I’m reminding myself (and you) to take a breath and count our blessings. Let’s slow down for a moment to appreciate what we have before diving headfirst into the holiday hustle.
The Thrill of Last-Minute Prep
If I’m honest, there’s a bit of a thrill in leaving things to the last minute (I always think I have more time than I actually do, ha!). While I can plan with the best of them, that final sprint makes me feel alive—like I’ve turned Thanksgiving into my own version of The Amazing Race. I know it’s not exactly the Martha Stewart approach, but hey, if it gets done, it gets done!
Is it the most organized approach? Maybe not. Procrastination and I have a complicated relationship. But there's something oddly satisfying about the last-minute cleaning marathons, which have turned into a family affair. When everyone inevitably asks why they’re scrubbing places no one will see, my response is always, “Someone will notice!” It’s the classic Thanksgiving pep talk, and honestly, we’re all a little better for it.
Embracing the Anxiety—and the Clutter
As much as I enjoy hosting, I’ll admit there’s a bit of anxiety that comes with having everyone under your roof. Between endless lists, cleaning marathons, and making sure the food is hot and ready when everyone arrives, I’m already feeling the pressure. Nothing says “hostess with the mostess” quite like hiding clutter in random closets five minutes before guests arrive. (Just don’t open the laundry room door… trust me on this one!)
And I’ve learned to laugh it off. Amid the pre-holiday chaos, there’s a strange comfort in embracing the imperfections. Thanksgiving is messy, loud, and wonderfully chaotic—and that’s exactly how I like it. After all, what’s a holiday without a little drama?
Creating a Welcoming Space
This November, I’m embracing the beauty and messiness of the season. Hosting isn’t about having a picture-perfect setup; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued and celebrated. It’s about gratitude, a sense of humor, and understanding that it doesn’t have to be flawless to be meaningful.
So here’s to a season filled with love, laughter, and the little leadership moments that make it all worthwhile. Whether you’re hosting or simply attending, take a moment to soak it all in—the joy, the family quirks, and yes, even the chaos.
Bittersweet
In all seriousness… Over the past 10 years our family has been through some tough times. My mom has beat breast cancer twice, we’ve lost loved ones, and gone through extremely tough seasons personally, which makes moments like the holidays even more important. I am officially a grown-up. And while that is so exciting and quite frankly flattering it has come to this point in my life that I am now trusted with such a feat. I always want to remember when my grandmother handled the task and passed it to my mom and aunt, that they now pass to me. What a bittersweet time.
Hugs to you and your families in whatever season you may be in during the holidays!
P.S. If you’re hosting too, here’s a tip from my last-minute playbook: organize just one area a day leading up to the big day, and keep a snack station ready for early arrivals (and the children) - my mom always hated early arrivers ‘testing’ the food. And remember, don’t stress if everything isn’t perfect. The beauty of Thanksgiving is that it’s perfectly imperfect.
Share Your Tips! What’s your best holiday hosting hack, or favorite way to keep calm during Thanksgiving prep? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how you keep things fun, festive, and (mostly) organized.
