Grab Your Copy Now!

Have You Ever Celebrated Thanksmasbirthday? I Can’t Wait!

November 1, 2021

It’s November, people!

I don’t know about you, but that’s both a wonderful and an “Oh-my-gosh” inciting realization.

I love Thanksgiving. Who doesn’t? Oh, I see you there, scrunching your mouth to the side, muttering, “I’m not crazy about Thanksgiving.” We need to come up with a character like Scrooge for those of you who don’t like Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving “Turkey,” maybe? I don’t mean to pick on anyone, but–come on–what do you have against gratitude and a really good meal?

Giving thanks is the most powerful attitude changer around. I should know because, well, I admittedly have had a bad attitude on occasion.

Thanksmasbirthday for All!

But, back to why turning the calendar page to November freaks me out a little…

Our kids, who live in a galaxy far far away, alternate coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year is our year to have Thanksgiving. Yay! Because why? Yes! Because I love Thanksgiving.

This year we’re going to try something new. I came up with it, so there’s no one to blame but myself.

This year we’re having a Thanksmasbirthday celebration! Kind of like Turducken, which, according to Wikipedia, is a dish consisting of a deboned chicken stuffed into a deboned duck, further stuffed into a deboned turkey.

Thanksmasbirthday is Thanksgiving stuffed into Christmas further stuffed into a birthday party. (We have four November/December birthdays!)

I know.

But I want to celebrate all of these things with our kids, parents, and grandchildren. I love it that I’m the middle section of a club sandwich. It means blessings from both sides–my parents are still around; our kids want to visit us; our grandchildren want to spend time with their ChiChi and Pop.

It’s a wonderful problem, having so much to celebrate!

Pick a Theme

My first order of business this month is getting all the presents lined up. Everyone has an Amazon list, which I sometimes pay attention to and sometimes ignore (for their own good, mind you).

Over the past few years I’ve chosen themes for gifts to our kids. Having a theme helps me not overbuy and gives me focus. One year I did “Date Night” and gave them gift certificates to some neat restaurants in their cities, outfits, and other fun little goodies. Last year’s theme was “Life in the Van.” That was a fun one. I found some neat gadgets, some wonderful blankets like these, perfect for a picnic, and Yeti coffee mugs.

This year’s theme is “Fun and Games.” (NOTE to my kids: IF any of you are reading this post, stop right now. Otherwise, you will not have one single surprise at Thanksmasbirthday!)

They say, “Order early!”

Since we’ve been warned to order early, I thought I’d share some of the ideas I am knocking around for our adult “kids.”

Cornhole–You can get them personalized with your favorite team’s logo and colors. 

Cute Microwave Popcorn Popper–A fabulous little store in town, BBQ & More, carries these. Throw in some Amish popcorn and special seasoning salt, and let the fun commence!

Collegiate Team Football/Basketball–These will allow our sons to advertise their alma maters in their backyards and neighborhoods. In other words, these are important. (wink)

Bubble Tea Kit–When our kids visit they always make a trek to one of our favorite places, Etcetera, a wonderful coffee/tea shop. With this kit they can have a taste of their hometown whenever they want it! (Except it won’t quite be the same, so they’re still going to want to come home, if only to visit Etcetera!)

Family Adventure Books–I think this sounds like loads of family fun! Every adventure in the book is a surprise until you scratch it off! I may or may not have bought one for each family.

Croquet Set–I loved playing croquet in the backyard when I was a kid. Does that make it “retro”? It’s a good game for a range of ages, too.

Outdoor Movie Screen–Living in the south, our kids have a long season of great outdoor weather. I think this screen is fabulous because it will take up little storage space when it’s deflated.

So, are you the kind that waits till the last moment before buying gifts, or do you gather all year long? I guess I’m in the middle. But this year, I am ON TOP OF IT! 

Let me know what you’re planning for the holidays this year. Is there a Thanksmasbirthday on your horizon? Am I crazy? (You don’t have to answer that.)

Comments.

Leave your comment