Happy Thanksgiving

This year was the first year that Nick and I would not be with our families for Thanksgiving. Hard, really hard. I have always loved the holidays. There is just something so special about being with your family and continuing the traditions that you have grown up with.

I mean, Thanksgiving at my house use to consist of waking up and watching the Macy's Day Parade while eating breakfast. Mom would be cooking away in the kitchen - the house would smell absolutely delicious. And she would always make sure I had my apple pie - my favorite. By far. After our yummy Thanksgiving meal it would be time for some Dallas Cowboys. Granted, they aren't that good this year but it's tradition, like I said.

I think the second hardest about not being home for Thanksgiving is really the days after. Ever since I was in fourth grade mom and I would be out with the crowds on Black Friday. Most of the time we started our morning off at Macy's and then ventured into the rest of the mall as the stores opened. We always ate breakfast at the same spot overlooking the ice rink in the Galleria (i.e. mall). It really is something that I thoroughly enjoy. I missed it deeply this year.

Mom even sent me a text. She decided to continue on without me but she didn't like it. About 9am my time I get a text that says:

"Christmas shopping without you sucks!" I had to laugh because mom hardly ever cusses (at least not around her kids). And "sucks" isn't even that bad of a word. But I do agree - Christmas shopping without her will suck!

Also, I do LOVE decorating the house with Christmas decorations. I really can't remember a time when I didn't get excited about it. I would help dad get the 20 Christmas boxes down from the attic. And when I say 20 boxes - I mean it. We have tons of decorations. Dad and I would hang lights on the house, wreaths on the doors, display the yard art, and many other things. I love all of that - it really makes you get in the holiday spirit.

So I missed it. A lot. It just wasn't quite the same this year.

However, Nick and I did have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We thought about going to the parade but decided to sleep in and watch it on TV. We had a relaxing day for the most part. Well deserved.

We were invited by my friend and co-worker, Jenienne, to her apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. She was hosting this year. We felt so appreciated that she offered to have us over and be apart of the celebration.

We had a amazing time. We were so glad we went. Her apartment was AMAZING. Really - amazing. It was on the 33rd floor overlooking the Hudson River. It has spectacular views. Everything about the evening was great - the set-up, food, the people. Mac-n-cheese with bacon... TO DIE FOR! I think I might have to make that a new tradition for us! Her family was so welcoming and generous. We really felt apart of the evening and also felt we had gained a extended family. Definitely not a holiday to forget!


Lovely!


Hudson River and New Jersey!


The gracious host!

Today, I spent some time decorating our apartment for Christmas as well as some Christmas shopping! In our old apartment we had a 8ft. Christmas tree that was just gorgeous! Obviously, we couldn't bring that here so I bought a little 3ft. pre-lit tree. It's tiny. But it works. It now has a few Christmas presents underneath it to make it look even better!


Our Christmas tree lit up (kind of blurry though)


Presents!

Christmas shopping in the city is....well, it's just not my favorite thing. I have to be honest. I know most people love it but I'm just not one of them. I don't like to be cold and since you walk store to store - you are pretty much cold the ENTIRE time! Also, there are tons of people. TONS! Trying to walk down 5th Avenue was nearly impossible. I'm pretty patient and don't have the hurried, on-the-go New York way but I have to say I almost bit the head of a few people today. It was just too many people. I got off that street as soon as I could!

The holidays in the city is definitley a magical place to be. No question. Just try and avoid all the crowds. Which Nick and I will NOT be doing when we try to see the Christmas tree lit up on Tuesday at Rockefeller Center. We will attempt - not sure the timing will work with our work/school schedule but we would LOVE to be there (with the millions of other people)!

Yay for the start of the holidays!