5 thing Friday - simple decor, Christmas tree, feeling peaceful, firepit, sangria

 (not in chrono order!)

The day after Thanksgiving I feel like I was on my feet most of the day.  I didn't go crazy with Christmas decor around the house - I know who has to put it all back up, and she would appreciate it being a painless process! 

I decided for the first time ever to hang the family stockings on the mantel.  I also put the two rattan reindeer in a bed of evergreens.  The Girl took my stocking home with her.  Nothing exciting to see here...

But I also wove fairy lights into it and at night it comes on while I sit reading and sipping tea. 

(later I added simple red bows to their necks, but I am DONE pinky promise)

 Very peaceful.  That's been my word of the year for most of 2025 - peace.  I would like to move through this season as calmly as possibly.  No big fuss.  No pressure.  No overspending.

I hauled out the vintage Christmas tree and decorated it very simply.  At this date I also have some gifts wrapped and all of the shopping done - just waiting on those Amazon deliveries!  I did not buy even one new ornament. Nor lights. I'm still debating whether or not to send cards.

Right now, I feel good.

I have been focusing on eating healthily, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying in the moment.  All things I hope will carry me through the month with no drama.

Thanksgiving was a good day - here Firstborn is trying to get the initial tee pee started so we can feed the firepit all afternoon.  I ordered a new grate for the wood to sit on yesterday.  This little firepit is 23 years old and going strong.  I plan on sitting out here at least one evening a week.  I am so glad to have that store of firewood.

The Autumn Sangria was a hit!

To my large jar I added most of a small bottle of brandy (at least two cups), a large bottle of inexpensive red wine, about a quart of honeycrisp apple cider, and a 2 L bottle of cranberry sprite.  I also threw in some sprigs of rosemary and some sliced oranges, and I made giant ice cubes in plastic drink cups.  We drank the entire thing.  (:

Have a good weekend!

Gina