Hi Friends-

At some point in my youth, Christmas started to feel like too much. The pressure to find the perfect gift, to look thrilledwhen you opened one—it all got a little exhausting. That’s probably when I decided that Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. No presents, no pressure, just food and family. Around that same time, I also bravely tried the mysterious, mushy lump known as stuffing and realized it was, in fact, the best thing on the table. Bread and sausage? I’m in.

Fast forward a decade or two, and even Thanksgiving started to feel… complicated. There’s the heavy cooking load, the travel, the clean-up—and, of course, the deeper truths about the holiday’s history that I didn’t learn until adulthood. For years, I felt conflicted: unsure how to celebrate without ignoring what I’d learned, but also craving the connection, gratitude, and coziness that come with gathering around a table.

Also—I hate turkey. There, I said it. Why is cooking a giant bird so stressful? It’s either dry or undercooked (I have some stories…).

So this year, we’re switching it up. We’re not hosting, and our friends have agreed: no turkey. Everyone’s bringing something different. My friend Sarah—who happens to be an amazing pastry chef—is handling pies, which is basically the dream.

The plan is simple-

• Crafts in the morning (think leaf garlands and paper gratitude chains)

• A walk outside to a nearby farm to feed the pigs (is this real life?!)

• Music, bingo, cocktails, and friendly conversation instead of that stressful “is the gravy ready?!” energy.

• Gratitude shared out loud—we’ll have some way to ground into what we’re thankful for or share our “joy triggers”. A new practice to stop and notice what’s been bringing you joy lately, versus you know, other triggers.

Two tips to take with you-

• Let people help. Really let them.

• Light a candle and take a deep breath before anyone arrives. We’ve got this.

And, if this is a hard time for you, I have a mantra: I feel it. I name it. I’m done carrying it for now. I will try again tomorrow. (in hopes we can set our burdens down for the day and be present with our company).

So, whether you’re skipping the turkey, hosting the whole crew, or keeping it tiny this year, I hope your day feels easy and full of genuine connection—the kind that reminds you what the holiday was always supposed to be about.

LOCAL EVENTS

• Center for the Arts Evergreen is hosting a few events this weekend:

• • • MakeSpace- A free art hangout for teens with rotating workshops like wood burning, ceramics, & fused glass! The November workshops are Friday November 14th and 21st from 5:30-8:30 pm! Just make sure you reserve a spot on their website!

    • Pumpkin Fused: Family Nightlight- This is a workshop the entire family can participate in together! It’s on Saturday November 15th from 10:30-12:30 pm! This workshop is ticketed, so make sure you purchase a ticket!

• Don’t forget to snag a ticket to the Thanksgiving Pairing Class at Piney Wines on November 19th!

OLD PINE THINGS TO NOTE:

• Don’t forget about our holiday trio gift wrapping! When you buy 3 candles, we gift wrap it for free!

• We’ve still got some Rebel candles up for grabs!

• It’s a good time to stock up on your favorite cozy winter candles so you have ‘em before the snow hits (because it’s still strangely warm outside still)

Remember to take a deep breath as we head into the holiday season and keep connecting with those around you. xx

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Photo by Clara Balzary