Bride-to-be Blogger Carly: Feeling Grateful
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Thursday kicks off the start of the (crazy, busy, beautiful, warm-and-fuzzy, insert other adjectives here) holiday season. At this time of year, it’s really easy to get wrapped up in all the hubbub of family gatherings, wish-list shopping, holiday parties and all that eating, drinking and being merry. But before this whirlwind picks me up and shoots me to January 2nd, I’d like to pause and reflect on how much I have to be thankful for.
Sean and I are blessed with two amazing families, and this year will be the third that we get to share the holiday season with both bunches. Holiday splitting can be really tough, and takes some compromising from both the couple and their families. Luckily, both Sean’s family and my own have been generously flexible so that we can spend a little bit of each holiday with both sides.
For Thanksgiving, this means two dinners (best of both worlds!) just a short drive across Wilmington from one another. Christmas involves a bit more traveling, but is worth it. (This year, Sean and I will take the Cape-May Lewes ferry from his childhood home to my family’s shore house.) Neither Sean nor I have gotten a hard time from either set of our parents about cutting out early or arriving late—rather, they are as happy as we are that we get to spend time together.
We are both especially grateful that we are getting to spend our third holiday season with Sean’s (and my soon-to-be) niece Quinn. Having a small child in our lives rekindles the magic of the season: the building anticipation for the arrival of Santa and his crew through the excitement of Christmas-morning surprises. This year should be the first where she really understands the magic of Christmas, and I can’t wait to see the pure delight on her face when the cookies plate is empty and the stockings under the mantle are full!
My friends are another a reason for me to give thanks. Life may get busy, time may get away from us, but I can count on my friends always being a phone call away. I often marvel at how much our lives have changed over the past couple of years: we’ve gotten grown-up jobs, moved away from each other, bought houses, and gotten engaged, and through it all we’ve always stood by and cheered each other on. My friends are an amazing support system, and I am so fortunate to have them in my life!
Finally, (and I apologize for the sappyness) I am so very thankful for Sean. He came into my life at just the right time and has been my perfect match since. I’m thankful for the small, every-day life things with Sean and for the future yet to be determined. I am thankful that he encourages me to be the best me I possibly can and loves me on the days I can’t.
I am only lucky girl.
Happy Thanksgiving!
(PS: Thanks to you for reading!)
Do you find yourself feeling extra grateful with all your wedding stuff going on this time of year?
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