Finding Gratitude in Every Season

Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday. These days, I’m not sure I have a favorite, but what I can say for certain is this: I love Fall. Everything about it speaks to my soul—the rich colors, the crisp air (when it finally arrives), the cozy smells, and, of course, those little glimpses of Christmas peeking through.

I don’t decorate for Halloween. Instead, I go all in for Fall. The best part? It lasts longer—straight through to Thanksgiving—and gives me an excuse to indulge in my love of pumpkins. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “We don’t discuss the pumpkin budget,” know that it’s more than a funny quip in my house. It’s a way of life. Pumpkins are non-negotiable.

Living in the South adds an extra layer of pumpkin-related logistics. The lingering summer heat means some of my pumpkins don’t make it through the season unscathed. But even if I have to replace a few along the way, it’s a small price to pay for my personal pumpkin paradise.

This Thanksgiving was a little different. Instead of celebrating at home, I found myself at the beach, watching waves crash on the shore while sharing a meal. Not a bad trade-off, right? It gave me a moment to pause and reflect on what I want future Thanksgivings to look like.

No matter where I am, there’s always so much to be thankful for. This year, I’m simply grateful for today—the gift of now. And that’s enough.

What are you thankful for this season?