All I want for Christmas

December 10, 2013 by vfreile

Editor’s Note: This is not another holiday gift guide. Or is it?

I used to love holiday shopping, heading out amidst the bustling crowds to find the perfect gift for a loved one.

I loved the challenge of the hunt, finding great deals while humming Christmas carols and wrapping each perfect prize in stunning packaging.

My joy on Christmas morning wasn’t about tearing open my own packages under the tree. I loved watching others open their gifts, to witness the joy on a loved one’s face when they unwrapped “the perfect gift.”

Me, J and Santa on Christmas Eve a few years back

Somewhere along the way, something changed. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to surprise my friends and family with gifts, particularly when they least expect it. Honestly, it’s such a great joy. But rather than buy my husband another kitchen gadget he doesn’t need, or get my father another book he won’t actually read (but will tell me he did), I’d rather spend time with my loved ones.

I’d rather travel to see them, or better yet, plan to travel somewhere together.

My sister and I stopped exchanging shortly after she moved to Australia. We gift each other when we get together, every few years. I still regularly buy food treats for my parents, as they no longer swap holiday gifts with each other.

I often find random prizes for Meri, and send them along a short time later. (Guess why? Shhh! I can’t keep a secret!) But for the past two Christmas seasons, Meri and I have given each other race entries — specifically entries to a destination race we then run together. In 2012, we headed to Florida for runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon, Meri’s first. And this year, we went to California, where we ran runDisney’s Tinkerbell Half Marathon. (Do we see a trend here?)

Last year, my hubs called a holiday gift-giving truce with his family a few weeks before Christmas. At first I was upset, as I’d already finished shopping for half of the family. Then, I realized, it wasn’t a bad idea.

We had started to focus too much on the gifts we open rather than the people we are blessed enough to have in our lives. In many cases, we were just exchanging gift cards, since we’d gotten busy or were at a loss of what to buy.

What do we put under the tree?

And often, we weren’t making time in our busy schedules to spend time together. So it all changed for 2013.

We’re not exchanging in my home. We don’t need more stuff. We’re going to enjoy each other, travel and experience life, together.

Enjoying the season at Rochester, NY’s holiday season kickoff last weekend

Do you love to shop at the holidays? What’s your gift-giving strategy?

Let’s get UGLY, Philly!

December 9, 2013 by Meridith

Last month Jess and her fam took to the San Francisco streets (or well, close by) for the Ugly Sweater Run. This past weekend I got to have my very own experience! Cold temps, inflatables, and the most awesome ugliest sweaters imaginable: it’s the Philadelphia Ugly Sweater Run.

Jay and I arrived at 6:30 for an early morning packet pickup. There was no line and we got a fantastic parking spot. Score! Usually I’m a fan of doing packet pickup before the day of the race but this was super laid-back and easy. While waiting in our warm car we got the chance to check out a lot of ugly sweaters of all different varieties.

About a half hour before the start we wander toward the start area. Techno Christmas carols were pumping and there were photo opportunities for all. This run partners with Toys for Tots and many runners brought unwrapped toys to place by the inflatable Christmas tree.

Soon we found all the members of our team, The Ho Ho Hos (I giggled good and hard when we came up with that name) and got the obligatory “we’re in it to win it” picture.

Brandi, Jen, Megan, me, Cyanne, and Alissa

Seriously business runners, right here! I’ve know Brandi, Jen, and Megan for awhile now – we met in Stroller Strides and “graduated” to running races together through the past couple of years. And I finally got to meet Cyanne and her friend, Alissa! Team Sparkle in the hizzy!

We chatted for a couple of minutes about our race strategies (um, none) before heading to the start line, which was a wave start. It was chilly so we all wanted to get moving to get the blood flowing.

Soon enough we were off!

The course was pretty dense at the start and it lasted for about the first half mile or so. I had told Jay that I’d stick with him throughout the race. He’s got (stupid) plantar fasciitis and I’ve been dealing with some (stupid) foot pain of my own so we were taking it nice and easy. Cyanne stuck with us too, which was rad because we got to chat throughout the entire run and it just confirmed what I already knew through our Twitter/blogger friendship – she’s awesome!

Of course, we took all the pictures.

The point of this picture was to get the snow. I failed. Totally. But Cyanne is adorable regardless.

Thanks to Cyanne for this pic! (She didn’t fail!)

About a mile and a half into the run, we came across the water and hot chocolate station! We chose water but it seemed like there were a fair share of people getting hot chocolate to warm up.

And we came across a little Christmas tree going for a ride in a wagon. Because hey, why the heck not?

Two miles in, we entered the “enchanted forest”. To say we were enchanted would be putting it mildly!

Three enchanted ugly sweater runners are we!

Sadly, we had to leave the forest and continue on our way to the finish line. The Ugly Sweater Run website says that the run is “approximately” 3.1 miles. That is accurate. We crossed through Smith Memorial Arch and were surprised to see the finish line just ahead!

Jay’s “what the what, we’re at the finish already?” face.

After the finish, there was the post run party, which included Sam Adam’s beer and cider and hot chocolate. There was a crazy long line for the beer area but we figured out where the secret second line was! Woo to the hoo!

We found the rest of the Ho Ho Hos and chatted about our romp through the park. After sharing a post race drink, toasting to our successes as rocking the ugly attire, and warming our hands by the fake fireplace, we were ready to really warm ourselves in the heat of our cars.

Last year I had committed to running 12 races in 2012. I didn’t make the same goal for 2013 but when I got home from the Ugly Sweater Run, I realized that I’ve completed 13 races in 2013. What’s next? Continue my run streak for the rest of December and think of my goals for 2014. I’d like to be more specific this year. What are some of your goals for the upcoming year? Have you met Twitter/blogger friends in person?

Guest Post: 1-2-3 Blast Off!

December 6, 2013 by beewhobabbles

Today, our honorary Chick, Sara, is recapping her experience at the Space Coast Half Marathon in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

This past Sunday I had the pleasure of running in the Space Coast Half Marathon. Boy! What a fun race this was! According to their website it is the only space-themed marathon and half-marathon race on the planet. I am kind of a closet Star Wars geek (thanks to my husband), so I knew this would be a fun one.

The course for this race was breath taking. It was approximately 6.5 miles down the coast and back on a street lined with the most gorgeous homes on one side and then the intercostal on the other. It also doesn’t hurt to have Darth Vader standing on the corner cheering you on.

I would have to say the first 6.5 miles went pretty well. It wasn’t until the turn around that I noticed the wind was now against me for the last 6.6 miles. The wind gusts we so strong on a few occasions I felt like I was not even moving. I knew this was going to slow me down a little but I didn’t let it bother me. I turned my music on and powered through.

I apologize for the lack of fun photos. I came to this race on a mission. My mission was to do a sub- 2:15 half marathon. This was my second half marathon so I was definitely determined to PR at this race. My final time was 2:14:38. Yahoo! I did it! I PR’d by over 20 minutes. All those 5:30am running sessions with the fabulous Brooke paid off.

My finisher medal is big, colorful and glittery. What more can a runner ask for?

I also loved the beach towel we got after the race. Another unique aspect of this race is the virtual goodie bag. Instead of a plastic bag with a bunch of coupons, flyers…etc, they email you a virtual goodie bag before the race. There you can look through all the info and only print what you plan on using. I wish more races would go this route. If we are being honest here, I usually just throw the goodie bags out. This virtual goodie bag will help reduce waste and also make planet earth a little more greener.

Up next for me is the Glass Slipper Challenge in February at Disney. I am definitely thinking a sub-2:10 half. What do you think?

What is your favorite space movie? What running items are on your Christmas wish list?

Sara is a wife, mom, crafter and Brooke’s favorite running partner. She also PRs like a boss. You can find her at The Classy Crafter.

Scooter the Running Shelf Elf

December 5, 2013 by scootadoot

Hey all, Scooter here from Elf on the Shelf! I was tickled pickles when my good friends, the Scoot Chicks asked me to do a guest post for their blog. Naturally, as a newbie elf runner I have something fun and exciting to bring to the table.

You all know us elves for sitting on shelves, and doing wild and zany things like the ol’ Toilet Papering the Tree trick and Ice Skating on the Dining Room Table.

But all work and no play makes Scooter an angry little elf. That’s why this year I decided to take up RUNNING. I mean, a crazy amount of my Facebook friends have been talking about their mileage and sharing maps of their runs, so I had to get in on the action so that now I can share all MY training on Facebook too.

(Defriended Jingle soon after this – I don’t need that type of negativity in my life!)

I started running last December after helping Santa eat all those cookies that he picks up along the way. 2013 was my first full year of running. When I start something, I go BIG.

All the medals! All the races! (Okay, fine, these aren’t all mine. Some are Candy’s. Most. Most are Candy’s.)

I learned just how therapeutic a long run can be and furthermore, I perfected the art of a selfie elfie! All my Instagram friends and I share our awesomeness on the regular.

Who needs an ice rink when you can have an ice bath? Brrrr, it’s cold in here – there must be some elves in the atmosphere!

I learned how to rise and run effectively (by setting TWO alarms, of course!) and how to foam roll those pesky IT bands.

I discovered my favorite post-race treat.

Of course, I had to do a Color Run. See that smile? It really IS the happiest 5k on the Planet.

Finally, I discovered a whole world of support from my friends and from the online running community.

Now it’s time for me to get to “work” as a shelf elf. Thank goodness I had an incredible year of running so I don’t feel too bad about sitting on my doot for this month. And helping Santa with those cookies again. But come January? It is ON.

Scooter’s day job includes sitting on shelves, avoiding the hands of children and creeping out many adults. His night job is part magic, part ninja. He enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Candy.

This is 39

December 4, 2013 by bec2point0

In a year, I’ll be 40. (I know, this kind of feels like one of the American Beauty, ‘in a year, I’ll be dead’ moments, but I promise, it’s not.)

I won’t be dead. I’ll just be 40. Which is practically the same thing if you ask my teenager.

40!

It’s the age you don’t trust anyone over. It’s what comes after Thirty-something. It’s the big 4-0. And it’s the number that I swore I’d have my stuff* together by. (To be fair, I also said that about 30. But let’s not go there).

It’s funny how time creeps up on you. All those things I said I’d do before I turned 40? Well, they seemed so doable! I had so much time!

365 days doesn’t feel like a lot of time. It really doesn’t. But, if I play my cards right, 365 days is a lot of time to get stuff* done. I want to use them wisely, so for this, my 39th birthday, I’m giving myself a few gifts that will hopefully see me through the next 365 days and on to a better, healthier, happier future.

Time – To be specific, I’m giving myself the gift of taking time to care for myself and not feeling remotely guilty about it. If I serve dinner a bit late because I snuck in a walk, or walk by the growing laundry pile on the way to gym without so much as a backwards glance, that’s okay. Losing weight and getting healthy requires time, so that is a gift I am going to give my future 40-year-old self. Her smaller behind* will thank me for it.

Dedication – This gift is not easily given, received, or understood, at least by me. What does it mean to be dedicated? Does it mean never eating cheese or cake or cheesecake again? Does it mean that at every moment, my caloric intake has to be at the forefront of my mind? I certainly hope not, because that is just not sustainable for me. But I am giving myself dedication to an overall healthier lifestyle. Which leads to my next gift. (I was once told I was very good to myself. What can I say, I enjoy presents!)

Choice – This gift is a key piece of an overall healthy lifestyle. I can eat what I want. I can eat over my allotted calories sometimes. I can have a piece of cheese, or cake, or cheesecake, or CHEESE AND CAKE, as long as I understand that I have a choice in the matter, and that both sides of these choices has consequences, be they positive or negative. I don’t always have to make the right choice, but I am giving myself permission to own my choices, good or bad.

Joy – It’s time for me to start finding the joy in this process. I don’t have to complain about working out. I don’t have to mourn the lack of ice cream in a given day. I can love the hour I spend walking in the cold (because this is New England, yo) and revel in the fresh fruits and vegetables I eat and be joyful that I have the opportunity to do these things. Maybe not every day, every time, but sometimes. Nobody likes a whiner.

Inspiration – This is a gift I give myself by surrounding myself with people who make me want to be better. Some of them I am lucky enough to call friends. Others are bloggers telling their stories, just hoping they’ll inspire someone. Momentum can be hard to sustain, so I’ll be seeking out inspiration wherever I can find it, and hopefully, providing some of my own.

Forgiveness – This is a gift that just plain needs to be given. I’ve spent so much time being angry at myself for all the things I’ve done, and the things I haven’t done, to get to where I am physically. And to what end? Holding it against myself, blaming myself… it only serves to hold me where I am. It’s time to let the past be the past, before the present is the past. That made sense, right?

A Clean Slate – The last gift I’m giving myself is a completely clean slate. Whatever I’ve done before, whatever I’ve tried at and failed at, or tried at and succeeded at but quit anyway, it’s all off the table now. Just because I quit running doesn’t mean I can’t start again. And I have to start at the beginning, but that’s okay. With a clean slate, you’ve got nothing but beginnings. I can try something new, or I can try something I’ve already tried before. Weight Watchers worked for me before, and then I quit. And then I went back and it wasn’t the right fit. Doesn’t matter. If I choose to try it again, I can. No dwelling on how it went last time, there is no last time. There is only this time. No day but today, my friends.

So, Happy Birthday to me! I may not love the idea of leaving my 30s, but I am truly looking forward to the idea of ringing in my next ‘decade’ as the happiest, healthiest, best 40-year-old I can be. To that end, these gifts are the greatest gifts I could wish to receive.

A treadmill in the garage wouldn’t suck either, just saying.

*All asterisks are indicators of where I want to use bad words, but as I’m almost 40, I’m trying to be less of a trash mouth. That’s a gift to everyone, I promise.

#werunDC!

December 3, 2013 by vfreile

We won the lottery!

Before you start wondering what all the Scoot chicks will be buying with our newfound wealth, it’s not that sort of lottery. We were lucky enough to be selected to run the 2nd Nike Women’s Half Marathon in Washington DC.

Yes! We won the rights to enter a coveted road race! Woot!

That means Brooke, Meri and I will be among the 15,000 women running 13.1 miles through our nation’s capital on April 27, 2014. Two of our longtime friends Keri and Maureen will be joining our happy gang for the big weekend next spring.

We are giddy.

Okay, so we changed the name to say Scoot a Doot… but you get the idea!

Meri called me last night to tell me the news and I was speechless. Sure, we entered, but I never actually expected we’d get picked. I actually figured we would be out since I have wretched lottery luck.

I was also rejected three straight years from the NYC Marathon- which ironically earned me a guaranteed entry for the 2013 race.

Meri and I entered the race lottery for the inaugural DC race last year and didn’t get picked. We were sad. There’s no other way to say it. We’d been looking forward to running, made tentative plans around the weekend, then we didn’t make the cut.

So when Meri suggested we apply again last month, I nearly dismissed the idea.

I’m sure glad I didn’t. Because next spring, #werunDC. Who is with us?

Post-publication note:

Lottery hopefuls who didn’t make the cut can still run the Nike Women’s DC half-marathon by running for charity, specifically for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Click here for more info on how you can join their team.

I See Streakers!

December 3, 2013 by Meridith

Ah, December. Lights and menorahs and elves deck the halls. Santas are running; people are donning their gay apparel, or Ugly Sweaters, for either festivities or runs (or both).

And there are streakers all over the place!

This marks my second year participating in the Runner’s World Holiday Run Streak (which Brooke blogged about it last month). While Scoot a Doot was just a twinkle in our eye, I wrote about the streak last year on my tumblr (on this very day, might I add).

Having this goal of running every day is really working for me. Instead of feeling like it’s a chore, I make the time for it and get it done. In the old days (you know, so far ago – last year) I would wake up before everyone in the family and get my runs in. Now, with our gym schedule – Jay going MWF, me T/Th – that won’t work. But I have three hours where both kids are in school and those are prime.

Errands get done T/Th since I get to kick ass earlier in the morning. Works for me. Of course it’s not perfect and with the kids having half days all next week, I might be screwed for time, but I am going to PUSH for at least a mile to happen each day.

Not a whole lot has changed since then in regards to timing. My kids even have half days all next week – parent/teacher conferences fall at the same time every year. However, the streak is alive and I’m making it happen!

In this very busy season of celebrations, choir concerts, PTO events, and family fun I need to actively carve out a piece of time that is solely and completely for me. I’m able to tune out the daily outside influences and come out the other side of my mile(s) with a clearer mind. It’s much like yoga in that respect.

Vic’s mantra of “anyone can run a mile” remains at the forefront of my mind when I’m not really feeling the run. It can be nine and a half minutes if I’m motoring and just need to get one mile in; it can be a thirteen minute mile if I am jamming out to my iPod and not really caring about the speed. Alternatively, it can be multiple miles in an hour. I’m not currently training for a race so achieving the small increments of miles really works within this 35 day stretch.

And while the time running gives me a chance to recharge and sort my thoughts, I don’t feel like I’m truly alone because hello, social media!

Hashtagging on Twitter and Instagram connects me with other streakers. Additionally, I’m participating in Karen and Cyanne’s Challenge Loop. (Both of whom I get to meet this weekend – yeehaw!) Checking in each day and posting pictures there keeps me accountable.

Thanksgiving Day = day 1 of the streak!

We all need a little inspiration sometimes.

Rocking out to VH1 Classics on day 4 – Cyndi Lauper and Madonna were both favorites.

I plan to finish the year out strong, with a happy mind and body!

What are you doing within the month of December to get your “me time” in? Have you ever streaked before or participated in a Challenge Loop?

Just Go With It

December 2, 2013 by vfreile

Ask anyone, I’m a planner.

I have to be for my job. I need to be when I train. I like to be for my life.

That doesn’t always means I am organized, (need proof? look at my closets!) but I do like to know what I’m doing or where I’m going well before any big trip, project or event arrives.

My husband? He’s the last-minute master. He often books his plane tickets a day or two before he leaves for a trip, he’s the guy doing laundry an hour before he heads to the airport, and he leaves the house to see a movie in a theatre at the time the printed schedule shows the movie will begin.

Rarely does J miss his flight, mis-pack or miss the movie.

It drives me nuts, in part because in my business when you arrive late, you miss the story. But his way works just as well as mine. It’s just different.

He lives in the moment. I plan for the moment. We both love the moment.

Lately, I’ve been trying to go with the flow a bit more regularly.

If he suggests a last minute change, I go with it.

If I didn’t, I never would have dreamed of jumping into the Atlantic Ocean on the Maine coast last Thanksgiving Day. It was an exhilarating, albeit frigid, experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

But I might not have considered it in my past. It was cold, it was winter and well, I’m not crazy.

Then I thought – what the hell. I only live once. Why not?!

So after our (planned) holiday hike up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, we set off for Sand Beach. We didn’t have swimsuits along so we both improvised. Sports bra, running shirt and undies for me, underwear for him, and we bolted past a gaggle of tourists and jumped into the crashing waves.

We splashed at each other and I was pummeled by a giant wave. And I outlasted my husband in the freezing ocean.

It. Was. Amazing.

Once we were back on dry land, shivering and covered in towels and blankets by our loving family, we questioned our sanity. And bragged about our feat.

On Friday, I had a similar – but far less freezing – moment at my in-laws. Following our morning walk around the property, my husband asked me to wander off with him.

I was cold. I needed to use the bathroom. I wanted to head inside and hit the treadmill.

But I didn’t. And Mother Nature rewarded us with huge snowflakes, the kind where you can see each flake’s intricate, unique design. Words can’t describe how enthralled I was with this discovery.

So today I say, just go with it. You may not have planned for it. But you likely won’t regret it.

What are some spur of the moment decisions you’ve made lately? Have you taken the less traveled path? Where did it lead you?

All I want for Christmas…is a runcation.

November 29, 2013 by camoozle

Today’s the day. People all over the United States are engaging in the frantic nocturnal scramble for commerce. There will be some running involved, hopefully no running over. Maybe a little kickboxing. Some deep breathing exercises. All in the effort to save a little cash. And believe me, I need to save a little cash! This year, I’ve spent more money on runcation and race entry fees than any other non-essential expense. Quicken showed me this cute little pie chart and the category of “Race Expense” was the third biggest piece, right after “Mortgage” and “Household”.

I don’t how this happened, I had a race budget! But you know, after SoCal Ragnar, I had to do Napa so I could get that double medal. And all my friends were running in Washington, I couldn’t let them have fun without me. And I had to do the Wine and Dine after Tink, because of that Coast to Coast medal. And there was no way I was going to run in Disneyworld and not take my kids to other happiest place on earth. Oh, and after experiencing the awesomeness of the ROC race in San Diego, I just had to do it again in Anaheim. And so the story goes. I have a hard time saying no to races and when I do say no, I’m green with envy when I see my running mates posting pics on facebook!

This year, I don’t want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need…are you hearing Mariah Carey yet? All I want for Christmas is to race! So here it is, my Runcation Christmas List.

1. Any East Coast Ragnar or any Trail – I’ve been wanting to do this for awhile now. And I’m dying to get the Scoot Chicks in a van. D.C., Cape Cod, and Ontario are high on my list, but really any of them would be amazing. The trail race is a new series. Instead of a van, you camp and the race trails loop out from the camp site. It’s a different kind of relay but I’m anxious to take it on!

2. E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half-Marathon – Sci-Fi is kind of my thing. Just ask my X-Files and Star Wars ringtones. This course runs along Highway 375, which was named Extraterrestrial Highway by the federal government, in the Nevada desert in the middle of the night. Oh, and did I mention it borders Area 51? The whole idea of this race gives me chills.

3. Spartan Sprint – It seems like everyone I know loves these races. And I love dirt and I love adventure so I think I might love this race. Of course, I also think I’ll need to beef up before I attempt something like this. My upper body strength sucks. So push-ups, here I come.

4. Rock ‘n Roll Half-Marathon – It’s pretty simple…music is awesome, running is awesome, running to music is double awesome. The best part about this race series is that it is EVERYWHERE. Madrid, Scotland, Ireland…oh, how I dream of the day I can run in a foreign country! I might have to settle for L.A. this year, but one of these days…

5. Challenge Nation – This is the Ultimate Urban Scavenger Hunt and like a lot of these races, it’s everywhere. I can’t think of a better way to explore a city I’ve never been to before. It’s part physical, part mental, and a whole lot of adventure. The race part is a 5k and there’s prize money to be won. If I can’t be on Amazing Race, then I’ll gladly settle for this!

6. John Muir Trail – This isn’t a race but it’s top on my list of things I must do before I die. The trail is 211 miles long and runs from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney in California. It’s a hike, you carry your stuff on your back and sleep in a tent. No showers, no bathrooms, just me and the Sierra Nevada Mountains…and probably some other people because I can’t see myself doing this alone.

A Day of Thanks

November 28, 2013 by scootadoot

Victoria

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Yes, I love food. That’s a given. But really, what I love so much about the holiday is that it’s all about family.

As a child, we always went to my aunt and uncle’s house for the day, along with my grandparents and others in my extended family. After J and I married, we alternated spending Thanksgiving between J’s family and mine. We all contributed to the meal, and ate together – brothers, sisters, parents and cousins. And after the meal, we’d all go for a long walk.

Walking by the barn one snowy Thanksgiving weekend

(And may I say, my in-laws are incredible cooks, so each holiday meal tops the last. That goes for table settings and decorations as well.)

Last year, we headed off to Maine for the week, where we hiked all over Mt. Desert Island and dined like royalty. We had a blast, and plan to return for another holiday week in Bar Harbor another year.

Hiking with my family in Acadia National Park last Thanksgiving. Photo credit: (Uncle) Kreg Ulery

Thanksgiving to me is about spending time with loved ones. No matter the location, no matter the meal, no matter the activity, it’s about being thankful for what we have and one another.

Jessica

It’s the most wonderful tiiiiime of the year!

I adore Thanksgiving. I grew up celebrating it (and every other holiday) with my raucous extended family and I’ve carried that feeling with me through the years even though we’re all spread out now. Wah. The great news is that Mister Jess’s family is local, so we often spend the day with them. We’ll be doing that again this year, and I fully anticipate enjoying everything I love about this holiday: good food, great company, lots of thanks and lots of laughter. What’s not to love?!

Brooke

I’ve always loved Thanksgiving. Gathering around a table to share food and conversation with my family fills me with warm fuzzies. It’s the perfect place and time to feel connected to my most important people.On Thanksgiving morning, my mom would make pumpkin pancakes and then we’d watch the parade on tv- something I do with my own kids now.

Getting ready to watch the Macy’s parade on my middle baby’s first Thanksgiving.

As a child, it was my job to make and set out place cards at our dinner table. My grandma would hand me a stack of cards and a fancy pen and send me to work. Now that my girls are old enough, I’m continuing the tradition. Last year, the girls and I made turkey place cards out of wine corks.

Last Thanksgiving, less than two weeks before Little Dude arrived!

In the past we’ve hosted Thanksgiving, but last year, I was close to giving birth, and this year, our dining room has become a playroom for the kids. We’ll go to my in-laws to eat, but we’ll bring our Thanksgiving tablecloth- a tradition we began three years ago. We started with a white tablecloth, and each year, using fabric markers, we add a drawing, or turkey handprints for the kids (to see how they’ve grown) and a sentence about something for which we’re grateful.

My husband soothing our oldest girl on her first Thanksgiving- she was a little peanut at one month old!

I always make dessert. I’ve been planning my pie menu for weeks- can’t have just one, we need options!

Meridith

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays although when I was younger it was difficult for me to pinpoint exactly why. I don’t really like turkey (I’m more of a sides type of girl). We never had a set house we went to – usually my cousins hosted it or my family did, depending on the year and the circumstances.

When I married Jay and started a family of my own, my in-laws began to host the holiday with great regularity and invite my parents each year to join in the festivities, too.

Thanksgivings of days gone by.

Since I’ve grown up and gained perspective, I’ve realized why it’s my favorite; Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what we have and furthermore, for helping those in need. Being that we don’t host Thanksgiving, our free holiday turkey from the grocery store is donated, along with other canned goods and non-perishable items. A holiday with the sole intention of being with family and helping other families? That is my kind of holiday!

Additionally, we celebrate Hanukkah so we’ll be partying it up Thanksgivukkah style!

Cam

My Thanksgiving traditions are pretty typical. My large, Italian family gathers, we each bring a dish…I usually bring cookies, and we eat too much food and drink too much wine and laugh way too loudly.. And trust me when I say, in my family, food is no joke.

I mean, we have lasagna as a side dish. For the last couple years, I’ve began the day of gluttony with the Claremont Turkey Trot. Running the 5k first thing in the morning makes me feel less guilty about the large quantities of calories I’m about to ingest.

Sensing a theme here?

This year, however, I will not be running. I will be participating is a special Thanksgiving R.I.P.P.E.D. class at T3 Fitness. Because I really, really love food and wine!

Bec

I have always loved Thanksgiving, both the day itself and the idea of a day to give thanks. My oldest memories are of going to my grandmother’s house. My Grampa, a truly wonderful man that I am thankful to have known, used to pay me if I could find lumps in the mashed potatoes. A nickle a lump, and he always made good on it.

As I got older, and our family grew, my mom started hosting Thanksgiving, I loved helping out with the prep. My specialty was mashed butternut squash with so much butter and brown sugar that my teeth, and my arteries, ache just thinking about it. We always wound up with extra people at our house, and it was always a special day.

My first Thanksgiving on my own was a hot mess. I had no idea how to coordinate it so everything was ready at the same time. My gravy was beyond gross. We lived in North Carolina at the time, where my husband was stationed, and anyone we knew that couldn’t go home for the holiday came to our place. So while the meal was not winning any prizes, we gave people a place to go, and that was something special. My years in the South gave me a love of Southern Cornbread Dressing and Sweet Potato Casserole.

I’ve hosted all but one Thanksgiving since we moved back to Massachusetts thirteen years ago. My cooking skills have improved, my menu has gotten bigger and more varied, and my guest list changes yearly, but the feeling of being surrounded by friends and family has been my constant. We’ve had years without Pumpkin Pie. We’ve had years where the pies outnumbered the guests (10 to 8). We’ve had years with snow, and rain, and sleet. But every year, I’ve had a day filled with good food and good people whom I love dearly.

For all the things I have in my life, on this day, and every day, I am truly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Scootadoot

fitness, food, friends, fun