Are you there, World? It's me, Thanksgiving.

I love these last few months at the end of the year. There are so many activities going on and everyone is in a generally cheery mood. The air is crisp and so are the leaves. And, of course, all of the best holidays are at the end of the year!

I think my favorite holiday of all is Thanksgiving. Christmas is special, too, but there's something about Thanksgiving. People tend to be so greedy over Christmas time and tend to overlook Thanksgiving altogether, as if it has no significance at all. It truly makes me cringe to hear Christmas music playing over the loudspeaker at Wal-Mart in October. It's as if everyone's forgotten that we're supposed to give thanks for what we have right before we stampede over each other at the mall to get the best price for the new iPad.

Webster defines Thanksgiving Day as "a day appointed for giving thanks for divine goodness." I don't know about you, but this year I want to be fully aware of divine goodness when I witness it and I want to be infinitely thankful for experiencing it. I'm thankful every day for the life I live and, when I'm no longer a part of this earth, I want that to be something people remember me for. I don't want to be remembered for having the best electronics or clothing or house on the block, but instead that I showed gratitude for what I had and who I loved and for who loved me.

With that said, this post is dedicated to some Fall/Thanksgiving favorites! If you're looking for inexpensive yet crafty ways to get in the Fall spirit, check out these fantastic ideas...

• Framed Fall Printable 

Sometimes all you need is a reminder of some Fall favorites to get you in the mood to give thanks! I got the idea of framing a Fall themed print-out from this blog: "My Blessed Life." There are 12 *FREE* Fall "printables" provided here. Use a frame you already have or pick one up at the dollar store for some super inexpensive decor. Set the frame on a sofa table or the mantle of the fire place and surround it with small pumpkins or gourds for an added touch!

 

I printed and framed this one!

•  Homemade Air Freshener

If you're like me, you're not a fan of that fake "holiday" smell that you get from a candle or air freshener. I want the real stuff! This blogger's all-natural air freshener is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your home using items you probably already have in your kitchen or can pick up for next-to-nothing on your next trip to the grocery store.

• The Thankful Tree

I love the sweet idea from this blogger to create a tree dedicated to giving thanks. Gather fallen branches from your yard and put them in a vase. You could even spray paint them a certain color if you wanted. Create "tags" (could make your own or find these at Michael's or Hobby Lobby, I'm sure) and have your children, family members, friends, visitors, etc. write a little note on a tag of something they're thankful for and hang it on a branch. And there you have, The Thankful Tree. I plan to do this immediately! My husband and I will each hang a thankful note on the tree every day in November.

• Paint a Pumpkin 

I may have just been ignorant for the past 26 years but this is the first year I've ever seen anyone paint a pumpkin! What an adorable idea - and, if you have them, a fun craft for the kids! A friend of mine painted some pumpkins, covered them with stockings, and stuck flowers in them as decor for a wedding shower she hosted for her sister-in-law. So adorable!

Pumpkin Vase by Dana Clawson :)

 

 

 

It's not much, but I hope this post inspires you to think creatively this fall and to give the Thanksgiving holiday some well-deserved attention! :) Happy Fall!