Coming Home to Dixie

This year marked our first Thanksgiving in Mississippi, away from our extended family in California. Leading up to it, I wasn’t quite sure how it would feel. The past few years I had hosted the big family gathering—planning every little detail, designing festive tablescapes, and organizing fun programs with group games, solo competitions, and of course, food for days. I love hosting. It brings me joy to create something special for those I love. But this year, it would just be the four of us.

At first, I worried that it might feel a little lonely. But in true Jim-and-me fashion, we made a plan and split the cooking duties. Jim took on the turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans (just the way his mom makes them), while I prepared fresh cranberry sauce, a baked brie in pastry, baked macaroni and cheese, homemade yeast rolls, and a pumpkin cake for dessert. As the kitchen filled with the comforting aromas of holiday tradition, I could feel my heart settling in. This wasn’t the big party I was used to—but it was cozy and full of love.

And because I can’t help myself, I came up with a couple of games. I’m so glad I did. They added a touch of fun and reflection that helped make the day even more special. For the first game, I asked each of us to write down a few things we were thankful for from this past year. I typed them up anonymously, cut them into strips, and we took turns reading them aloud, guessing who said what. It was heartwarming—and sometimes surprising—to hear what each person was truly grateful for. Our church, the peace we’ve found in our new home, God’s provision, second chances, family, friendship, and even the animals that now make up our quirky household—all were mentioned with sincerity.

The second game was a sweet chance to connect more intentionally. I made little packets of fun questions about each other that we had to answer. It was such a good way to rediscover (or discover) things about each other that sometimes get lost in the daily shuffle of life and distractions. Phones down, TV off, just us—talking, laughing, sharing. By the end of the day, I was filled with a quiet kind of joy. Different doesn’t always mean lesser. Sometimes, it means deeper.

A Sunday to Remember: Three Baptisms, One Grateful Heart

Just a few days after Thanksgiving came another milestone—Jim, Siena, and Roslynn’s baptisms. The whole house buzzed with excitement (and a few nerves) that morning. Jim isn’t one for crowds and was especially anxious about being in front of the congregation, but he focused on why he was doing it—his commitment to follow Jesus. Brother Daniel was a calming presence, gently offering encouragement and prayer before the service.

The baptisms were first on the agenda. As each of them stepped out of the baptismal waters, the sanctuary filled with cheers and applause. It was a moment of celebration and joy—a physical, spiritual affirmation of all that God has been doing in our family’s life since we moved here. After the service, the church hosted a potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall, where we were met with hugs, congratulations, and delicious food.

That evening, we returned to church for the “Hanging of the Greens” program, the church’s new annual tradition of preparing hearts and sanctuary for Christmas. The children prepared songs to sing during the program and sang with enthusiastic joy—sweet, off-key, and full of life. Roslynn stood among them, belting out the songs with her friends, and I sat in the pew with a full heart.

A Simpler Christmas

Life looks a lot different for us now. We’re far from extended family, but we’re closer than ever as a family unit. This move, while difficult in many ways, has brought us blessings we never expected. As we look ahead to Christmas, we’re embracing simplicity. With the cost of moving, there won’t be a lot of presents under the tree this year—but maybe that’s the point. One of my favorite Christmas movies/characters said it best:

“It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!” . . . “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!” – “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss

I told the girls this Christmas would be about experiences, not things. I asked them to think of simple wishes—a trip to the coffeehouse, a family game night, a new recipe to try together. These are the gifts I want us to treasure. Shared time. Shared laughter. Shared love.

We’re finding joy in quiet mornings with hot coffee, soft music playing in the background with the electric fireplace warming the room, and piglet squeals as Amelia toddles across the floor. We’re building a life here, one small memory at a time. And what a beautiful beginning it is.