If ever there was a year to say “thank you” certainly this is it. World, economic and political events aside, it has been a good year. Gratitude is a popular bandied about word thanks (no pun intended!) to Oprah and author Sarah Ban Breathnach, but take a moment and think beyond the buzz of the word. Remember that it really speaks to that humble quality of being thankful.

What a great weekend! At our house, Fridays always start out as family pizza night leading right into a movie hang out. But this past Friday, the redbox selection remained closed waiting for us on the ottoman. Here’s why. Our kids wanted to discuss an idea they had. Unknown to us they had hatched a plan that made both of us smile.

The autumn season in Minnesota has been glorious this year. November arrived and, despite the prairie winds, one gets a sense that winter is still a ways off. It is a pleasure to relish a wooly sweater without the mittens, or to pull on the fleece jacket leaving the hat behind. Friends enjoy hikes or bike rides in the cool sunshine with plans to top it off with a relaxing cup of hot coffee plus a sweet splash of cream. Logs and kindling appear next to fireplaces as furnaces kick in for the season.

Now that Halloween is over, it is not too soon to think about Christmas. Remember your oath to get your holiday shopping done early. Your pledge that you would have wrapped packages ready to put under that decorated tree. Remember your vow to actually enjoy the season with most of it done ahead of time. This is the year it is going to happen if you follow my advice. And there is only one decision you have to make. As this is serious business you must decide if you want to make this a solo mission or invite a trusted girlfriend who is similarly motivated.