A Guilt Free Thanksgiving Weekend

I have really been looking forward to Thanksgiving weekend since I went back to work full-time in August. Four whole days in a row with no work responsibilities. Just pure time for me to spend with family and friends. That’s worth more to me than just about anything.

Happily, I soaked up every moment with plenty of pleasure and zero guilt.

Every morning, I woke up and played with Cassie (except one morning, when Daddy kindly let Mommy sleep in!) It was heavenly to sip my coffee, stay in my jammies, and roll around on the floor with her giggling about nothing. When she napped, sometimes I napped, too. Or got caught up with things around the house.

I took Cassie with me to all kinds of places, sometimes with Jay along, sometimes just us girls. My aunt’s house for Thanksgiving, the park, friends’ houses, Walgreens. She also spent a sunny afternoon at Grandma’s house while Jay and I went to a movie (Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny. I suggest waiting to rent the DVD or watch it on pay-per-view.) Sometimes, it’s fun to have an afternoon matinee date.

Saturday night was momentous: my first night out with a girlfriend in six-plus months! My best friend Andrea, in town for the holidays, took me out for dinner, shopping, drinks, and dessert. Jay stayed home with Cassie so I could enjoy myself and not worry about getting home at a particular time. Andrea and I whooped it up like the good ol’ days, laughing our fool heads off and just enjoying our vintage friendship (which has aged like a fine wine).

No, I didn’t get any Christmas shopping done. No, I didn’t clean the house or put up any decorations. But I’m not sweating my undone to-do list. I’m celebrating one memorable, wonderful weekend when I could just enjoy being a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a friend.

More guilt free Thanksgiving goodness

• Thanksgiving Tips for Working Moms: With eight(!) Thanksgivings’ worth of experience as a working mom, I’m sharing my best Thanksgiving tips and recipes to make your holiday more fun, less stressful.
• Thanksgiving Poem by an 8-Year-Old: What good is being a mom if you can’t brag on your kids once in awhile?
• Work-Life Balance During the Holidays: Finding it tough to manage your roles as mom and professional around Thanksgiving and Christmas? Here’s what I’ve learned to help with work life balance during the holidays.
• Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes: This easy mashed potato pancakes recipe is a great and delicious way to use Thanksgiving leftovers.
• Super Easy Stuffing Recipe: This easy and tasty Thanksgiving stuffing recipe doesn’t need exact measurements. It’s quick, simple and customizable.
• No Room in the Oven? Try No Bake Desserts for the Holidays: The holidays definitely can take over your kitchen. Here are three recipes for delicious, no-bake desserts that will free up much-needed space in your oven.
• Food Poisoning: The Uninvited Holiday Guest: To help you prepare for the busy holiday season, check out these proper disinfection tips and five ways to combat food poisoning in your kitchen.