As a mom, holidays are always a little bittersweet. There’s so much magic wrapped into them, but also so much work. Today, here in America, we kicked off the holiday season with Thanksgiving. Which means food prep, planning for everyone’s favorites, and the quiet pressure of making sure the turkey turns out just right.

Honestly, all the stress and buildup to today left me feeling a little deflated when I woke up this morning. That heavy, tired-before-the-day-even-starts feeling. But here are the things that gently lifted me back up:

☕️ Coffee. Immediately. With pumpkin spice oat milk creamer. 🙌 Yes, I said it. I am a pumpkin spicer and I have accepted this about myself.

🦃 Good food throughout the day—and a partner who shared the load with me in the kitchen. I did spend some time cooking by myself, but it didn’t feel lonely this year. Easy little appetizers kept me afloat: candied bacon on crackers, buffalo chicken dip… the essentials.

💃 A good old-fashioned dance party with my daughter. We had the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on T.V. this morning, and when the music got good, we got up and danced. Always, always take advantage of an excuse to dance.

❤️ And finally in the true spirit of the day, I paused to really think about what I’m thankful for. My family. The blessing that it is to be food secure. Having my health so I can be here for my kids. Having working hands so I can provide, create, and care.

A sink full of dishes means there was food to eat.

Laundry waiting to be folded means my family is clean and clothed.

A table overflowing with craft supplies and markers means there are little hands in this house.

When I remember to look at my life this way, my heart stays full—even on the heavy days. Even when I lose sight of what all of this is really about. Today brought me back to it, gently.

And for that, I’m thankful.