Are You a November 1st Christmas Person?

Are you a November 1st Christmas person who starts decorating the moment Halloween ends, or do you wait until after Thanksgiving to welcome the Christmas season?

When my kids were little, I had a strict rule: no Christmas music, no movies, and definitely no decorating until after Thanksgiving. Each holiday deserved its time to shine. But I’ll admit, the last few years I’ve softened a little. There’s something about Home Alone, Frank Sinatra Christmas songs, and garland that is hard to wait for.

Funny enough, my kids were the ones who called me out for breaking my own rule. I love that they still hold tight to tradition—it’s a sweet reminder that the little things we do as a family really matter.

This year, I’m hosting a small Thanksgiving at home, and I’m truly looking forward to it. There’s something so grounding about slowing down and cooking from scratch. I’ll be baking fresh-milled bread and using my sourdough for my mom’s classic stuffing recipe, one of my all-time favorites. But not to worry, the real chef has the year off and will be making his famous turkey and mashed potatoes.

If you’re like me and love all things pumpkin, I have a few delicious recipes you can try. They’re simple, wholesome, and perfect for using up a full can of pumpkin, so nothing goes to waste.

Pumpkin Energy Balls

🎃 Pumpkin Energy Balls
These are perfect for busy mornings, quick snacks, or a little pick-me-up after yoga. They’re full of protein, fiber, and that cozy fall flavor we all crave. I used the Nutzo butter from Costco, so yummy!

Homemade Marshmallows

☁️ Homemade Marshmallows
Okay, not pumpkin—but so good! I swapped out sugar for maple syrup. I put one in my coffee every morning as a treat or in my Golden milk at night.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup for Coffee

☕ Pumpkin Spice Syrup for Coffee
This one is a must if you love a good seasonal latte. It’s warm, spiced, and so much better than store-bought syrups. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell incredible while it simmers.

A Pumpkin Treat for the Dogs

Even my dogs got a little pumpkin love. I added a big spoonful of pure pumpkin to their dinner, and they were thrilled.

Pumpkin is actually great for dogs because it’s packed with fiber and supports healthy digestion. Just be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Even my goats love pumpkin!

Wrapping Up November with Gratitude

Whether your house is already twinkling with Christmas lights or you’re waiting until after Thanksgiving, I hope your November is filled with warmth, gratitude, and maybe a little extra pumpkin.