Nine Favorite Things: Thanksgiving Menus, Holiday Fun, and Christmas Magic!

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Hi you all! How was your first week of November?

I am still over here wishing I could make these next two months go in slow motion. This time of year always flies by so quickly, and more than anything, I just want to slow down and enjoy every moment. I think we could all use a little extra magic and time with family and friends this holiday season.

I’m coming to you all with some sad news. Early Monday morning, my grandpa passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by all five of his children, and I know in my heart that he’s off to his next life, wherever that may take him.

Deep down, I hope he’s being reunited with my Nonnie. After so many years apart, I can only hope they’ve found each other again, with an even deeper love and appreciation for one another. I love the thought of them being together again, looking down on all the lives they’ve created, guiding us, and continuing to surround us with love, support, and strength.

I’m heading to Cleveland in the morning to say my goodbyes. It will be a busy and emotional few days for my family, especially my mom. As the oldest of five, she’s holding her head up and staying strong for everyone, but I know this must be so incredibly hard for her.

With that, today’s Favorites post is going to be very, very abbreviated. I want to give my mom some much-needed time away from work and give myself time to be with my family.

My mom copy edits these posts, and between the two of us, we put hours of work over multiple days into creating them. I know you all understand, and I appreciate that more than you know. I know you all understand, and I appreciate that more than you know.

I’ll be back next week with even more to share! I’ve saved everything from this week, and with the holidays here, there is SO much I want to share with you all!

I think we could all use a little extra holiday cheer right now, and I’m bringing it to you guys early this year!

Thank you all for being here. Sending so much love to you and your families this week!

1. Things I’m Loving.

Listening To

The Decisions you owe yourself with Emma Grede.

Beauty

Loving these Thanksgiving nails. So cute!

Travel

My brother is heading to Finland this winter. Sending them this guide to Helsinki. It looks like a really cool place to visit!

Cozy Gifting

Love these sheepskin slippers. They make a nice gift or stocking stuffer.

2. My Favorite November Dinners.

Crockpot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup

Easy Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili

Skillet Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pot Pie

Cider Braised Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Butter Potatoes

Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon

Creamy White Chicken Chili | halfbakedharvest.com

A Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

3. The Sephora Sale – last day live.

4. Thanksgiving 2026 is Live.

Our 2026 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide | halfbakedharvest.com

I am really excited to share this year’s Thanksgiving menu! It’s my favorite to date because it’s filled with all the comforting, traditional dishes my family loves.

Sometimes Thanksgiving can get a little too fancy, or the recipes can be too different. But my family loves a traditional Thanksgiving. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, soft rolls, and maybe a big salad. Then all the chocolate pies and cookies, of course!

This year, I created what I think is our perfect Thanksgiving menu. It’s simple, delicious, and most importantly, easy to prep ahead. Every single side dish can be made in advance, the desserts can be baked ahead of time, and our Thanksgiving cocktail is easy to mix up and exactly what we want!

Plus, all our favorite appetizers for snacking before dinner!

I really LOVE this year’s menu and hope it helps make your Thanksgiving a little easier and even more delicious!

I shared the Thanksgiving menu 2026 HERE.

And the NEW recipes live this week:

Brown Butter Parmesan Whipped Sweet Potato Casserole

Thin Chewy Brown Butter Iced Chai Molasses Snickerdoodles

5. Holiday Calendar: 61 Days of Festive Fun.

I LOVE this idea!

I came across this list of 62 holiday ideas from The Everygirl, and they’re all SO cute! I’ve already started putting together my own list, and I’ll keep adding to it as we get closer to December.

My goal is to enjoy 25 full days of festive fun in December! Or maybe we should officially kick off an HBH holiday calendar on Thanksgiving this year?

We could all create our own lists, do something festive each day, and share the fun on Instagram or send me an email! I would LOVE to see what everyone comes up with.

Some of my favorite ideas include baking holiday cookies for neighbors, making homemade chai lattes, watching cozy Christmas movies, going ice skating, decorating gingerbread houses, and driving around to see the holiday lights.

You can find The Everygirl’s full holiday calendar here for even more inspiration!

SO CUTE! And such a fun way to slow down and make the most of this special time of year!

My Favorites

Hang a wreath, fall or holiday!
Do a deep clean to prepare for holiday decorating.
Start the season with a new pair of slippers and a festive holiday mug (this one too!).
Make a favorite fall recipe: white chicken chili, red wine pot roast, or cinnamon rolls.
Switch up your coffee order with a festive holiday latte or holiday hot chocolate.
Watch an overly cheesy Hallmark movie. The cheesier, the better!
Mix up a festive cocktail, like my Frosted Mistletoe Margarita.
Research local charities and pick out a toy or some warm winter clothing to donate.
Make a favorite family recipe, like Mom’s Christmas Eve Chex Mix.
Light your favorite holiday candle while you work or do chores.
Put together a puzzle or have a board game night with friends.
Plan a holiday craft afternoon. Make ornaments, decorate bows, or create something cute for your home.
Make a list of everyone you’re buying gifts for this year and start brainstorming ideas.
Go ice skating!
Make a favorite restaurant meal from scratch, like French onion and mushroom soup.
Attend a live performance of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol.
Have a holiday movie double feature. Watch two versions of Miracle on 34th Street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or A Christmas Carol.
THANKSGIVING: Make my Vintage Thanksgiving Menu. Enjoy the day with family, friends, and all the good food!
BLACK FRIDAY: Get your Christmas tree, real or fake, whatever works for you, and decorate it!
Start a book with a holiday theme
Hang some twinkle lights indoors or out.
Find the perfect holiday pajamas, or here, or here!
Stock up on gift-wrapping supplies. Pretty ribbons, wrapping paper, gift tags, and little ornaments.
Make a new holiday recipe you’ve never tried before.
Send a family member or friend a special ornament with a handwritten note.
Make a gingerbread house. Get creative with all the candy decorations!
Wrap gifts while listening to a holiday album and drinking hot cocoa.
Go Christmas caroling with friends, or invite everyone over for a holiday sing-along!
Make a big bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup and enjoy a little quiet time.
Take an evening walk or drive to enjoy all the holiday decorations and Christmas lights.
Pick up festive flowers or fresh greenery to decorate your kitchen or dining table
Put together a holiday cookie box for a friend, neighbor, or someone who could use Christmas cheer!
Make homemade hot chocolate and enjoy a little quiet time by the Christmas tree.
Bake one last batch of Christmas cookies. Save a few for Christmas Eve!
CHRISTMAS EVE: Share a special meal with family and friends. Enjoy all your favorite traditions.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Spend all day in your PJs, enjoy quality time with loved ones, and soak up all the joy of the season!