As November comes to a close in the heart of Chicago, let's embrace the holiday spirit together. With Thanksgiving arriving unusually late, I've decided to start our Christmas decorating a bit earlier. Craig and I are also eagerly anticipating our upcoming festive river cruise down the Rhine to experience the magical Christmas markets. Another joyous occasion awaits us as both Alec and Kyle return home for an early Thanksgiving celebration, where we'll indulge in family traditions like visiting the Field Museum and savoring dim sum in Chinatown. Amid these festive plans, I'm excited to prepare a delightful cheesecake with pecan praline topping to share with loved ones.

Navigating the chaos of holiday preparations can be daunting, but fear not! I'll be sharing my top decluttering tips to keep your Christmas essentials organized. From Craig’s unique spin on gift wrapping without bags to my personal strategy for preserving cookie sheets for holiday baking, there's plenty to learn to make your holiday season smoother. We’ll explore eight key areas to declutter, ensuring everything from ornaments to baking supplies are in perfect order. With these practical insights, you'll be ready to enjoy a clutter-free and joyful holiday experience.

To keep the festivities light-hearted and fun, we'll also cover the do's and don'ts of kitchen storage, especially the pitfalls of using the top of the refrigerator as a makeshift shelf. As a special treat, I'll share a historical tidbit on the evolution of eggnog, despite my personal dislike for the homemade concoction. And, of course, no holiday season would be complete without discussing our favorite seasonal beverages. For me, the festive season officially begins with a peppermint mocha from Starbucks—an indulgence I’m looking forward to savoring today. So, grab your favorite holiday drink and join me in this festive chat, celebrating the joy of the season.