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DECORATING

Ok, I know what you must be thinking – she is pregnant and nesting! Well, you might be right, but in reality one of my favorite aspects of fall and winter is decorating. I just love incorporating comfy and homey aspects of nature and the change of seasons indoors. I have found that my family and friends like the way it makes them feel as well. So, here are a few of my easy tips and ticks to make your holidays cozy. Plus, think of it this way -- this is one aspect of the season that won’t cause your diabetes any trouble.

1. Stay away from plastic! Cover the card table or dining table with a tablecloth. You can buy cloths inexpensively at stores like Kmart or T.J. Maxx. Or, if you are ambitious, try gathering fabric from the sale racks at your local fabric store. Use stitch witchery to finish the edges – it will hold beautifully for your celebration and if it is a good enough deal, you can then just toss it out with the trash.

2. Decorate your chairs! You can also purchase slipcovers for the folding chairs we all end up using for about $20 or less. If you don’t go the slip cover route, try attaching garland to the backs of chairs adorned with pine cones or fresh berries, greens and/or flowers. This is a great kid activity during the cooking on Thanksgiving Day – have them gather leaves and other natural items from the yard to assemble and decorate with.

3. Candles make any setting festive! Candles are always a lovely addition to any dining experience.

4. Try rolling pine-cones in glitter to make center pieces or decorations for your mantle. Mixtures of red, green and metal (silver and gold) are gorgeous. This is an activity my kids love!

5. When setting your buffet or serving station, don’t forget to be creative. Cake plates and stands can hold all kinds of foods. Also, candle sticks turned upside down are great platforms for votive candles as opposed to tapers. In addition small finger bowls look beautiful with greens and petals in them.

6. Buy a couple of disposable cameras. Guests can take pictures of each other during cocktails while you are putting the finishing touches on the meal. Use the photos to create greeting cards for the Christmas holidays or to send out as reminders of your thankfulness for those you love.

AFTER DINNER

I encourage you to use this time to do double duty -- both bond with your family and do your diabetes a favor. Consider a family walk, a trip to the bowling alley, a game of football or a romp with the family dog. Anything that involves activity! A little movement after a big meal or celebration will get everyone’s blood and endorphins pumping. A happier, calmer group will result.

We have an annual family football game and a walk around the neighborhood to survey the holiday lights. This is a must for anyone who wants pumpkin pie later in the evening.

Some other ideas for the time after the meal

• A family movie
• A Thankful celebration – sharing memories and creating a stronger history
• A family concert – have the musicians in the family show off their talents

Most important though, let’s remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving and the holiday season. For me, this is a time of celebrating life and the miracle of medicine. As I mentioned before, I was diagnosed during the Thanksgiving holidays. It is a special time for me and my family. Part of the season will be spent being thankful for the blessing of living with this disease and wishing for a day without it. Diabetes has brought me more than I could ever imagine, I am a better person because of this disease – that is part of the reason I celebrate.