Every year it seems that more and more of my family doesn’t make it home for the holidays. Having siblings that live out of state and country has been the story of my life though, so by now I should be used to it. Each year it seems to be just my parents and I, settling into quiet evenings around the house during the hustle and bustle of November and December. It’s easy for me to be envious of all those other families that live so close to each other or who all get together on Christmas, no matter the distance or miles. However, I have learned to appreciate and truly cherish the times that all six of us (my parents and siblings) are together under one roof (it’s been 6 years) and for the time I spend with my Canadian family. Now, with Thanksgiving almost done and with Christmas on its way, I am looking forward to December where the Swagman house will be a little louder, a little more full, and just a little more festive. With a brother coming home to visit from Southeast Asia and a sister and her family coming home from the West coast, I couldn’t be happier. Now, if only we could get the one other brother and his family home too. Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you enjoy your time with your families.

For more pictures of the tablescape, click here.