#MomLife — Family

Every year, we count down the holiday season with a little help from an advent calendar. But this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be quite different. We’re missing school holiday art projects, the opportunity to participate in toy donations and organized food drives, and the holiday concerts and caroling we'd all be doing under normal circumstances. So, this year I’m going to use our advent calendar to create experiences as a family and to fill in what’s missing this year.

For kids, Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy time with family, and also an opportunity to try new foods. At 18 months old, our son is an active eater and understands the routine and ritual of sitting down to a meal. Mashed potatoes, peas, and carrots are a win, but with Thanksgiving classics such as roast turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce also on the menu, what should expectations really be for the big day?

After spending hours online scrolling through countless gorgeous family lifestyle photography sessions, you finally booked your own with a local photographer. But what will the day be like? And what can you do to prepare yourself and your family for the best experience?