New Traditions: Breaking bread not Gratitude

Once upon a time, Thanksgiving meant showing up to Grandma’s house with your stretchy pants and a can of cranberries. You’d pass the rolls, argue about which sibling is getting the China, and everyone knew the their lines—even when it came to debating an issue.

These days? The guest list feels complicated. Some families aren’t speaking. Others would rather stay home than walk into another upheaval of viewpoints disguised as dinner. The world outside has crept into our dining rooms, and suddenly a holiday meant for gratitude feels more like tiptoeing across pumpkin pie.

We’re not just carving turkeys anymore — we’re carving out emotional space.

The Divided Table

In so many homes right now, the table itself has split. Maybe your parent’s politics has become cringeworthy. Maybe your aunt’s “just saying what she thinks” hits a nerve. Maybe someone you love hasn’t been invited this year — or maybe you’ve decided to sit this one out.

And while that hurts, it’s also honest. We’re living in an era of honesty — uncomfortable, overdue honesty. Families are redefining what togetherness and traditions looks like, and that’s not all bad. Sometimes, protecting peace is something to be grateful for.

Building New Traditions

Here’s the truth: gratitude doesn’t depend on everyone showing up at the same table. It can be shared in smaller spaces or even solo.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Keep the door open, but the boundaries clear. You can love your family and still choose your own peace. A boundary isn’t rejection; it’s respect — for both sides. Set the precedence with the invitation.

• Find connection where it still exists. Holidays do not punctuate connection and love. I have always thought these things should be practiced at any time. You might have to reach out to certain family members on your own time and express gratitude in those moments.

• Start fresh rituals. I love new traditions. Establish some or build on others. Try going for a walk, create a playlist together, do a roundtable of drawn questions or simply pull from the gratitude jar and read them out loud. It’s hard to be divided upon common bonds.

• Let grace do the talking. No one wins a holiday argument. Sometimes silence and kindness are the best response you’ve got.

Gratitude in Solitude

For some, the only seat left this year is the one you set for yourself — and that’s okay. Light a candle. Make your favorite meal or treat yourself to a fabulous restaurant.

Gratitude doesn’t need an audience. It just needs a pause.

Allow the Space

Take time this season to reflect, to show understanding, and to be true to your heart. No amount of political upheaval or beliefs can sever the quiet threads of love that run beneath it all. They may stretch, they may tangle, but they rarely break.

So light the candle. Send the text. Say the prayer, or the thank you, or the I miss you. Let gratitude be the bridge where words cannot. Because even in divided times, a little grace goes a long way—and love, still shows up at the table.

Season of the Witch

As a Realtor®, I get real tired of cookie cutter staging and bright open floor planned rooms. Don’t get me wrong, I like this look, but y’all I get bored easily. Wtichcore, Fairytalecore, Dark Academia, Naturecore—whatever trendy name they come up with basically encompasses a more whimsical, darker aesthetic. I like to call it #MystiqueCore. These days you can admire “gothic” or “darker” themes without it entailing the donning of vampire teeth and cheesy coffin beds. Gothic decor has become more refined and more celebratory of the natural elements, adding plants and an apothecary vibe to the mix. Here's some prime examples of how to make your home a little more witchy and a little less kitschy.

The thing to know about this type of home aesthetic is that this is not for minimalists at heart. You’ll be creating a curated museum type feel that will include the one if not all of the following themes and elements:

• Cottagecore/Fairytalecore

• Moody Scandinavian

• Alchemy

• Astrology

• Whimsical

• Dark Academia

• Victorian

• Steampunk

We’re talking terrariums, birdcages, mirrors—lots and lots of mirrors, oval frames, vintage botanical art, antique bottles, and muted, dark colors. I’m not saying you have to paint your entire house black, but accent walls that fall into the earthy blue, black, blood red, or Slytherin green works very well. Bone accents like drawer pulls, hung dried flowers/herbs, velvet and lush fabrics, and leather are also ways to give this an elevated and elegant look. Check out some of these cool ideas when deciding to come to the dark side and remember, you are allowed to have themed rooms in your home, we prefer cohesive but good witch to bad can create a dramatic transition throughout your home.

Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux, The Corbeau Collective

Toil and Trouble

Don’t worry, your guests are safe. Dried herbs, plants, natural oils in an apothecary-like setting will create a healing environment for you and your guests. Plants also add a nice pop of color, creating natural contrasts and life within your rooms.

Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux, The Corbeau Collective

Bring out the Dead

Taxidermy is a big one when trying to design in this theme. I’m not talking about that Elk you caught in the Fall of ‘06. I am talking about taxidermy that includes nicely curated animal skeletons in terrariums, framed bats, or beautifully pinned insects. There is beauty in death and you can decorate any room elegantly using this type of decorative motif.

Photo by Tuva Mathilde Løland on Unsplash

The Fairest of them All

For the love of Goth, it’s a lot of ornate mirrors. You can find a lot of these in Estate or thrift stores. Paint them black or paint them gold, either way, you’ll be the fairest in your domain.

Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux, The Corbeau Collective

Light the Night

Candelabras, Sconces, chandeliers, and lots of candles will light your way through the darkness. Spray adhesive lace around your votive holders to give a more elegant feel. You can even go with your favorite coven-mates and make your own special candles!

Curio cabinets with oddities and scavenged finds is perfect for any presentation. Remember not to get too Halloweeny, but do add elements that are going to work nicely with your furnishings and trims. Having a wall of mirrors or artwork has to look intentional. Do shop Estate sales for beautifully affordable antiques. Do paint furnishings blacks and play around with textures—matte vs glossy. Do play with color. All black gets dull, add some reds, yellows, greens in the mix. Stay away from kitschy decor, save that for the actual holiday.

I love this theme that creates comfortable, lush, and dramatic living space. Not everyone loves the light and you can just as well find beauty and classic feels in the dark as well. Happy conjuring!

For more edgy ideas, visit my Pinterest!

Interested in finding a cottage-like or Victorian home? Virginia has a few! Contact me and let’s get you home.

Essential Dad Tips

Dan and Morella Shebaylo at Forest Hill Park
Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux

A Few Single Dad Tips

Some dads are super hands on while others have let their significant others take that role. As a single dad, you no longer have them to handle the day to day. Being prepared for visitation will show them you got this, and ensure your kids have not one, but two great homes!

• Learn to cook food that doesn’t come from a can

• Don’t talk bad about your former partner in front of them

• Always have a first aid kit, medications, ie. allergy, aspirin, tylenol on hand

• Bandaids in bulk!

• Always have a surplus of diapers if needed

• Make sure a list of all emergency numbers are on the fridge or easily found (this is for you and the kids)

• Make sure your fire alarms are working properly

• Make sure they have clothes that fit them properly that include dress clothes and dress shoes

• If you’ve got a teenage daughter make sure she has the essential feminine products as well as her favorite makeup

• Make sure there is space for both you and your kids. Most single dads get apartments after the split, you want enough space where they can be comfortable and feel safe.

• Get some games, books, puzzles, video games for the house

• Always have some sort of plans on the weekends, this will save valuable time and also create some balance with their playtime vs yours

• Remember, your house, your rules. You and your ex will have different ones so establish that with your kids so there’s no confusion.

• Don’t introduce them to a new mate right away, give it a minute to see if you like them first (3-5 months is suggested)

• Plenty of snacks!

• Find kids their age in the neighborhood you’re living in or make playdates with schoolmates

• Get a seasons pass to an amusement park, a museum, season tickets to ball games, swimming pools, etc.

• Make sure they do their homework and that you are also a primary contact with the school. I’ve seen a lot of single dads miss their kid’s events because they weren’t informed

• Co-Parent, civilly and patiently. For some this is difficult, but one solid conversation with your ex where you establish that you are going to be there as their father and that you should work together and communicate effectively in raising your kids.

• Keep “daddy’s things” locked up

• Don’t forget the bedtime stories

• Spend time with them and have fun, that’s all they really want

I’m sure I’m missing some stuff here, but feel free to add some in the comments section!