Joy starts here
Before the day gets loud, good morning from the table.
Today is Thankful Thursday, which means we pause before the noise starts. We look at what’s already good. Already working. Already worth noticing.
And this week, we’re finding the good in an unexpected place, with a little Christmas magic tucked in.
Pull up a chair. Let’s gather.
My kids beg for this game at dinner because it’s so easy to play!
Go ahead and try it right now. Three Christmas things. Five seconds. Ready? Here’s the game that settles it – 22,000 readers played last year.
TABLE WISDOM
“Christmas is not just a day, it’s a frame of mind.”
— Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street (1947 film)
Bring Giggles to Your Summer Table with Roll an Ice Cream!
Each roll builds your cone, and the finished results are always ridiculous. Here’s how to play →
Same concept, fully festive. Roll a Christmas Tree is the Christmas in July version. And yes, it’s just as ridiculous and just as fun.
THANKFUL THURSDAY
And happy Thankful Thursday!
This week, I’m thankful for…
1. LASIK surgery. A friend asked me about it a few days ago, and it reminded me how blind I used to be. (I could barely see my hand in front of my face before.)
Deciding to take the leap and do this procedure five years ago gave me the gift of sight. I can’t take it for granted.
2. Kids who try new foods. In a world of picky eaters, we’ve made our kids try Indian food, French food, Thai food, etc. You name it, and they’ve eaten it.
Do they always love it?
Absolutely not. But they’ve found their favorites. And I hope it helps them grow into adults who are open to new experiences.
3. The local bank. I opened a savings account for my youngest daughter this week and was thinking about how grateful I am that she has this experience.
Everything’s on a computer these days. Taking physical cash to the bank is one of the few ways money can become “real” to them.
That’s it. The things that expand your world are worth being grateful for, even when they’re uncomfortable at first.
What’s yours this week?
WHAT’S TODAY?
🍦 National Vanilla Ice Cream Day is today!
It’s the perfect excuse for a summer ice cream night! Or to play the game above ⬆️
CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK
A little holiday magic in July.
AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK
I find reasons to celebrate every day.
Day 4 of Christmas in July: The movie marathon edition.
Have you watched all the best Christmas movies yet?
Here are the must-watch picks your family will love any time of year.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What’s one ordinary thing in your life that you’ve been treating like it’s guaranteed, but would deeply miss if it disappeared?
TABLE TALK
MORE FROM THE TABLE
If you’re feeling the Christmas-in-July spirit, the site has many more free ideas to find the magic in ordinary moments.
100+ free Christmas games, printables, and activities
The things that expand your world are always worth noticing.
Thank you for sitting at the table with us. I hope you enjoyed today’s edition. If you have anything at all you’d like to share, ask, or say, just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you.
I appreciate you!
See you tomorrow at the table,
Jenn Kropf
Founder of Healthy Happy Impactful
P.S. Want to make your Christmas in July screen-free? Don’t miss the Christmas Games Pack – you’ll get a bonus set of coupons if you order the pack today.