Happy Thanksgiving from Inspiration Mississippi! {Life}

From our homes to yours, we wish you and your families a joyful Thanksgiving!  Thursday is a great day of traditions, and we are thrilled to share our favorite Thanksgiving traditions with you today! 

"Philippians 4 6-76 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life I love that Thanksgiving reminds us to stop and be thankful.  This is my favorite holiday. It's all about food, family, and football. Other than spending time with family and eating so much you need a great nap, watching Ole Miss beat Mississippi State in the egg bowl is my favorite thing about Thanksgiving. Gobble gobble y'all!" 
Kendall Poole Ellis, Founder of Inspiration Mississippi 

"Growing up, we always spent Thanksgiving in Macon, Mississippi with my grandparents.  All of my dad's family would gather - 23 of us!  My grandmother's family owned a bakery in Boston, so she made the most delicious homemade pies.  She would have us out in the yard picking pecans for her.  I still remember the year they gave us a metal stick with a cage on the end.  The pecan picker was a game changer!  I think she made 3 pies that year!  She would make the homemade crust and would always let me make mini pies with the excess.  My dad would always make us Chex Mix for the road trip, so now Chex Mix is just as much a part of our Thanksgiving as the turkey!  

Now that we are grown and have kids of our own we get together at my mom's.  We try to help out by bringing different sides, but no one makes a Thanksgiving spread like my mom!  You can guarantee there will be pie, Chex Mix, crafts for the kids, food galore and a few extra guests.  My mom invites anyone and everyone she sees - check out ladies in the grocery store, neighbors whose family is somewhere else or people who don't have family to celebrate with.  She always says if you leave her house hungry it's your own fault!"
Emily Ferguson, Creative Director 

"Every year my mom's side of the family gathers in Gore Springs, Mississippi, at my Aunt and Uncle's house that is surrounded by land, a large pond, and a huge front porch lined with rocking chairs and a swing. Thirty family members pile into one house and stay for two nights (Crazy, right?). Everyone arrives on Thursday evening and we have our big Thanksgiving meal together. While we always enjoy a big meal together, the best part is the rest of the weekend, filled with fun activities that my aunt and uncle plan and have previously sent out an agenda to all the family members who will be there. Each year everyday offers something different. Our family has a strong Irish heritage, so two years ago, on the agenda was a night where everyone wore green, spoke with an Irish accent, and we had an authentic Irish meal. We will also fill the weekend with things like a zumba class, four wheeler riding, hunting, crafts, talent shows, etc. This year our biggest event on the agenda will be the making of a family movie. It is a weekend that the whole family looks forward to all year. We love to be together, relax, and have a really great time. This special weekend reminds us of the sweet blessing of family." 
Aimee Sanford, Client Relations and Advertising Director  

"As a child, we spent many Thanksgivings in the gorgeous mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina.  My grandparents have had a home there since I can remember, and I have so many fond memories from each and every year.  Hiking with cousins, drinking hot chocolate on main street and watching the tree lighting were always favorites.  The meal was also amazing.  From my grandmother's delicious, buttery rolls, to my mama's dressing and my daddy's pumpkin pies, we always over-indulged!  On Thanksgiving afternoons, we walked off our turkey and dressing with a beautiful hike, laughing and sharing stories with family. 


My grandmother passed away last year, but we will continue our Thanksgiving tradition and spend the holiday in her beloved mountain home.  She will be greatly missed, but I know she would be tickled to know that her great-grandchildren will be enjoying Highlands as much as we did as children.  I wish you all a wonderful, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!"
Mitchell Walters, Editorial Director