While the focus of the Thanksgiving holiday is often on the big bird on the table, it’s also the perfect time to sit back and enjoy every moment of being together with family from near and far.  If your thanksgiving this year is keeping you in NJ or NY, you’ll be dealing with a relatively chilly day – not quite as cold as we’ve seen in recent weeks but nothing like the near-record heat we enjoyed on Monday, probably at just the time we were standing in line at the supermarket getting the last essentials for our holiday meal.  The frosty but dry forecast means it’s a great time to spend some family time outdoors, especially if you have an outdoor fireplace.

Many families make it a tradition to enjoy an impromptu game of football while the turkey is cooking in the oven, or for those who are a bit more ambitious, to get the body moving after it’s stuffed full of turkey and all the trimmings.  These family times spent together and outdoors make for some of our best holiday memories over the years, long after we forget what was for dinner.  Spending time outdoors, playing a game or simply talking and catching up with loved ones, somehow has a different impact than just plopping ourselves on the couch with the television on.

So if you have an outdoor fireplace or even a firepit, this year is a great time to light a fire and get everyone to gather round.  You can get in your game of football first if you’re ambitious enough to get everyone moving, or can simply set up some chairs, get those embers glowing and create a warm and cozy atmosphere for all to enjoy.  You can even roast some marshmallows and make s’mores rather than simply relying on just more traditional holiday fare.  Or you can pass around the hot chocolate and hot toddys for an added treat.

No matter what you do this thanksgiving holiday, it’s important to take a few moments to think about all you have to be thankful for.  Then embrace the spirit of the season by enjoying the time spent with family and friends among good food, good cheer and hopefully, lots of laughs.  If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your backyard, that’s something worth being thankful for as well and you shouldn’t let it go to waste but rather should use it to help in creating the perfect holiday atmosphere that will likely be remembered for years to come.

From all of us at Millenium Stoneworks, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

For more information about building an outdoor fireplace or firepit if you aren’t lucky enough to already have one, contact Millenium Stoneworks in NJ at 732-519-1112 or 347-723-6990.