From Pumpkins to Baubles

Halloween’s done. The pumpkins are in the bin (or still collapsing on the doorstep), and I’ve got one question: is it officially Christmas season yet?

Kyle, the American husband, swears you can’t even mention Christmas before Thanksgiving. But I’m a proud 1st November Christmas person. So while he is chatting about that, I’ve probably already watched Love Actually and The Holiday (the classics!).

I’ve just been to visit my best friend Helen in the USA and honestly, what a trip! We went to Jellystone Luray campsite in Virginia - the Americans truly know how to do Halloween. While I’m not exactly a Halloween girlie, I can absolutely appreciate the commitment…the decorations, the costumes, everything! It was amazing to see and I’ve already decided this is going to be a yearly thing. And yes, I may have “accidentally” filled half my suitcase with Christmas decorations from Target.

We don’t do Thanksgiving here in the UK, but we do have Guy Fawkes Night on the 5th November - fireworks, bonfires, toffee apples and perhaps the first mulled wine of the season. Of course to mark the time someone tried (and failed) to blow up Parliament in 1605. Basically, sparklers and a bunch of oooohhhhh and ahhhhhhh!

By the time this lands in your inbox, I’m probably knee-deep in baubles, pretending it’s “for content” but really just living my best festive life. November’s that funny in between month where half of us are still defrosting from Halloween, the other half are on the John Lewis website eyeing up decorations. I say fuck it, let’s just own it. Bring on the twinkly lights, that wet-coat smell, and the questionable idea that mulled wine counts as one of your five-a-day.

Speaking of Christmas…our elf situation is getting tricky. Last year Sophie spotted his shop tag. “Mum, if he’s magic, why does he have one of those?” …SHIT… “North Pole tracking system.” The tag vanished the next day - a true Christmas miracle!

EXCITING PEA FAMILY NEWS! Daddy Pea will be my next guest over on the Don’t Touch It Podcast! If you have any questions or topics you’d like for us to discuss, comment below…

We’re so excited - and promise we won’t look this hungover on the pod!! Scroll down for our latest episode with Courtney Mae Briggs!

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A few things for the calendar of November…

Anti-Bullying Week: Power for Good
10-14th November

It’s Anti-Bullying Week, kicking off with Odd Socks Day. A little reminder that being different is something to celebrate.

Our kids learn kindness by watching us, how we speak to other mums, how we treat people who do things differently, how we show grace on the hard days. We’re their example.

So this week, let’s wear our odd socks (not hard to do let’s be honest) and remember: kindness starts with us and our little ones are always watching.

BBC Children in Need
Friday 14th November

Children in Need is on Friday 14th November, the spotty ears and school bake sales! It’s such a lovely reminder of what happens when families, schools, and communities pull together for a good cause.

The money raised helps support children and young people across the UK who are struggling whether that’s with poverty, illness, or mental health.

So whether you’re sending your kids in with pennies, pyjamas, or Pudsey buns, every little bit really does make a difference.

Our Yoto is truly a big part of our family. It moved with us from the US, it helps with bedtime, it lowers the kids’ screen time and helps massively with dance parties. I truly can not recommend this enough.

Until the 19th Nov. Only one use per customer.
Between 20th Nov-1st Dec you will get 5% off your order!

The Pea Family’s Favourite Stories:
Lilo & Stitch 5 minute Stories
The Snail and the Whale, Julia Donaldson
BrainBots: Dinosaurs
Peppa’s Bedtime Stories

and Music:
Calm It Down
Spice Girls
Elton John
K Pop Demon Hunters

*AD

Movies coming soon that we are so excited about…

All Her Fault (Sky TV Series)
7th November
This thriller looks AMAZING!

Wicked for Good
21st November

Zootropolis 2
28th November

The Housemaid
19th December
I’m holding my breathe for this! If you haven’t read the books you have time - they are such an easy read but so so so so so good

Hamnet
9th January

I love this brand so much because personalised jewllery doesn’t need to be FUGLY. Initialled was founded by Anisha after the birth of her first child. Nearly two years into her business journey, she balances entrepreneurship with a 12-year career in the defence sector and the joyful chaos of raising two determined little boys. Her brand is more than jewellery - it’s wearable love.

As parents, we all know how tough Christmas is - there’s a lot of pressure! So feel free to call me Mrs Claus. Black Friday is coming up this month and I’ve started putting together some gift guides to take the pressure off for you.

Click the collages for all the links to my favourite gift ideas. Interested in more ideas? Mrs Claus will be back with more gift guides soon…

My favourites…

For the boys…