Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that oftentimes feels a bit complex. On the one hand, many of us come together to share a meal with our family and friends. We seek to give thanks and ground ourselves in gratitude. On the other hand, Thanksgiving tends to have a reputation for bringing up simmering fights, differing opinions, and forcing time to be spent with that family member. Finally, Thanksgiving tends to require a lot of work, especially for moms who often carry the load of preparing for this special occasion. For me, each year brings an opportunity to become more intentional about how I engage with this holiday. My key this year? Simplicity. Here’s how I’m going to do it.
Below are some simple ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones this year and every year to come:
Ask For and Offer Help
My own mom is almost always the host of our family’s Thanksgiving gathering. With that in mind, we purposefully work together to share the burden of creating this special experience for everyone. Together, she and I cook most of the dishes, starting a few days in advance. She then expertly asks each guest joining to bring something simple – it might be the apple cider, a pumpkin pie, or the dinner rolls. If you are hosting, ask for help. And if you are attending, offer help. Even better, recommend a few potential ways you could pitch in – whether it’s bringing a dish, planning an activity, or letting the host know you are excited to be on dish duty.
Connect More Deeply
In many households, there is a moment during dinner when everyone shares something they feel grateful for. As a facilitator and experience creator, I like to go a step further. Each year, I ask everyone to reflect on a few prompts. These specific prompts allow people to share a bit more deeply, leading to increased connections and meaning-making. Consider inviting your family to share the following:
- Share a moment during the past year when you felt most like yourself.
- What is one super specific thing/person/experience that you are feeling grateful for?
- Share a moment when you were able to support someone else during the past year.
- What is one thing you most hope for in the coming year – be specific!
Do What Works For You
As always, there is going to be a lot of noise during the holiday season. From Pinterest perfect tablescapes to differing expectations from family members to recipes that look amazing on Instagram but actually take days to make – there can be a lot of pressure and unfair feelings of comparison. Do your best to let that go, and do exactly what works for you. While we will see the highlight reels, try to let the pressure go and do you. I have family members who skip Thanksgiving, others who choose to be only with their immediate family, and others who love to spend weeks creating a particular experience. Everything is welcome, and all choices are good. The most important thing is to prioritize joy for you and your family.
