Thanksgiving is a time of warmth and closeness with family and friends, of gathering around the dinner table, and of taking inventory of your blessings. Unfortunately, many of us fall into the trap of treating it as nothing but another chore. With the pressure to make it all perfect, the stress of timing, budgets, and family dynamics, it’s easy to see why things can fall apart quickly. This year, don’t let the holiday stress get the best of you. Remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving, and try these top ways to slow down and enjoy the season.
- Commit to intentional family time
Getting together for Thanksgiving can be overwhelming– with everyone catching up on the events of the past year and strategizing about the upcoming holidays, it can be hard to stay mindful and truly enjoy the moment. Intentional family time is a key part of being able to slow down and enjoy Thanksgiving. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday and spend meaningful time with your family.
- Connect with friends and family in a unique way
For far-flung family and friends, help bridge the distance with meaningful conversations that inspire connection. Video calls and emails are great ways to stay connected, but this year try some new ideas. Write a letter to a loved one sharing what you are thankful for. Start a family book club and take turns reading the same books and discussing them on Thanksgiving. Or play a game together. This can be a fun way to build shared experiences, while providing a welcome distraction from the holiday stress.
- Practice self-care
Self-care is often neglected during the holiday season, so make certain you get your needs met. Make a plan to get at least eight hours of sleep every night, take breaks from holiday tasks, and honor your own inner voice. Fill your own cup with things like your favorite tea, a bubble bath, or a few moments of quiet meditation. Allow yourself a break to just enjoy doing nothing, perhaps even taking a nap.
- Plan an easy, relaxed menu
With simple dishes and some new favorites, guests can enjoy the beauty of food without having to work too hard. Limit the amount of complex dishes and opt for simple, tried-and-true recipes that you enjoy making. Consider making use of a slow cooker for sides, a pre-made pie or other desserts, and other ways to simplify your cooking.
- Practice gratitude and recognize the good
This is the time of year to recognize our gratitude and all the good in our lives. Take time to appreciate your blessings and to consider the growth of each year. Make a gratitude list either in your mind or on paper, and take a few moments in your day to silently appreciate the abundance in your life.
- Make a gratitude jar
A gratitude jar can be a fun activity to not only practice gratitude, but also get in an extra dose of quality time together. Simply find a container, like a mason jar, and ask everyone to write down things they’re thankful for on slips of paper throughout the year. This will give everyone a moment of reflection and the opportunity to reflect on the small blessings that often get overlooked.
- Reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving
The true meaning of Thanksgiving cannot be lost in the chaos and bustle of the season. Take some time for yourself and to reconnect with what you’re celebrating this season. It can be as simple as writing down a few words that describe what the holiday means to you, or by taking a walk in nature and reflecting on the meaning of the holiday. Taking just a few moments of stillness will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the holidays ahead.
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and appreciation, of gathering with those we love, and of counting our blessings. To slow down and truly enjoy the season, take some intentional time for yourself and with your family. Use the suggestions above to make the season a meaningful, relaxed, and special time any way that works for you. Happy Thanksgiving!
