Thanksgiving Week: A Blend of Gratitude, Chaos, and Family Fun

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s perfectly nestled in the heart of the holiday season, features some of the best food, and tends to be less chaotic than other celebrations. That’s not to say it’s entirely stress-free, but for me, it’s always a special time to reflect, gather, and enjoy.

A Low-Stress Thanksgiving

I’ve never had to host Thanksgiving, which definitely keeps things less stressful. Instead, I love contributing one or two dishes to the meal while the bulk of the cooking—turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and green beans—is handled by my parents or in-laws.

This year, I made two contributions that were a hit:

1. Sourdough Dinner Rolls – A product of my current sourdough obsession.
2. Mozzarella and Pepperoni Stuffing – A family favorite inspired by Alex Guarnaschelli’s recipe. The spicy twist requires a heads-up for those who can’t handle heat, but it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Early Prep for a Smooth Day

I’m a firm believer in early shopping to avoid the holiday rush. My essentials checklist includes everything I need for my dishes, plus a backup plan for any last-minute additions. Preparation is key to keeping the stress down, especially with kids in tow.

One lesson I’ve learned: despite your best efforts, Thanksgiving cooking always takes longer than expected. For time-sensitive dishes like sourdough rolls, starting early is essential. And when delays inevitably happen, I’ve learned to embrace them rather than stress about being late.

Family Traditions That Make Thanksgiving Special

Thanksgiving alternates between my family and my in-laws each year. This rotation keeps things less chaotic and helps accommodate nap times for the kids.

The Gratitude Jar

One of my favorite traditions is my mother-in-law’s gratitude jar. Each year, we write down what we’re thankful for on a piece of paper, sign and date it, and add it to the jar. Revisiting these notes from past Thanksgivings is always heartwarming, whether it’s remembering our first Thanksgiving as a married couple or the first with kids.

Handling Family Drama

Family gatherings can sometimes bring drama, especially during the holidays. My best advice (which I’m still working on) is to avoid adding to the tension. When things get awkward, I tend to stay quiet and find humor in the chaos. It’s not always easy, but it makes the day more enjoyable.

Food: The Heart of Thanksgiving

I genuinely can’t pick a favorite Thanksgiving dish because I love it all—especially when smothered in gravy! Thanksgiving food is my happy place.

This year’s post-dinner plans included playing the card game Hand and Foot with my in-laws while my sister-in-laws entertained the kids. It was a simple yet special way to wind down after an incredible meal.

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving leftovers are almost as exciting as the main meal. While I’m not particularly creative with them (I prefer to eat them as-is), I loved hearing about a friend’s idea to make Thanksgiving spring rolls dipped in gravy. It’s such a fun and inventive twist that I might try next year!

Reflecting on Gratitude

One of the things I love most about Thanksgiving is the focus on gratitude. My mother-in-law’s gratitude jar serves as a wonderful reminder to pause and appreciate our blessings, even amidst the busyness of life.

This Thanksgiving was full of highs—amazing food, meaningful family time, and the creation of new memories. By the end of the week, I was exhausted but fulfilled. Thanksgiving always leaves me feeling thankful and ready to embrace the holiday season.

Share Your Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder to cherish family, reflect on our blessings, and create lasting memories.

• What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?
• Do you have a favorite dish or unique recipe?

Share your stories and ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

Carry Gratitude Through the Holiday Season

This Thanksgiving, why not try a new recipe or start a new tradition? Focus on gratitude and carry that mindset through the rest of the holiday season.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends or on social media to spread a little Thanksgiving inspiration. Let’s celebrate the real meaning of this special holiday together.