Thanksgiving is a time to gather, give thanks, and create meaningful memories. But if you’re navigating life changes like a recent divorce, grief, a new marriage, or another transition, traditional celebrations might not feel quite the same. Here are five fresh Thanksgiving traditions to help you and your family find comfort, joy, and connection this holiday season no matter what chapter of life you’re in.
1. Create a Time Capsule
Create a “What I’m Thankful For” time capsule and write down something you’re currently grateful for, a prediction for the year ahead and a favorite memory from this past year. Seal it in an envelope and add it to a box – bonus points for decorating it!
Every year at a dedicated time on Thanksgiving, open the envelope from the previous year to reflect and relive the memories. It’s fun to see what has stayed the same and what is now different. Maybe you were celebrating something big or going through an unexpected change, so this is another little moment to celebrate and re-groud ourselves to feel a true sense of togetherness.
2. Plan an “Around The World” Friendsgiving
Who doesn’t love a good Friendsgiving? But this time, we’re adding a twist to the traditional potluck. Ask everyone in your group to incorporate a dish from a different culture or country to represent your family’s background and interests. Keep your dish a secret so when you present on the night of, everyone can guess where it originates from and you can help share the story behind it and enjoy together.
There is no one better than your friends and support group, especially when family dynamics are changing for the worse or better. Whether you’re newly married and blending families, navigating a separation, or dealing with loss, you can always count on your friends for a lot of laughs and a little escape from reality when you might need it most.
3. Create a Memory Table
If you’re finding yourself at your first family holiday without someone you love, we know just how challenging it can be. To help you cope, you can create a dedicated space where anyone you are celebrating Thanksgiving with can place pictures, mementos, favorite recipes, story cards, or items that remind them of your loved ones and make you feel their presence in the room and tell a story. Although this time might feel sad and challenging, it is a great way to remember and celebrate the past life and memories together.
4. Host a Leftovers Cookoff
Every year we have our refrigerators (and freezers!) stuffed with leftovers and it’s easy for them to go to waste because you get tired of feeling like you’re reheating the same meal ten times in one week. But, who says leftovers have to be boring? If you’re not a full blown leftovers person, this cookoff challenge might make you feel differently. Channel your inner Master Chef or Chopped candidacy and host a cookoff with friends and families to compete for the best leftover dish. Who knows, you might find a new dish to add to your Thanksgiving menu next year!
To help you get started, if you’re newly engaged, married or just beginning a new family of your own, you can try to riff off a favorite family recipe from each side and set the framework. If you’re going through a hard time, you can also put your take on that good ‘ole comforting dessert that brings you back to one of your favorite times.
5. Take a Post-Meal Gratitude Walk
Clear eyes, full stomach, can’t lose. After the meal, bundle up and take a walk together as a family. This can be a soothing way to digest, unwind, and appreciate the outdoors. For those processing a difficult change, a gratitude walk can also provide gentle movement and a peaceful setting to talk, reminisce, or even set intentions for the coming year. This new tradition could become a grounding ritual that brings peace and clarity during Thanksgiving.
