5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING AT HOME & CREATE NEW TRADITIONS
Thanksgiving is going to look a little different for me this year. Instead of gathering with a lot of family around a table to share in a feast, it’s just going to be me, Cooper, and our dogs. Honestly, is it terrible to say I’m sort of excited? It’s not because I don’t want to be with family, but I’m looking forward to just completely resting on that day. No road trips or flights, no figuring out dog care, no awkward conversations in a heated political year…Just being the most potato version of myself I’ve ever been on a Thanksgiving day. Some of my favorite memories are when family is all together, but with a pandemic still lingering it’s time to get creative and start some traditions of our own. If you are in the same boat, here are some at-home Thanksgiving ideas!
Forget the Turkey
Maybe cooking is therapeutic for you, but if you want to keep the dishes and cooking to a minimum this year, ditch the giant turkey and plethora of sides. Take out from your favorite sushi spot, order a pizza, make tacos at home, or find local spots that make to-go Thanksgiving plates (yes, this exists and it’s wonderful). I think I’m leaning towards the last option (I’m a sucker for stuffing and cranberry sauce). And then for a little treat, I think I’m still going to bake a dessert since the clean up will be a lot more simple than a whole feast.
I made a list of some yummy dessert recipes I found here!
Spruce it Up
Even if its just a meal for you, there’s something to sprucing up the table a bit. Add some fresh flowers, candles, bring out the fancy glassware, and place mats. Even if you are doing takeout, lay it out on a nice plate and treat yourself. And if the weather isn’t too cold, why not make it a Thanksgiving day picnic and enjoy a nice day outside! If you need some ideas, here are some of my favorite table decor items, a lot of which I used when I’ve hosted Thanksgiving in the past!
Bring the Movies to You
One of my favorite traditions growing up was after the food coma wore off we would head to the movie theater. There was something fun about getting a movie snack and just sitting with some great entertainment. This is one tradition I want to continue, and this year from the comfort of my own couch. If you still have room for more food, pop some popcorn, grab your best cozy blanket and settle in. If you want that real theater feel, why not use a projector for your film of choice. If you aren’t sure what to watch, here’s a list of movies that include Christmas, my faves, and ones that are available now on Netlifx and Hulu:
- Clueless
- The Holiday
- Four Christmases
- Home Alone
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Knives Out
- Instant Family (Hulu)
- Enola Holmes (Netflix)
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Netlfix)
- The Peanut Butter Falcon (Hulu)
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Hulu)
- The Prestige (Hulu)
- Fighting with my Family (Hulu)
Game On
If having NFL on the TV turkey day isn’t your jam, how about bringing the games in a new way? Board games or a puzzle are always one of my favorite activities to do. This year since it’s just Cooper and I, I think we’ll opt for a chill puzzle and some lofi jams in the background. Here are some of my favorite games right now and some super cute puzzles I found (of course there are kittens and unicorns)!
Reflect
One of my favorite quotes I’ve heard is “think less, thank more”.
How often do we really take a moment to be grateful for the positive things in our life? I don’t know about you, but there’s usually a quick moment where everyone goes around the table at Thanksgiving to say something they’re thankful for. Usually it’s the massive meal in front of everyone that gets the thanks. Maybe it could be a cool new tradition to use a moment in the day to look back on the year and really take a moment to reflect. Grab a journal and let you mind flow or even just bullet 10 things you are thankful for. From the little things to the big ones.
Whatever you decide to do for your Thanksgiving at home this year, don’t put too much pressure on yourself! This is the year to create new traditions, think outside the box of stuffing, and make the day you want it to be. If it’s just a “me, myself, and I” Thanksgiving this year, bring out a book, a cozy blanket, maybe even draw a nice bubble bath and have a treat yourself kind of day. The one nice thing about 2020? Feels like the perfect time to break all the “rules” and try something new.
Wishing you a very happy turkey day. I’m thankful for everyone who takes a moment to read these blogs <3