Three Simple Ways To Make Thanksgiving Profound

1

If you’re like me, your list of fun ideas to make this holiday season memorable may be longer than you can actually possibly do.

Don’t let the pressure of Pinterest and Instagram set you up for failure! 

I have found that one way to avoid holiday burnout is to take a realistic approach to what is truly possible. Your kids (and mine) won’t remember if your decorated table looks worthy of  Martha Stewart’s hall of fame. They won’t care if you serve the perfect-tasting treats.

They won’t notice if things are perfect.  

They will however, notice if you’re stressed. They will sense tension between you and your spouse.

Long after the leftovers are gone, your kids will remember how you made them feel.   

If you have the time, energy and creativity to tackle elaborate and detailed projects…by all means go for it!  But if not, take a deep breath, log out of Pinterest and let’s talk about some super SIMPLE, completely DOABLE ways to make your Holidays meaningful and real.

1. Thanksgiving TABLE

Pick up a white tablecloth and a few fabric markers. Have each family member write what they are thankful for. Be sure to date the tablecloth and remember to use it throughout the year!

2. Letters to SANTA

An easy tradition my kids look forward to each year is writing a letter to SANTA. After Thanksgiving dinner the cousins gather around and compose their letters to the man with the bag.

3. Thankful MEAL

We all look forward to the feast on Thanksgiving day, but there are A LOT of other foods that deserve our thanks…I mean, hello, CHIPOTLE?

Set aside a night this week to have a meal that will make EVERYONE thankful! Allow each family member to select a food they are “thankful” for and enjoy a random cornucopia of goodness. You may end up with a feast of Dunkin Donuts, Mac’n’Cheese, chips and guacamole, and Mediteranean Salad from Pita Jungle…  And when in doubt, take the easy route. It may not be the healthiest meal, but everyone will love getting to choose their “thankful” food – and what better way to have quality family time than to share a meal!?

Of course these ideas are not perfect. They are simple. They are easy. And that’s something I am thankful for. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Noelle Larson is a mom still searching to find the “balance” between her spiritual journey, family, ambition, inner peace, world peace…all while trying not to blink so she doesn’t miss one minute of her beautiful, messy life.  Noelle writes at metromom.org where she journals her crazy days chasing after her kids and husband, deep thoughts, and captures her latest adventures.

1 COMMENT

Comments are closed.