The day before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving. It’s a trifecta of experiences unfolding over three memorable days.
- There’s plenty of prep and planning on Thanksgiving Eve (OK, I start weeks ahead with menus, shopping and even some make-ahead items for the freezer).
- The feast itself offers traditional and vegan options, orchestrated and timed so the food is ready around 1-ish. Yet every year, people ask, “Is it ready?” “What time are we eating?” and “Why is it taking so long?”
- Finally, the slower, restorative rituals of the day after.
The Thanksgiving trifecta engages all our senses including our physical, mental and emotional stamina, and even still, it’s among my favorite holidays.
Each Family Has Its Own Traditions
In our home, the aromas of roasted turkey and cornbread stuffing, (more accurately, it’s dressing because ours isn’t cooked in the bird) blend with the warmth of hugs, the buzz of conversation, and the joyful cadence of laughter.
Thanksgiving morning starts with the Macy’s Day Parade – it’s my cooking companion, followed by Cribbage and Ping Pong matches, a late-afternoon romp for Duke, and a cozy evening watching Christmas Vacation—our prelude to the next holiday season.
Anticipation, Connection and Recovery
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, dining out, or contributing a side dish to a loved one’s table, let Thanksgiving be a celebration of anticipation, connection, and, yes, recovery.
The day after is for winding down and putting leftovers to good use. For me, that means simmering a homemade turkey broth and a vegetable broth, a quiet ritual that fills the house with comforting scents and lays the groundwork for winter soups and stews.
By Saturday, we often gather with neighbors for our annual turkey-wild rice soup tradition—a final salute to the season.
Yet, Thanksgiving isn’t without its challenges. Holidays can stir up struggles, grief, or family dynamics that test our patience. As Mel Robbins explores in her new book, The Let Them Theory, family relationships can be complex, but reframing our expectations can bring clarity and peace.
This Thanksgiving, embrace the trifecta: the anticipation of gathering, the enjoyment of the present moment, and the gentle recovery that follows. Whether it’s through tradition, gratitude, or a new perspective, I hope you find the joy that resonates with you and carry it into the season ahead.
Two Links Du Jour:
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins – or simply watch her two-minute TikTok about peaceful relationships
How to Make Thanksgiving with as Little Prep as Possible – The Food Network
Two Minutes Du Jour 