Why This Quiet Thanksgiving Was Exactly What We Needed

Dec 2, 20242 min read

A Cozy Thanksgiving Filled with Family, Food, and Love

This Thanksgiving was a little different from our usual big family gathering, and honestly, it was a welcomed change! After returning from a trip just two days before the holiday, I didn’t have the energy or time to pull together our typical grand celebration. But what we lacked in grand plans, we made up for with a whole lot of love and a bit of toddler-driven chaos.

The most special part of our day was having my daughter’s great-grandmother (paternal) with us. It was only their second time meeting, and she brought so much light into our home. Her energy was just what we needed to make this small Thanksgiving feel truly magical. She even came with us for the Thanksgiving grocery run – I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, her or my daughter, who was living her best life playing hide and seek in the aisles.

She also helped with the appetizers, which was a total lifesaver. Between her and my daughter, there was a lot of noise and fun, but it was the kind of chaos I wouldn’t trade for the world. There’s something about having family around that turns any day into something memorable, even if it’s not what you originally planned.

For decor, I kept things simple and fall-themed with some sleek black accents. Hobby Lobby came through for me (seriously, pro tip – if you wait until mid-November, fall decor is 75% off!). I didn’t want to go overboard since it was a smaller gathering, but I still wanted the vibe to feel festive. And let’s be real – the more you can reuse, the better! Most of the dishes I used were leftovers from when we hosted a big Thanksgiving two years ago, so I didn’t have to spend much.

When it came to food, we kept it classic with a HoneyBaked ham and all the traditional fixings. The star of the show was my daughter, who finally got to join in on the fun and eat the same food as us! Last year, she was still in the baby food stage, so this was her first Thanksgiving where she was part of the meal. We made sure to add a little extra love to the dishes, especially when it came to the candied yams and apple pie – those things are basically sugar with a side of sugar! I made a few tweaks to accommodate her (hello, no added sugar), but she seemed pretty content. If I’m being honest though, I think she prefers her usual routine of finger foods and snacks.

Overall, it was a Thanksgiving full of laughter, love, and just the right amount of toddler mischief. It wasn’t the loud, bustling holiday I’m used to, but in its own way, it was perfect. Grateful for family, the simple joys, and a little extra room in my heart (and my house) to fit more memories.

Here’s to next year – hopefully with more sugar-filled sides and a few more helping hands!