Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that arrives with a swirl of emotions.
There’s the excitement, of course—time off work, the promise of delicious food, seeing family and friends, a change in the seasons, football for those who love it, and in my case, a little extra time to play golf.
But like many holidays, Thanksgiving often carries a weightiness of its own. It’s joyful, yes, but it can be stressful, complicated, nostalgic, and a little bittersweet.
For the last eight or nine years, my oldest brother has generously taken on the responsibility of hosting our Thanksgiving feast, and for that I am deeply grateful. Let’s be honest: whether you’re cooking for three people or thirty, it’s a marathon. There’s the shopping, the cleaning, the chopping, the prepping, the basting—all the acrobatics of stuffing too much into the refrigerator and trying to honor everyone’s dietary preferences. There are the vegetarians, the gluten-free folks, the dairy-free folks, and the sugar-free folks. There are the heavy drinkers and the non-drinkers. Holidays bring all kinds to the same table, and that alone is a feat.
And then there are the emotional pieces of adult families.
My daughters live an ocean away now, so Thanksgiving is no longer a holiday they come home for. My sister also lives far away and loves to host her own group. My brothers and sisters-in-law are here in Hawaii, so while I deeply miss my kids, I am grateful to have so much family close by.
Last year, one of my sisters-in-law skipped Thanksgiving because she was deep in grief after losing her mother. And I, in my own quieter way, was grieving too—the loss of my sweet little dog of 12 years who died suddenly just a month earlier.
Grief shows up at the table whether we invite it or not, and it can color the holiday in its own way.
But this year, gratitude feels more accessible. Everyone is healthy. I have a new puppy—yes, you’ve all heard about Milo—and he turns one year old tomorrow, right on Thanksgiving. My brother is cooking the entire dinner again, and my other brother is flying in from another island. Even though my daughters won’t be with us, they’ll be together, and there’s comfort and gratitude in that.
Beyond all of that, I find myself grateful for my everyday life: fresh air, running water, food on the table, a roof over my head, the presence of extended family, and the loyalty of good friends. These are the foundations that support us long after the holiday glow fades.
Thanksgiving is a natural time for reflection. So I’ll ask you: What are you grateful for this year?
And if you’re going through your own rough season—if gratitude feels like something you have to squint to see—please take this with you: Things change. Whatever you are walking through will shift, soften, or resolve. Hard chapters end. New beginnings come, often quietly and unexpectedly.
Wherever you are this Thanksgiving, I hope you find a moment—just a moment—to exhale and recognize something, big or small, that reminds you you’re still moving forward.
Happy Thanksgiving. 🧡
-Jackie
#lifecoaching #Thanksgiving #gratitude #theoverthinkersguidetojoy #holidays #happier
