The Calm Before the Holiday Rush: How to Embrace the Weeks Leading Up to Thanksgiving
- Christianne Klein
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
It’s hard to believe we’re just two weeks away from Thanksgiving - the weeks seem to fly by faster every year. This is a rare, quiet pause in the calendar: a moment between suddenly crisp autumn days and the insane whirlwind of holiday preparations. For many families, it’s also a time to reflect on how quickly the year has passed.
Instead of rushing through it, what if we savored this slow season now - whether you’re traveling, hosting, or simply taking a breather? Here’s how to embrace the time leading up to the holiday with gratitude, flavor, and meaningful family connection.
Turn Weeknight Dinners into Gratitude Gatherings Even if Thanksgiving feels just around the corner, these weeks are perfect for creating mini family traditions. Each night, serve a simple meal and ask everyone to share one small moment they’re thankful for. It doesn’t have to be fancy —-roasted vegetables with olive oil, hearty soups, breakfast-for-dinner (I'm looking at you, Sean and Kristen)- the point is slowing down and reconnecting. Start a “gratitude journal” for the family. Kids can draw, write, or tape little mementos from the week. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have a whole collection of thankful moments to look back on.
Take a Local “Pre-Holiday Escape” Before the holiday chaos hits, carve out time for a local getaway. A one-night stay at a cozy inn, a drive to a nearby vineyard, or even a morning hike in a local park can reset your mindset. Studies show that even 24 hours in a new environment can boost creativity, reduce stress, and leave you feeling energized - exactly what you need before hosting, traveling, or juggling work and school.
Shop Farmers’ Markets, Not Just Grocery Stores These weeks are the perfect opportunity to explore seasonal ingredients and support local farms. Farmers’ markets often have fresher produce, local honey, and baked goods that inspire creativity in the kitchen. Think maple-roasted squash with pecans, roasted root vegetables, or creative twists on classic sides. It’s a simple way to make holiday meals feel intentional and flavorful.
Bring a Bit of Travel to the Table Thanksgiving may be the ultimate American holiday, but your table can tell a story of global adventures. Add a touch of your favorite travel memories to your menu - Mediterranean olive tapenade, Japanese sweet potato mash, or Caribbean-inspired spiced cranberry sauce. Food is one of the most beautiful souvenirs, and sharing flavors from around the world is a way to connect, even at home.
Teach Kids the “Why” of Thanksgiving These weeks are ideal for conversations with kids about what Thanksgiving really means - gratitude, connection, and reflection. Instead of focusing only on turkey, share global gratitude traditions like Japan’s Kinrō Kansha no Hi or Korea’s Chuseok. Stories, crafts, and small projects can help children understand that giving thanks is universal and timeless (because nothing says Thanksgiving like a handprint turkey on a paper plate!).
Don’t Forget to Pack Gratitude on the Road If travel is part of your season, create a small “gratitude kit”: snacks that bring comfort, a notebook for jotting down good moments, and maybe a small gift for your host. Intentional travel - calm, reflective, and grateful - sets the tone for a holiday that’s meaningful and hopefully with meaning we can appreciate beyond the meals and the rush.
The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are about so much more than preparing a feast - they are about reconnecting with what truly nourishes us: family, food, and the journey that brings us together. Whether you’re at home, on the road, or somewhere in between, give yourself permission to slow down, savor small moments, and carry gratitude with you - now, and into the holiday itself.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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