Celebrating Thanksgiving Week With Simple Joys

Hi friends!

Happy Monday and happy Thanksgiving week! There’s something about waking up on the Monday of this week that feels like a deep, grounding breath—like the world collectively slows down just enough for us to notice the beauty around us. These next few days always feel like a gentle doorway into the holidays, giving me space to reconnect with what matters and lean into the traditions that make this season ours. Before December sweeps us up in its beautiful chaos, this week reminds me to pause, reflect, and really savor where we are right now.

Our Traditions Going Into Thanksgiving Week

There’s something uniquely comforting about the lead-up to Thanksgiving. For us, it’s not just about the holiday itself—it’s the little rituals and moments that shape the week and ground us in gratitude.

1. The Call to Give Prep

Thanksgiving week is always full in the best way because so much of it is dedicated to The Call to Give. It’s one of our favorite traditions—one that fills our home (and hearts) with purpose.

There’s something grounding about spending these days organizing, planning, and preparing to give back. It’s a reminder that gratitude isn’t just something you feel… it’s something you choose to live out. Something that becomes action.

2. Our Anniversary: Our Built-In Pause

Another thing that makes this week extra special is our anniversary.

With November 22 landing right around Thanksgiving every year, it naturally folds itself into the week. No matter how busy life feels, we always carve out time for just the two of us—to reflect on our marriage, celebrate the growth of the past year, and breathe in the life we’re building together.

It’s simple, intentional, and it’s one of my favorite moments of the season.

3. Decorating for Christmas (Usually Before Thanksgiving 😅)

I’ll say it loud and proud: I am an early decorator.

Our house is usually glowing with Christmas magic before Thanksgiving week even arrives. The lights, the coziness, the sparkle—it all brings me so much joy that I can’t resist starting early.

But on the rare year I haven’t decorated yet, Black Friday becomes our official decorating day. There’s something magical about turning the house into a Christmas wonderland right as the season begins.

4. Fully Embracing the Thanksgiving Spread

And of course… the food.

Thanksgiving classics will forever have my heart, and my plate isn’t complete without:

• Turkey
• Mashed potatoes
• Gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Stuffing
• Green bean casserole

And if homemade mac and cheese makes an appearance? I’ll be first in line. There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about these flavors showing up year after year—like tradition, celebration, and gratitude all wrapped into one plate.

The Beauty of This Week

What I love most about Thanksgiving week is how it weaves together reflection, service, celebration, and tradition. Between The Call to Give prep, our anniversary, the early sparkle of Christmas, and that long-awaited Thanksgiving meal, this week always feels like the gentle beginning of the holiday season.

A quiet reminder to slow down, look around, and appreciate the moments and memories that make this time of year feel so special to us.

Before you go—tell me:
What traditions make Thanksgiving week meaningful for you?
I’d genuinely love to hear the rituals, foods, or moments that you look forward to each year.

With Love,
Britt