Thanksgiving is a holiday of appreciating what one has. In today’s world, we have so much to be thankful for. What a wonderful time of year to start simplifying and to impart that “less is more” to your family and children. Follow some or all of these ideas and you will be sure to enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.

-What is important to your family?
What part of Thanksgiving is important to you and your family? Do you enjoy cooking the traditional meal? Watching football? Sit down with your family and make a list of what is important. Take into consideration all feelings and what is important to them.

If cooking stresses you out, revisit what that may look like. Could you perhaps order out? There is nothing wrong with ordering out if it instills a sense of peace in your home. If you do like to cook, make a list of your favorites. Perhaps you can split the list with family members and start cooking a week or so ahead. Cook food the weekend before and freeze it until the big day.

Make time on Thanksgiving to do those things that bring peace and less stress to your family. Whether it is taking a walk in nature, watching football, or preparing a nutritious wholesome meal; make it a day to enjoy being with those you love.

-When cooking stick to your favorite traditions.
Cook up your favorite simple dish for Thanksgiving. Unless you are adventurous in your cooking, keeping it familiar keeps it simple. Do you have a favorite recipe that your Mom or Grandma cooked? Borrow their recipe and find the most simple and wholesome ingredients at your grocery store.

Use wholesome ingredients that are not overly processed. Using ingredients that are closest to nature gives a meal a very wholesome and simple feel. Browse your farmer’s market and see what they have to offer. Not only are the ingredients most fresh, they are often local.

-Keep centerpieces simple.
Prior to Thanksgiving take a walk in nature with your family and collect items that can be used as your centerpiece for the occasion. Newly turned leaves, acorns, pumpkins, gourds, squash, and handmade objects all make lovely centerpieces to your Thanksgiving table. Choose a neutral colored tablecloth to really make your table pop. Natural colored candles are also a great choice and chances are you have some already lying around the house. Get the children involved and have them write on small sheets of paper or post-it-notes what they are thankful for. Place the notes around the table for all to read and enjoy.

However you may spend your Thanksgiving make sure it is a day filled with love, family, and what you truly enjoy. Remember to gather and give thanks and gratitude to what is truly important in your life. Keeping it simple will give the day a more relaxed and enjoyable feel, making it conducive to a more “thankful” day.