Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to gather with family, enjoy a delicious meal, and make lasting memories. But let’s be honest, it can also be a bit overwhelming when you’re juggling the cooking, cleaning, and keeping everyone happy. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks to make Thanksgiving less stressful and more enjoyable for busy moms.
First things first—let’s talk organization.
I’m a huge fan of 1Thrive’s command center, and I have mine decked out with Thanksgiving plans. They are absolutely gorgeous and keep my life in order, especially during the holiday season. From scheduling when to pick up pies to setting reminders for meal prep, having everything written down helps me stay on top of it all.
When it comes to the actual meal, I’ve found ways to simplify the process without sacrificing quality.
We’ve dined at Buca di Beppo with family many times and loved their Thanksgiving meal — definitely recommend! And if you’d rather stay home but skip some of the prep work, ordering from Buca or Bob Evans is a great option. We’ve ordered a couple of times, heated it up on the day, and cut down on clean-up and dishes significantly. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver! Since I’m vegetarian, I always find a turkey substitute for our meal at home, which works perfectly with the sides.
Of course, we can’t forget the puppy!
Every year, our fur baby gets her own dog-friendly meal, so she can join in on the festivities, too. It’s such a fun little tradition that we all enjoy.
If you’re hosting at home, cooking for a smaller group isn’t bad, even with dietary restrictions.
Decorating the table and setting up a cozy atmosphere is part of the fun. And when it comes to desserts, you don’t have to bake everything yourself. Ordering pies from a school fundraiser or grabbing one from a restaurant is super easy. If my mother-in-law isn’t baking, I always swing by Walmart for a sweet potato pie!
This year, we’re switching things up and doing something totally new—a BB river cruise for Thanksgiving dinner!
I’m so excited for the experience, and I think it’ll be a memorable way to celebrate with the family.
Lastly, Thanksgiving is also a time for giving back.
If you can, consider donating to organizations like Crossroads or organizing a drive at work or in your neighborhood to help families in need. It’s a great way to spread some holiday cheer and give back to the community.
Whatever you decide to do this year, remember to plan as much as you can ahead of time, but don’t sweat the small stuff. The best part of the holiday is the time spent with family, and those happy moments are always better than perfection. Do what works for you, and most importantly, have fun with it!