3 Tips & 3 Questions For A Joyful Thanksgiving

Filed Under: Holiday Eating

20 November 2023 | Written by Xenia Ayiotis

Thanksgiving is a few days away!

Thanksgiving is meant to be a day of connection with loved ones. For some folks there might be much anticipation but for many people there may be feelings of dread as the day approaches. It can be a time of loneliness, stress and disappointment.

The day comes with high expectations of a happy gathering enjoying a perfect celebration. Some of these ideals are difficult to live up to.

Thanksgiving can be full of expectations of what we are supposed to feel and how we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to do. From hosting a perfect meal or behaving like the perfect guest. If this Thanksgiving is easy for you and there are no difficulties, celebrate this with joy! But for the folks who may be struggling as the day approaches, what do you do?

Here are 3 tips:

  1. Become aware of your limits AND your needs. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to remove yourself from conversations that aren’t serving you.
  2. Have a plan in place. Know the circumstances, situations which may trigger you.
  3. Find support. Cultivate kindness and compassion towards yourself through your own inner dialogue. Identify a person who could be your “holiday support buddy” that you can reach out to in times of need.

Here are 3 powerful questions to guide you:

  1. What is important to you about Thanksgiving?
    Example: “I want it to be a day of connection” or “I want to get through this day with grace.”
  2. How do I want to feel at the end of the day?
    Example: “I want to feel calm and grateful.”
  3. What action steps do I need to take to support myself?
    Example: Check in with myself.
    Example: Get up from the table if the conversation is triggering or change the subject.

Wishing you peace and joy this Thankgiving.
Xen

🍂 Need extra support navigating the stress of the holiday season in general and in your relationship with food?

🍂 Check out my How to Handle Eating in the Holidays online course. I designed it to be short, easy and manageable. It will help you feel more calm and peaceful around all the food and festivities.

🍂 If you need 1-to-1 support, let’s have a conversation about healing your relationship with food and your body… Book a free 30-minute mini session.

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