7 Tips for a Slow, Cozy, Truly-Enjoyed Thanksgiving
If there’s one holiday that begs us to slow down a little, it’s Thanksgiving. The pace dips, the sweaters get softer, and the whole world seems to shift into “let’s savor this” mode. But somehow… the to-do lists grow, the grocery carts get fuller, and suddenly we’re speed-running a holiday that was designed to be gentle.
This year? Let’s do it differently.
Let’s do Thanksgiving the slow way — thoughtful, grounded, and full of moments you’ll actually remember.
Here are a few simple but powerful ways to soften the pace and invite more presence into your holiday:
1. Start with one grounding ritual
Before things get busy, choose one tiny ritual that brings you back to yourself — lighting a simmer pot, stepping outside for crisp morning air, or sipping coffee in silence before anyone else wakes up. Begin the day with intention, not chaos.
2. Plan early so you can coast later
A slow Thanksgiving isn’t accidental — it’s planned. Write down your menu, gather your recipes, make your grocery list, and set your table the day before (yes, even the place cards!). Future-you will be so grateful.
3. Keep the menu simple + sentimental
You don’t need fourteen side dishes to make it special. Choose family favorites, the dishes people genuinely look forward to, and let everything else go. Slow living is about honoring what matters, not performing a Pinterest buffet.
4. Let “good enough” be the vibe
Pretty paper plates? Approved. Store-bought pie? Still love you. Grocery-store flowers dropped into a simple vase? Stunning. Slow Thanksgivings value ease, not perfection.
5. Protect pockets of quiet
This is huge. Step away from the kitchen noise for a few minutes. Take a walk around the block. Hide in the guest room with a handful of Chex Mix. Slow holidays give you permission to breathe.
6. Sprinkle in small, intentional touches
A handwritten menu. A little place card at each setting. A candle that smells like someone’s childhood kitchen. A vintage moment (I love an amber glass turkey). These tiny touches bring heart to the table without adding overwhelm.
7. Savor one moment on purpose
At some point during the day, pause and choose one thing to really see — the way the light hits the table, your kid laughing in the other room, the quiet hum of family all together. Lock it in. That’s the part you’ll remember.
A gentle reminder
Your Thanksgiving doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be beautiful. It only has to feel true to you. Cozy, slow, joyful, a little imperfect, and full of heart — that’s the sweet spot.
If you want more help planning an intentional holiday, grab my printable Thanksgiving planner and coordinating Potter + Butler place cards — they’re designed to make the day feel thoughtful and doable.
But truly… slow down. Breathe. Enjoy.
This is the good stuff.