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Why Thanksgiving Is My Favorite Holiday: It’s All About Family, Food, and Low-Key Fun

Where the Heart Resides
WHY THANKSGIVING IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY: IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY, FOOD, AND LOW-KEY FUN

By: Amanda Hyslop | November 21, 2024

When I think about my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving always wins. Unlike other holidays, there's no pressure to buy gifts or deck the halls—it's simply about gathering around a table filled with food, sharing the day with family and friends, and reflecting on gratitude.

In my family, Thanksgiving kicks off before the sun even rises. While the house is still quiet, I slip outside to fire up the meat smoker, a ritual I’ve come to love. For me, there’s no better way to cook a turkey. While many stick to the oven, I swear by the rich, smoky flavor the smoker brings.

It’s become a bit of a tradition between my brother and me—we text each other back and forth every year, trading tips and debating smoker techniques. Should we use applewood, maple, or hickory this year? And what about soaking the wood overnight? Over the years, we’ve tried it all: pellets, wood chips, and chunks, always in search of that perfect flavor.

Those early morning moments, arranging the wood around the charcoal and adding water to the basin, are my favorite part of the day. The air is crisp, the sky just starting to lighten, and for a little while, it’s just me, the smoker, and the calm before Thanksgiving gets underway. It’s brief, but it’s my quiet time to soak in the peace before the day unfolds.

Then comes the Turkey Trot, a tradition we’ve upheld as a family. I’ll be honest—I always have to drag the kids out of bed and convince them to run. But after we’ve crossed the finish line, they end up loving it. There’s something about the shared experience, the sense of accomplishment, and, of course, the post-run feast to look forward to.

One Thanksgiving, though, really stands out. My sister, who was pregnant at the time, got into a heated argument with the turkey mascot at the finish line. She was hormonal and protective, and when the mascot wasn’t being particularly friendly with the kids, she let him know—loudly, telling him to "fuck off" in front of everyone! In hindsight, we laugh about it, but I think she was grappling with more than just a bad mascot experience. She was thinking about the world her newborn would be entering - and how to protect children in an unpredictable and often unkind world.

After the Turkey Trot and the smoker works its magic, we settle in for the rest of the day. There’s always a cheese plate on the table, football on the TV, and a general air of relaxation. It’s the kind of day where nothing is forced—no need for perfect decorations or piles of presents, just food and family.

Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving is my favorite, it’s not without its challenges, especially when you’re hosting. Here are a few tips that help me keep the day as low-stress as possible:

Prep Ahead: Whether it's chopping veggies the day before or making sides in advance, do as much prep work as possible before the big day. You'll be grateful for it when you're not running around the kitchen.
Thanksgiving Tablescape (Get the Kids Involved): For a stunning Thanksgiving tablescape, combine natural elements with elegant touches, and let the kids help set the table. Start with a simple, neutral tablecloth or runner, then layer in greenery like eucalyptus or fall leaves down the center of the table. Get the kids to collect leaves or small pine cones from the yard or nearby park. They can also help place mini pumpkins or sprigs of rosemary at each place setting.
Delegate: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s assigning someone the role of bringing a dessert or setting the table, the more you delegate, the more relaxed you’ll feel.
Stick with Simple Dishes: There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Some of the best Thanksgiving meals are the simplest. Focus on a few standout dishes and leave room for some store-bought items if needed.
Make Time for Yourself: Whether it’s early in the morning (like my smoker time) or after dinner, take a moment for yourself to breathe and appreciate the day. It’ll help you stay calm and enjoy the holiday even more.
Embrace the Imperfections: Things won’t always go as planned. Maybe the turkey takes longer to cook, or someone burns a side dish—laugh it off and roll with it. Thanksgiving is about coming together, not perfection.

What to Bring the Hostess

If you’re attending someone else’s Thanksgiving, it’s always nice to bring a thoughtful gift. Here are a few ideas:

Rustic Bread: Freshly baked bread is always a hit, and it’s something the hostess can enjoy the next morning if she’s too full to eat it on the day.
Fancy Cheese or Wine: A good cheese or a nice bottle of wine can add to the festivities without requiring the hostess to prep anything.
Popcorn: It’s a perfect, snackable option that the host can easily toss into a bowl for guests to nibble on or save for later. Plus, it adds a little fun variety to the typical Thanksgiving spread without the pressure of bringing a big dish.
Scented Candle: A fall-scented candle (think pumpkin spice or cinnamon) can help the hostess relax after the guests leave.
Thank-You Note: Sometimes, the most thoughtful gift is simply a heartfelt thank-you note. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in showing your appreciation.

For me, Thanksgiving will always be about the moments that make us feel connected to the ones we love—whether that’s running a race, having an impromptu family argument with a turkey mascot, or simply savoring good food with good company.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Amanda Hyslop is rocking the mom life with two whip-smart kiddos, Sienna & William, and her hubby, Bill, who has a knack for dad jokes. By day, she's a go-to Advice Nurse at Tamalpais Pediatrics; by night, you'll find her playing the keys or hitting the pavement for a run. Amanda's all ears for your thoughts amandahyslop@gmail.com and will get back to you – just as soon as she locates that pesky missing sock!