Thanksgiving can easily become a reminder of all the things that frustrate and annoy you. Messages about the “right” way to be grateful can invite self-criticism and judgment. It can be the start of a holiday season filled with financial stress, logistical complications, and messy family dynamics. There are plenty of reasons to be anxious, hurt, frantic, irritated, unappreciated, self-conscious, and resentful about Thanksgiving. The challenge is to acknowledge all of those feelings without being consumed by them.
There is no doubt that all of us can share stories of the holiday that went horribly wrong. I’m certain that there will be ample opportunity to complain this year. The examples below are neither comprehensive nor exhaustive.
Uncle Joe said some incredibly offensive things about entire races, belief systems, nationalities, etc.
Mom doesn’t respect my choices (and is increasingly vocal about it).
I don’t even like turkey.
The drive is ridiculously long…and they don’t ever want us there.
If Thanksgiving stresses you out, give yourself a break. The day, the season, is about feeling grateful. If that is extremely difficult to do on the forth Thursday of November, find a different way to celebrate your appreciation of the world (and the people) around you. Build your own traditions surrounding gratitude. You may still need to trudge through a turkey dinner or two, but it doesn’t have to stop you from giving thanks.