Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s about you.

Yes, the turkey, stuffing, and pies are a big deal (who are we kidding?), but this year, let’s celebrate the most important part of the holiday: how it makes you feel. The connection. The comfort. The chaos of too many cooks in the kitchen.

Here’s the twist: What if Thanksgiving wasn’t about avoiding guilt but about owning your joy? Let’s rewrite the rules and embrace a holiday that feels good all around.

How to Own Your Thanksgiving (Without the Food FOMO)

1. Make the Meal About Memories

Food tastes better when it comes with a story. So instead of rushing through dinner, pause and ask about the recipes. Did your aunt tweak her famous stuffing this year? Is that cranberry sauce from a can or someone’s secret weapon? Food becomes magical when it’s tied to connection.

2. Feast Like a Food Critic

Channel your inner Anthony Bourdain: approach every dish like you’re reviewing it for a magazine. Notice the textures, the spices, the nostalgia. Even if you go back for seconds, you’ll savor it like an experience—not a routine.

3. Hack the Holiday Hydration Game

Instead of chugging plain water, turn hydration into a vibe. Create a DIY “mocktail bar” with sparkling water, a splash of apple cider, and rosemary sprigs. Suddenly, staying hydrated feels just as festive as wine. (Bonus: no post-meal crash!)

4. Reinvent the “Post-Meal Tradition”

Instead of collapsing on the couch, rally the crew for something unexpected. A TikTok dance-off, a gratitude scavenger hunt, or even roasting marshmallows in the backyard. Movement doesn’t need to be boring—and it’s a way to keep the good vibes going.

5. Say “YES” to That Extra Slice

Let’s be real: no one’s joy was ever ruined by eating pie. Thanksgiving isn’t the day to worry about “good” or “bad” food. It’s about saying yes to what makes you happy, and that includes dessert.

This Thanksgiving, Let It Be Messy (and Perfect)

Because here’s the truth: a perfect Thanksgiving isn’t the one with perfect portions or perfectly crisp turkey skin. It’s the one where you laugh so hard you cry, where someone burns the rolls (again), and where you leave the table feeling full—in every sense of the word.

So grab your plate, grab your people, and grab this mantra for the day:

“I celebrate every bite, every moment, and every bit of beautiful chaos.”

Do you have an unconventional Thanksgiving tradition? Share it with me! Tag @nadiamurdock on Instagram and use #HeyNadia #FeastFiercely. Or we could have a post-Thanksgiving coffee chat to discuss about ways on how you can live fully beyond the holidays!

Here’s to a holiday filled with fierce feasting and unforgettable moments. 🧡

Feast Fiercely, Live Fully 🦃✨