Gathering around the Thanksgiving table is a familiar experience for many of us, yet some may find themselves sitting alone. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your journey and consider how these meals have shaped your life. Think about the individuals who have graced your Thanksgiving table over the years and contemplate the significance of the food being served.
If you find yourself alone this Thanksgiving, remember that the spirit of the holiday is about gratitude and connection. Reach out to friends or family through a phone call or video chat, or perhaps join a community event. Sometimes, the most unexpected connections can bring the greatest joy. Whether surrounded by loved ones or enjoying a moment of solitude, take this time to appreciate the simple pleasures—the warmth of a home-cooked meal, the comfort of familiar flavors, and the promise of new memories to be made. Thanksgiving is not just a day; it’s a reminder to cherish the present and hold hope for the future.
Reflecting on my past, I (Becca) remember the large Thanksgiving gatherings at my maternal family’s home. The memories revolve not only around the delicious food we enjoyed but also the time spent with cousins, exploring and playing all day. Another memorable year with my immediate family, we celebrated at the beach, welcoming friends who needed a place to spend the weekend. Our table has always been open to friends and family who wished to join our holiday meal, creating a sense of community. This has created a sense in me to make sure people have a place to go if they happen to be far off from family.
Through these experiences, I’ve realized that our Thanksgiving spread often looked different from others; we rarely had casseroles, but we consistently featured a variety of desserts. This highlights the importance of staying true to your authentic self during holiday gatherings. Following an 80/20 rule can be beneficial: if you strive to maintain a balanced approach 80% of the time, you’ll truly enjoy the less-perfect 20% of Thanksgiving Day without feeling guilty about straying from a healthy lifestyle.
My (Ashleigh) family’s Thanksgiving has always been my favorite part of the year. I have a large extended family, with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and we rarely had the opportunity to get together unless it was Thanksgiving, which we spent at our family farm. Hosted in a rustic old cookhouse, some of my favorite memories were of walking in the screened porch door, carrying Daddy’s green bean casserole (with Chex cereal on top instead of fried onions for a lighter flare), with Mom following with her signature pear salad (you know, the kind with a dollop of mayonnaise and a cherry? A true Southern classic!) We always had several different types of turkey-baked, roasted, and fried, as well as ham and BBQ, surrounded by an array of mismatched casserole dishes wrapped in foil and holding every variety of casserole you could imagine! My favorites were always the green bean, broccoli, and sweet potato. The dessert table was outside, which you had to walk by as you were waiting in line, so you had plenty of time to consider all of your options and how much room you needed to save.
While there are always many tasty dishes to look forward to, my favorite part about gathering at the farm has always been the circle that is made before we eat, joining hands to reflect on the blessing of being able to be together another year. I love looking around to see how our circle has changed, with little hands holding onto bigger ones, and older ones intertwined with younger ones. This Thanksgiving, take a moment to look around your circle and count the blessing of each one who is in it.
Thanksgiving looks different for everyone, and that’s what makes it meaningful. For some, it’s about big family gatherings with tons of food; for others, it’s a quieter day to reflect or connect with friends. However you choose to celebrate, or even if you don’t, it’s all about honoring what feels right to you. If you’re celebrating solo, maybe reach out to a friend, join a community dinner, take some time for yourself, or spend time with loved ones, take a second to appreciate the people around you. Thanksgiving reminds us that everyone’s traditions are unique, and that’s something to celebrate. Whether surrounded by people or enjoying a moment on your own, this day is a chance to embrace gratitude in a way that feels authentic to you.
Ashleigh Geurin is a nutrition expert and co-host at Stacked Intent, as well as a Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) County Extension Agent for the University of Georgia in Candler and Evans County. She is dedicated to promoting community well-being and provides the latest, research-based insights on nutrition. Ashleigh was recognized as a top-four finalist for the Rural Leader 40 Under 40 award.
Ashleigh is a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educator credentialed by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. With a Master of Science in Community Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Education with an emphasis in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia, she combines academic expertise with practical experience.
Whether you’re an individual seeking to enhance your health or part of the broader community, Ashleigh is here to support you. She is committed to keeping you informed in the ever-evolving field of nutrition, aiming to equip you with the knowledge necessary for making wise, informed decisions.
Ashleigh simplifies nutritional science, making it accessible and practical. You can look forward to her sharing tips on maintaining a balanced diet and developing healthy habits that become second nature.
With a strong passion for agricultural education and outreach, Ashleigh’s dedication is evident in her work. Her expertise and commitment to empowering farmers make her an invaluable resource for our community.
Becca created Stacked Intent with a clear mission: to help individuals become the best, most authentic version of themselves. This Life Education business, founded by the vibrant and passionate Becca Stackhouse-Morson, provides the tools, strategies, and inspiration individuals need to make powerful decisions about self-care and personal growth. The idea is simple but profound: when you have a healthy relationship with yourself, every aspect of your life improves.
Becca is not only the CEO and Founder of Stacked Intent, LLC, she’s also a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), Jiu Jitsu & Self-Defense Instructor, and RYT-200 Yoga Instructor. With a Master of Science in Family Studies and a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Social Science Focus from the University of North Alabama, she combines academic expertise with practical experience.
Stacked Intent offers a range of resources, courses, and worksheets designed to help individuals stay true to themselves and confidently navigate life’s challenges. With tools like the Money Personality Quiz, 30-Day Self-Affirmation Challenge, and Money Date Checklist, Stacked Intent empowers personal growth and authenticity. Courses such as Building a Strong Relationship with Yourself and Cracking Life’s Code guide individuals on their journey to becoming their truest selves, step by step.
To find out more, check out Stacked Intent resources, website, blog, speaking engagements, Stacked Intent Course Suite, podcast, Facebook, and Instagram.
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