Thanksgiving has a way of shrinking us back into old versions of ourselves. You walk into a familiar house, hear the same voices, smell the same food, and suddenly you’re reacting in ways you thought you’d outgrown. It’s human. It’s familiar. And it can make the holiday feel a little heavier than it needs to be.
This year, here’s a gentle idea:
You get to run your own Thanksgiving Fest — shaped by intention, not old patterns.
Here are a few small shifts that can create a very different experience.
Notice the Old Patterns Before They Grab You
Every family has its rhythm. You know yours well.
Instead of fighting it, just notice it. Notice where you start to tighten or shrink. Notice when you slip into the fixer, the quiet one, the comedian, the peacekeeper.
Awareness doesn’t magically erase dynamics — but it gives you choice. It lets you show up as who you are now, not who you were then.
Use “Really?” to Stay Out of the Drama
At some point, someone will say something that lands wrong. It happens in every family on earth.
This year, try the softest boundary in the world:
“Really?”
Said calmly, it interrupts the pattern without escalating it.
You acknowledge the moment without stepping into the drama triangle.
You protect your energy without inviting a fight.
Small word. Big shift.
Clear the Emotional Static Before the Wine Does
Wine lowers inhibitions — which means whatever you’ve been holding onto gets louder.
So before dinner, do a small reset:
A walk.
A breath.
A shakeout.
A scream in the car.
Anything to release the pressure quietly.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about arriving as the version of yourself you actually want to bring to the table.
Give Yourself Small Breaks
You’re allowed to slip away.
A short walk.
Five minutes outside.
A moment to breathe.
A little reset in another room.
Stepping away doesn’t disconnect you from the holiday — it helps you participate in it with a fuller heart. A little space protects a lot of joy.
Make One Ritual Meaningful
Thanksgiving runs on rituals. And they don’t have to be big.
A toast before the meal.
A quick gratitude moment.
A walk after dinner.
A simple shared pause.
These tiny rituals are what people remember. They anchor the day. They give the chaos shape and meaning.
Choose one this year and make it matter.
Decide How You Want to Feel
Before the day begins, ask yourself:
“How do I want to feel during this holiday?”
Joyful?
Calm?
Connected?
Lighthearted?
Set the intention quietly. Let it guide what you engage with, what you let go, and how you show up.
You don’t need a perfect
Thanksgiving.
You just need an intentional one — the one that feels like you.
This year, why not run your own fest at Thanksgiving!
We are so grateful for you. Thanks for all your support.
✌️&❤️
Chris & Anne
PS: Thank you to everyone who’s picked up my new book Analog. Your support means the world. With Black Friday coming up, it also makes a great Christmas gift for anyone craving more connection and presence. You can find it on Amazon here. https://a.co/d/gNkviGv
PPS: And if you’re ready to step out of obligation season and into something joyful, join us for the Cosmico Winter Escape on December 12 at Dawn Ranch. Tickets + details here: https://cosmi.co
