Thanksgiving is a special time of year when I come together with family and friends to give thanks and enjoy a sumptuous feast. It’s a cherished holiday that’s filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food. As the Thanksgiving meal comes to an end, though, I eagerly transition into a set of post-Thanksgiving traditions that kickstart the holiday season and spread the festive cheer (yes, I am a holiday purist and will not move into the winter season until we wrap up the fall festivities). In this blog post, I’m excited to share my five post-Thanksgiving traditions that fill my heart with joy and anticipation while I swap out PSL for minty goodness in my mug.
1. Decorating for Hanukkah and Christmas:
After the Thanksgiving dinner has been savored and the dishes are cleared, my family and I dive headfirst into our holiday decorating tradition. I pull the menorah off the shelf and put it in the window, dust off the boxes of ornaments, lights, and festive decor to prepare our home for the upcoming holiday season. For me, it’s about more than just decking the halls; it’s a family bonding experience, an opportunity to reminisce about the significance of each ornament, and a chance to embrace the magic of the holidays.
2. Choosing My Wrapping Scheme for the Year:
One of my favorite post-Thanksgiving traditions is selecting the wrapping scheme for all the gifts I plan to give. I take my time browsing through various wrapping paper patterns, ribbons, gift tags, and other accoutrement that will decorate . I rarely go with the traditional red and green and tend to plan a more unique theme, but either way this tradition adds a personal touch to the gifts I share with loved ones.
3. Making Holiday Treats:
The holiday season is synonymous with sweet treats, and my family has a delicious tradition of making a variety of holiday goodies. From kugel to spritz cookies to chocolate fudge, the kitchen becomes a hub of activity as we whip up batches of mouthwatering treats. These homemade delights not only fill our home with a delightful aroma but also serve as heartfelt gifts for family and friends.
4. Crafting Those Little Stuffing Egg Cups:
A creative twist on Thanksgiving leftovers, crafting stuffing egg cups has become a beloved tradition in our family. We take the leftover stuffing and shape it into small cups, then bake them with a perfectly cooked egg in the center. I love this as I use a family stuffing recipe that calls for sausage AND bacon, so it is an unkosher treat that is so perfect for these egg cups. It’s a unique and scrumptious way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in a new form, creating a memorable post-Thanksgiving brunch.
5. Shopping Extravaganza:
As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, I eagerly embrace the excitement of the holiday shopping season. I do not do an ounce of shopping beforehand, so I am so ready for this (gifting is my love language, after all). Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer incredible deals, and I relish the tradition of hunting for the best bargains and purchasing thoughtful gifts for my loved ones. It’s a joyful tradition that brings me closer to the gift-giving spirit of the season.
These post-Thanksgiving traditions hold a special place in my heart. They mark the beginning of the holiday season, a time of joy, gratitude, and shared moments with those I hold dear. From decking the halls to creating tasty treats and finding the perfect gifts, these traditions bring us closer together and create memories that we’ll treasure for years to come.
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter on the side). She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!
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