I still remember the first time I hosted what I now lovingly call my “Thanksgiving en” dinner. It wasn’t your traditional American Thanksgiving, and honestly, that’s what made it special. I had just moved into a tiny apartment, and instead of stressing over a massive turkey I could barely fit in the oven, I decided to create my own version of Thanksgiving — one that focused less on the food and more on the feeling.
That night, surrounded by a handful of close friends, mismatched chairs, and a playlist I threw together in a hurry, I realized something: Thanksgiving en — or Thanksgiving my way — didn’t need rules. It just needed heart.
What Thanksgiving en Means to Me
When people hear the term Thanksgiving en, they often assume it’s simply Thanksgiving celebrated “in English,” or maybe a modern, minimalist spin on the holiday. For me, it’s somewhere in between — a flexible, cozy, personal approach to gratitude.
Instead of rigid traditions, Thanksgiving en is about creating the kind of celebration that fits who you are right now. It can be as simple as sharing a meal with friends, writing gratitude notes, or even spending a quiet evening reflecting on the year.
Over time, it’s become one of my favorite moments to reset emotionally before the busy holiday season kicks in.
Why I Prefer a Simpler Thanksgiving en
1. It removes the pressure to be perfect
Traditional Thanksgivings often come with unrealistic expectations — picture-perfect dishes, enormous family gatherings, and perfectly decorated tables. With Thanksgiving en, I learned to drop the pressure.
One year, my mashed potatoes turned into something between soup and glue. Another year, I completely forgot to make dessert. And yet, every single Thanksgiving en felt genuine because nobody cared about the mistakes. We laughed, improvised, and enjoyed being together.
2. It makes space for real gratitude
When I simplified the celebration, I finally had the mental space to practice what the holiday was meant for — gratitude. We began going around the table, each sharing something small we appreciated that year. Sometimes it was a new job. Sometimes it was a repaired friendship. Once, a friend even said they were grateful for discovering air fryers.
It always sparked the warmest conversations.
How to Create Your Own Thanksgiving en Celebration
You don’t have to follow a script. In fact, the beauty of this approach is that you don’t follow one. But if you want a guide, here’s how I built mine over the years.
1. Focus on connection, not complication
Instead of a huge menu, try sticking to 3–4 dishes you truly enjoy. My go-to combination is:
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A roasted chicken instead of turkey
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Two sides I know I can pull off under pressure
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A dessert that doesn’t require a culinary degree (hello, store-bought pie)
This simple setup makes the day feel effortless — and tasty.
2. Add a gratitude moment
Every Thanksgiving en dinner I’ve hosted includes a gratitude ritual. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried:
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Passing around a jar where guests drop handwritten notes of gratitude
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Asking each person to share one positive memory from the year
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Writing gratitude lists and swapping them anonymously for fun
You’d be surprised how these little moments bring people closer.
3. Make it cozy and personal
This is where you get to have fun. Forget the perfect Pinterest look — you only need the basics:
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A couple of candles
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Soft lighting
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A simple centerpiece (I once used grocery-store flowers and a pumpkin)
The more authentic it feels, the more relaxed your guests will be.
My Two Favorite Thanksgiving en Traditions
1. The “Leftovers Challenge”
I started this as a joke one year when I realized I had cooked way too much. Instead of letting the food sit in the fridge, I challenged everyone to make something creative from the leftovers the next day.
From turkey-stuffed sandwiches to air-fried sweet potato bites, we ended up with surprisingly delicious creations.
2. The Post-Dinner Walk
This might sound simple, but it became one of the most meaningful traditions I ever adopted. After eating, we head outside for a slow 15-minute walk. No phones. No rush.
It’s a beautiful way to breathe, talk, and unwind before dessert.
Thanksgiving en and the Importance of Flexibility
One thing I love about this approach is how well it adapts to different lifestyles. Whether you’re hosting a big family, celebrating with roommates, or enjoying a quiet evening alone, Thanksgiving en fits.
Here are a few versions I’ve tried or seen:
Thanksgiving en for introverts
A small meal, a favorite movie, a gratitude journal, and maybe one trusted friend. No pressure — just peace.
Thanksgiving en for busy families
Keep the menu simple, let everyone contribute one dish, and designate 10 minutes for gratitude conversation.
Thanksgiving en for travelers
I once celebrated Thanksgiving en during a weekend trip. We picked up local food, sat by the window overlooking the city, and shared what we were grateful for. It was simple and perfect.
What to Serve for a Memorable Thanksgiving en
To keep things fun and flexible, here are a few ideas you can mix and match:
Main Dish Ideas
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Rotisserie chicken
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Herb-butter turkey breast
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Vegetarian lasagna
Side Dishes
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Roasted vegetables
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Cranberry salad
Desserts
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Pumpkin tart
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Apple crisp
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Chocolate mousse (my personal cheat-day favorite)
3 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving en Without Stress
Tip #1: Prep ahead — even if it’s just a little
I learned this the hard way. The first time I hosted, I tried to cook everything on the same day and ended up sweating over the stove with guests already knocking on the door.
Now, I chop vegetables, marinate meats, and set the table the night before. It saves time — and sanity.
Tip #2: Embrace imperfection
The beauty of Thanksgiving en is its flexibility. If something goes wrong, let it go. Laugh it off. Serve something else. Order takeout pizza if you must.
Tip #3: Invite people who bring good energy
A cozy celebration depends far more on the people than the food. Surround yourself with those who make you feel at ease.
Why Thanksgiving en Matters More Than Ever
With how busy and chaotic life can get, creating intentional moments of gratitude feels more important than ever. Thanksgiving en encourages us to slow down, appreciate the people we love, and honor the small joys that get us through the year.
It’s a chance to step away from expectations and choose what truly matters: connection, warmth, kindness, and good food shared with good company.
Conclusion: Bringing Thanksgiving en Into Your Life
Thanksgiving en isn’t a trend — it’s a mindset. It’s about simplifying, savoring, and celebrating the moments that matter. I’ve found that when I let go of perfection and focus on gratitude, the holiday becomes more meaningful and enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a way to refresh your Thanksgiving experience this year, try creating your own Thanksgiving en tradition. Start small, stay authentic, and follow what feels right for you.
