Thanksgiving Reflections: Finding Financial Peace, Presence, and Genuine Joy in the Season

Thanksgiving marks a pause for many of us in the whirlwind of daily life. I love it for that.  For a few days, we gather with family and friends, enjoying good food, laughter, and conversation. Yet, the season can be bittersweet—a time of reflection and celebration that’s often overshadowed by the stress of holiday expenses and the pressures of hosting or attending gatherings or other family dynamics that are just hard to put a finger on. As we enter this Thanksgiving season, maybe we consider a different approach: focusing on financial stability, being fully present with our loved ones, and finding genuine enjoyment rather than just getting through it.  Yeah, I know, you’ve heard this before, but hear me out.

Cultivating Financial Stability…it’s not about the money

Financial stability isn’t about extravagance; it’s about having peace of mind and the freedom to make choices aligned with our values. For many, holidays add a financial strain, but it doesn’t have to.  Trust me, this is the part of the article where I’m talking to myself, so feel free to listen in.

Financial stability begins in the mind. It’s about adopting a mindset that values contentment over accumulation, embracing a sense of “enough” rather than striving for more. This mindset allows us to approach the holidays with gratitude for what we have rather than stressing about what we lack. Thanksgiving invites us to step back and see our resources—time, energy, and money—as tools to be used intentionally, not indicators of success or happiness. When we feel secure in what we have, we’re less tempted by the holiday urge to overspend or overextend.

The Power of (Being) the Present

With today’s technology, it’s easy to be physically present with family while mentally absent—our thoughts divided between notifications, emails, and to-do lists. I truly believe that there is no such thing as multi-tasking…our brains are hardwired in this way.  So, if you’re staring at your phone, you’re not present with those around you.  One of the most profound gifts we can give during Thanksgiving is the full presence of our attention. Choosing to leave phones in another room, engage in conversation, and listen to each family member’s story without distraction can transform our gatherings. These moments don’t require perfection in family dynamics; they only need our open ears and a willingness to embrace others as they are. 

Being fully present also applies to ourselves. Instead of rushing to fit every seasonal obligation, we can consciously slow down, taking time to recharge. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, reading a book, or simply breathing deeply before a meal, these moments allow us to enjoy Thanksgiving with gratitude and grace rather than as an item on a checklist.

Enjoying, Not Enduring, the Season

Many people experience the holidays as something to endure rather than enjoy—a time of fulfilling social expectations or family obligations. However, true enjoyment comes from engaging with the season in a way that’s meaningful to us personally. For some, this might mean traditional festivities; for others, it might look like an intimate gathering or even a quiet Thanksgiving hike. The key is to spend the day in a way that brings joy and connection, free from imposed expectations.

Setting boundaries on how we celebrate doesn’t diminish the holiday’s value—it enhances it. When we choose celebrations that align with who we are, we foster genuine gratitude. If that means opting for a small dinner, skipping crowded stores, or using Thanksgiving to volunteer instead, so be it. Our traditions should reflect what brings us joy, not what we feel pressured to maintain.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on abundance—of love, health, relationships, and even the lessons learned through challenges. I want us all to pursue our Great Life right now, and this holiday season is a great opportunity to pursue it with the people that we care most about.  This season, let’s make it less about stretching our resources thin and more about stretching our capacity for gratitude. Embrace simplicity, give the gift of presence, and choose joy over obligation. In doing so, Thanksgiving becomes more than a holiday; it becomes a practice in contentment, reminding us that true wealth is measured by the richness of our experiences and the depth of our connections. 

Thanks for listening without judgment to my inner dialogue.

 

How to Plan a Big Family Trip Without Becoming the Griswold’s

Research shows that spending money on experiences often brings more lasting joy than buying more “stuff.” Now imagine the joy and connection that comes from planning a big family vacation—one that creates memories for generations to come. I believe Clark Griswold knew the value of such trips, but he clearly had trouble pulling it off.  While getting everyone aligned may feel challenging, it’s also what makes the journey worthwhile. Let’s go over some key steps to ensure your family adventure is one for the books.

Open the Dialogue Early

Nobody enjoys being dragged along on someone else’s vacation. The key to a successful family trip is making sure everyone feels included from the start. Whether some family members are retired with flexible schedules or others are balancing school, work, and activities, it’s important to consider everyone’s situation.

Start by agreeing who is the ‘champion’ of the planning overall.  Someone must be responsible for organizing the communicating the plans.  Then start gathering input from everyone—use a group video chat, shared document, or a family meeting to talk through options. This gives everyone a chance to voice what works for them and helps you find common ground. Collaboration early on can make all the difference in pulling off a trip everyone enjoys.  Obviously this will look different if you are traveling with younger kids, but you know that they have opinions too!

Balance Togetherness and Individual Time

When planning a vacation for a large group, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between shared experiences and personal space. Not everyone will want to do the same activities, and that’s okay. Whether it’s golfers heading out for a round while others enjoy a spa day or different groups exploring different sights, the key is flexibility.

Plan a few moments for everyone to be together—like beach time or family dinners—but also allow space for each person to pursue what excites them. This balance will help everyone enjoy the trip in their own way without feeling overwhelmed or restricted.

Be Clear About the Budget

Few things create tension faster than money talk, especially in a family setting. If each family is paying their way, aim to pick a destination that fits most people’s budgets. If one person is paying for it all (ie, mom and dad), be totally clear about that from the beginning.  This ensures everyone can enjoy the trip without feeling financially strained.  Or worse, living in the uncertainty of ‘who is paying for what’?

If you are generously covering the cost, having a clear budget in place is even more important. Setting limits upfront helps ensure you don’t overstretch yourself financially, allowing you to fully enjoy this special experience with your loved ones.

Thinking ahead about your travel budget and ensuring that this family vacation fits within your broader financial goals will allow you to focus on making memories instead of managing costs.  This is what it is all about!