Thanksgiving this year may be a little different than usual. With less travel and smaller gatherings, you may find yourself having a cozy couple’s celebration rather than an all-out family/friends affair.

While you may miss the catching up and carefree chaos, there’s something nice about giving a low-key thanks with the special someone in your life. A table for two is far simpler to set up, and you won’t have to worry about your “crazy uncle” going off the rails or everyone asking about the status of your relationship.

When you have a Thanksgiving for two, you can bring on the romance while being grateful for your blessings, as you carve the turkey and share the side dishes. Pop open a nice bottle of wine, toast to your good fortune, and settle in with a smile. Be sure to leave room for extra dessert…wink, wink.

 

Eat What You Want

 

 

 

 

 

 

The typical Thanksgiving fare is delicious, but you don’t have to do the same old thing when it’s just the two of you. If you’re in the mood for something different, serve what you like.

Perhaps you’d prefer fish or steak instead of turkey, or want to lighten up the side dishes with fresh salads instead of sweet potatoes and stuffing. You can even order in rather than cooking, saving time and energy so you can relax on your day off.

You’re sure to still have leftovers, so store them for the next day’s lunch, when you and your partner can enjoy another meal together.

 

Make It Festive

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just because it’s only the two of you doesn’t mean the holiday isn’t as important. Give yourselves the full Thanksgiving treatment by bringing out the good dinnerware, using cloth napkins, and getting dressed up nicely for your meal.

Play some ambiance music, light a few candles, and sit down at the dining room table rather than plopping down on the couch in front of the TV.

Take your time with your meal – savor every bite as well as the precious moments with your partner.

 

Pay It Forward

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’re fortunate to have a hot meal to eat and someone to share it with. Before sitting down to supper, take some time to help those less fortunate.

You can spend a few hours volunteering at a soup kitchen, collect canned goods for donation, or give money to a charitable organization.

A little goes a long way, and any effort you can put forth will be appreciated. Doing something like this with your loved one makes the experience even more meaningful, and hopefully you’ll continue doing so moving forward.

 

Follow Up with Family

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your laid-back Thanksgiving is something you’ll cherish, but find a few minutes to wish your family a happy holiday. Zoom or FaceTime to check in on your loved ones to find out how their day was, and hopefully this time next year, you’ll all be together. Then again, if your Thanksgiving for two was a hit, you may want to start a new tradition!

Have a happy and healthy holiday. Fill your bellies and your soul!