How Women Over 50 Celebrate Thanksgiving: From The Traditional To The Unique

At this stage in life, this holiday takes on diverse and innovative forms, from traditional family dinners to peaceful solo celebrations. With changing family dynamics, evolving traditions, and personal preferences, these women are redefining what Thanksgiving means in this stage of life.

If you are facing a different Thanksgiving this year, you are not alone. Here’s a look at the many ways women in midlife and beyond are embracing Thanksgiving this year, highlighting real stories of creativity, love, and gratitude.

Check Out How Women Over 50 Celebrate Thanksgiving:

 Traditional Family Gatherings With A Twist:

For many, Thanksgiving is synonymous with family, tradition, and timeless recipes. Diana Place is hosting 30 family members this year for a classic feast. “Turkey, mashed potatoes, squash, and pies are must-haves,” she shares. But Diana loves keeping things fresh, so she’s adding a salad filled with vibrant ingredients like candied pecans, avocado, and blue cheese. To add a personal touch, she’ll decorate the table with mums, pumpkins, and candles, while placing Melody Beattie’s gratitude poem at each setting.

Film-maker, Melissa Davey’s family feast also blends old and new. With vegans and traditional eaters at her table, she’s preparing dishes like vegan casseroles alongside an organic turkey. Her grandson adds tradition by whipping fresh cream for dessert, a ritual that symbolizes the family’s shared moments.

Combining Cultures For A Unique Celebration:

Thanksgiving becomes even richer when it incorporates elements from other cultures. Health Coach, Liza Baker celebrates the holiday with inspiration from her Chinese husband. This year, she’s hosting ten people in her cozy condo, crafting vegetable-forward dishes inspired by chef Ottolenghi to complement classic turkey and pies.

Kuel Life Thought Leader and Divorce Coach Mardi Winder-Adams draws from her Canadian roots. While living in the U.S., she honors her heritage by serving planked salmon—a dish that’s both delicious and symbolic.

Non-Traditional Feasts: Breaking The Mold:

Not every Thanksgiving table features turkey. Cat Corchado, a small space fitness expert, Cat Corchado prefers mixing things up with ham, sweet potatoes, and collard greens, while Barbara Brooks keeps it simple by hosting a small family meal at her mother’s assisted living facility. For these women, Thanksgiving is less about sticking to tradition and more about savoring the moments.

Solo Celebrations: A Time For Self-Care:

Some women are opting for quiet, introspective Thanksgivings. Lori Satz plans a relaxing day at home with mac and cheese, salmon, and a stack of books. Meanwhile, Barbara Ann Fox , a technology and cybersecurity leader, is turning her solo holiday into a feast for one, featuring fresh organic vegetables from her CSA. For her, it’s a day to enjoy her pets, craft delicious meals, and soak in serenity.

Embracing Community And Friends:

For many women, Thanksgiving includes chosen family and friends. Liza Baker’s table welcomes not only her children but also their partners and her beloved “guncles” (gay uncles), who have been part of her kids’ lives since birth.

Attorney, author Maria Olsen looks forward to her Aunt Mary’s Thanksgiving Eve party, a decades-old tradition that includes surprise activities like salsa lessons and charity donations. These gatherings highlight the joy of blending community and gratitude.

Navigating Unexpected Changes:

Thanksgiving doesn’t always go as planned, but resilience and flexibility shine through. Gayle Petrillo, a career coach and author, intended to enjoy a quiet resort dinner with her husband, but plans shifted when her elderly aunt needed back surgery. Instead, Gayle is flying to Los Angeles to care for her aunt, demonstrating the power of love and adaptability during the holidays. Flexibility is key–especially in midlife and beyond when we are facing loved ones with health issues.

Small Gatherings, New Traditions:

Thanksgiving doesn’t need a big crowd to feel special. Author of Ditching the Dream: How to Live Your Life on Your on Terms Bethany is celebrating at home with her husband and son, creating a low-key, home-cooked meal. Even without her daughter present for the first time, Bethanny cherishes the simplicity and togetherness of the day.

Incorporating fresh ideas into Thanksgiving can make the holiday more vibrant. Yvonne Marchese is bringing her signature spicy coleslaw to her in-laws’ table this year, adding a personal flair to the meal. These small touches keep traditions alive while making room for new flavors and fun.

Culinary Creativity: Food As The Star:

For women who love cooking, Thanksgiving is a chance to shine. Liza Baker, a professional chef, preps most of her meal in advance, allowing her to spend more time with family. From roasted vegetables to vegan casseroles, these dishes reflect a commitment to health and creativity.

Barbara Ann Fox also approaches Thanksgiving as an opportunity for culinary artistry. With fresh farm vegetables as her palette, she’s crafting a meat-free holiday that celebrates the flavors of the season.

Gratitude And Family Legacies: 

Diana Place enhances her Thanksgiving table with Melody Beattie’s gratitude poem, inviting guests to reflect on what they’re thankful for. Maria Olsen’s family incorporates charitable giving into their Thanksgiving Eve celebrations, demonstrating how gratitude extends beyond the dinner table.

For Barbara Brooks founder of SecondActWomen, hosting Thanksgiving at her mother’s assisted living facility honors her family’s traditions while adapting to changing circumstances. Similarly, Gayle Petrillo reflects on her late mother as she cares for her elderly aunt, proving that family legacies shape how we celebrate.

Celebrating Togetherness And Little Things:

Large gatherings, like Diana Place’s 30-person dinner or Maria Olsen’s 50-person Thanksgiving Eve party, offer opportunities for connection across generations. These events remind us that Thanksgiving is about bringing people together, whether family or friends.

For women like Lori Satz, the podcast host of F*ck Being Fine, the joy of Thanksgiving lies in the little things—a new sofa, a good book, and a favorite meal. This perspective shows that celebrating solo doesn’t mean missing out on the holiday spirit.

Melissa Davey’s approach to Thanksgiving demonstrates the balance between tradition and modern needs. With organic ingredients and a menu tailored for vegan and traditional eaters alike, her feast reflects both care and creativity.

Ultimately, the stories of these women illustrate how Thanksgiving evolves. Whether spent in bustling homes or quiet retreats, this holiday reflects the resilience, creativity, and gratitude that define midlife and beyond.

No One Size Fits All – Cause That Never Works:

Thanksgiving is as diverse as the women who celebrate it, especially for those over 50. From grand family gatherings filled with tradition to peaceful solo meals, the holiday takes on new meaning during this stage of life. Whether blending cultural influences, crafting non-traditional menus, or embracing small, intimate celebrations, the key theme is meaningful connection—be it with family, friends, or oneself. These inspiring stories remind us that Thanksgiving is about gratitude, flexibility, and the joy of creating new traditions while honoring old ones. However you celebrate, may your holiday be filled with love, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

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