The Morning of Thanksgiving: 3 Things I Do to Start the Day Calm

Let’s talk about Thanksgiving morning.
It can be loud, busy, messy and full of “Mom, where’s my ___?” before you’ve even had your coffee.

But these three simple things help me start the day grounded instead of rushed — and honestly, they’ve change the tone of the whole day.

Because it’s not about doing everything.
It’s about doing what matters.

1. Quiet Time Before the Noise Starts

I start Thanksgiving morning with a glass of water and a few quiet minutes to myself — devotions, journaling, thanking God for what He’s done this year.

It might be the only alone time I get all day, so I protect it and cherish it.
And yes, go ahead and grab your coffee now.

Then I move my body — even if it’s just a short walk or a quick workout. Moving helps me feel grounded and sets me up for better choices throughout the day.

These little moments help me enter the holiday steady, not scattered and all over the place. The noise and chaos come later — but I don’t want them to set the tone and control the day.

2. Prep the Kitchen for Success

If we’re cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner, I keep breakfast simple. Usually it’s something we meal prep or sometimes the hubs make the kids breakfast, something easy to throw together that won’t slow down the rest of the day.

Because kids always wake up hungry — no matter how much they ate the night before. Am I right?

Once breakfast is done, I do a super quick kitchen reset –

• dishes in the dishwasher
• wipe down the counters
• clear the space

It’s so much easier to cook when the kitchen isn’t already a mess.

Clean counters = calmer mind.

This quick reset helps me start cooking without feeling behind.

3. A Simple Family Game Plan

Everyone has a job — big or small.

My kids help with setting the table, picking the living room and preparing the dinner. Jimmy and I divide and conquer so we’re not stepping on each other. It’s about teamwork in our home. It’s also about not doing it all and expecting perfection. 

If you have younger kids, they can fold napkins or pick up toys. Big kids can set the table or help with simple prep jobs in the kitchen.

Everyone also knows what they’re wearing (we’re a leggings + sweatpants family on Thanksgiving).
And everyone knows what the flow of the day looks like.

A little clarity goes a long way — and it keeps me from answering 100 questions before 10 a.m.

A little encouragement…

Mama, remember calm doesn’t come from the perfect meal or a perfectly clean house. It comes from being intentional with routines and rhythms that help you enter the day with peace instead of panic.

Start small, start slow and give yourself permission to enjoy the day with your family and have fun — not just manage it.

Love and Support,

Billie-Jo