This is the second year in a row we’re escaping for Thanksgiving—just the five of us (six if you count the dog). This time, we’re off to a resort near Lake George. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: Thanksgiving is a time for big gatherings with extended family, celebrating and giving thanks. And sure, that’s great, but have you ever tried doing that after preparing a feast for 40?
Let me rewind a bit. A couple of years ago, my husband, in his infinite wisdom, managed to “accidentally on purpose” break our stove just days before Thanksgiving. He wanted to show me how dumping a pot of water on an electric cooktop wouldn’t cause any harm. Spoiler alert: it did. We were left without a stove until after New Year’s. Apparently, his engineering degree skipped the section on circuits!
Despite that, we still hosted Thanksgiving—and Christmas—for the whole family. And let me tell you, it’s not just the cooking that drains you. It’s the pre-holiday cleaning, the entertaining, and the post-party mess that seems to multiply. Yes, there’s a lot to be thankful for, but hosting a big holiday gathering isn’t high on my gratitude list.
So, last year, I made the executive decision to skip the stress and head to a resort for Thanksgiving. It was fantastic. The kids swam, I actually relaxed, and the resort even had a full Thanksgiving dinner for those who didn’t want to miss the turkey. It was the perfect blend of family time and relaxation.
This year, we’re doing it again—this time with the puppy along for the ride! I’m already looking forward to another peaceful Thanksgiving retreat, and I’ve realized what I’m truly thankful for: a holiday free from the pressure of hosting.
Honestly, it’s turned into a new tradition that we all love. The kids enjoy the adventure, my husband gets a real chance to unwind, and I get to soak in the holiday without spending hours in the kitchen. We miss seeing extended family on Thanksgiving, but we make up for it with gatherings before or after. This way, we get the best of both worlds: quality family time and total relaxation.
