Practicing Gratitude This Thanksgiving Week
While I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional sense, this time of year always inspires me to pause and reflect on what I’m most grateful for. Living in Germany and being vegetarian means my holidays look a little different, but one thing remains universal—gratitude. In this post, I’m sharing how I’m embracing the season with nourishing meals, gentle movement, and simple rituals that fill my heart with joy.
Whether or not you celebrate, I hope this inspires you to lean into the spirit of gratitude in a way that feels meaningful to you. 💚
Our Thanksgiving Meal: A Celebration of Gratitude and Health
This year, our Sunday dinner was extra special. We decided to create a vegetarian Thanksgiving meal that would reflect both my gratitude and love for wholesome, nourishing foods. The timing also worked out perfectly, as it coincided with Remembrance Day here in Germany, which made our gathering even more meaningful.
1. Kale Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Crispy Lentils
This hearty and vibrant kale salad from Two Peas & Their Pod was the perfect balance of crispy lentils, roasted vegetables, and fresh kale. It was a refreshing yet filling dish that everyone loved and is a wonderful addition to any holiday meal.
2. Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
This beautiful dish from Cookie and Kate features acorn squash stuffed with quinoa, cranberries, and nuts. It’s a comforting, seasonal dish that brings so much flavor and is full of healthy ingredients. Perfect for a Thanksgiving table!
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
This creamy and slightly sweet casserole from Cookie and Kate is a crowd-pleaser. The warm, cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes are topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that adds the perfect texture. It’s a classic side dish that I’ve made every year, and it never disappoints.
4. Best Green Beans
A simple yet delicious dish from Cookie and Kate that proves green beans don’t need to be complicated to taste amazing. Lightly sautéed with garlic, shallots, and a touch of lemon, these green beans were the ideal fresh side to complement the richness of the other dishes.
5. Honey Butter Cornbread
This moist, slightly sweet cornbread from Cookie and Kate was a big hit at the dinner table. With a bit of honey and a rich, buttery flavor, it added the perfect touch of comfort and warmth to our meal.
6. Heart-Healthy Chocolate Mousse
For dessert, we indulged in a decadent yet healthy chocolate mousse from Crazy for Crust. Made with avocado, it’s rich and creamy but packed with healthy fats. A guilt-free treat to end the evening on a sweet note.
These recipes were all thoughtfully chosen to honor my vegetarian lifestyle and love for nutrient-dense foods while still bringing a festive touch to our Thanksgiving-inspired meal. Each dish was not only delicious but also a reminder of the importance of nourishment, family, and gratitude.
How I’m Practicing Gratitude This Week
Gratitude isn’t just about listing what I’m thankful for—it’s about creating moments that help me feel connected, peaceful, and grounded. Here are some ways I’m doing that this week:
Gratitude Journaling
Each evening, I write down three things I’m grateful for. This small practice sets a positive tone for the day and helps me focus on life’s blessings, no matter how small.Connecting with Loved Ones
I’m so grateful for the amazing family I have here in Germany. One of our cherished traditions is celebrating Sunday dinner together as a family. This year, because Thanksgiving falls so late, we decided to mark the occasion a week early with a special Sunday dinner, which coincidentally aligned with Germany’s Remembrance Day. It was a beautiful way to share a meal, reflect, and appreciate the moments that truly matter.
What I’m Loving This Week
This season feels extra special when I intentionally lean into the things that bring me joy:
Scented Candles: My favorite eucalyptus and basil blend for a cozy atmosphere.
Long Nature Walks: Autumn is magical here in Germany, with crisp air and golden leaves.
Books That Inspire Gratitude: I’ve been rereading The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. A transformative guide for personal freedom, with a focus on acceptance and gratitude in our relationships and actions.
Essential Oils for Reflection: I’m diffusing frankincense and orange for a warm, grounding scent.
My favorite gratitude journal: The Gift of Gratitude Journal: 365 Questions to Awaken Joy —it’s a simple yet powerful tool to cultivate thankfulness every day.
Gentle Workouts to Stay Grounded
Movement keeps me centered during busy weeks. Here’s how I’m staying active:
Gratitude Yoga Flow (30 mins): A heart-opening practice that pairs beautifully with the theme of gratitude. Watch here
Nature Walks: Unplugging and soaking in the beauty of nature is a moving meditation all its own.
Guided Meditation (15 mins): A simple practice to cultivate gratitude and mindfulness. Try it here
Final Thoughts
This week isn’t about a big meal or traditional celebrations for me—it’s about the small, meaningful moments that remind me how abundant life is. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply soaking in the beauty of the season, I hope you find ways to practice gratitude and nurture your spirit.
Let me know in the comments: What’s one thing you’re grateful for this week?
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