Your first Thanksgiving without the kids can feel a little sad and lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. After years of a house full of kids, bustling kitchens, and lively family chaos, the thought of a quieter, emptier home on Thanksgiving might feel less than exciting. But this is your chance to embrace the change and create new traditions that are just as meaningful and enjoyable. Here are five ideas to help make your empty nest Thanksgiving a holiday filled with joy, gratitude, and a few new traditions that celebrate this special phase of life.
1. Cook Your Favorite Meal Together
Thanksgiving is usually synonymous with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and all the classic trimmings. But who says you have to follow that same menu year after year? One of the most liberating parts of an empty nest Thanksgiving is the freedom to create your own traditions—especially when it comes to food.
For us, Thanksgiving has become all about lasagna. Thanksgiving lasagna might sound unconventional, but it’s a dish that both my partner and I absolutely love. It’s hearty, comforting, and still big enough to give us those beloved Thanksgiving leftovers for a couple of days. The beauty of a meal like lasagna or another favorite dish is that it’s special to you. So, if turkey isn’t what makes the holiday feel festive, swap it out for something you and your partner love to cook and eat together.
Cooking a favorite dish together can also become a fun activity, where you share kitchen duties or each take on a small part of the meal. The day doesn’t have to feel like work or obligation; it’s all about making memories, even if they’re simpler. From pasta bakes to seafood boils or even steak night, the point is to enjoy a meal that fits the two of you and makes this empty nest Thanksgiving feel both delicious and uniquely yours.
2. Volunteer in Your Community
Another wonderful way to spend an empty nest Thanksgiving is by giving back to the community. While you may no longer be hosting a houseful of family, you can still share the holiday with others—particularly those in need of a warm meal and friendly faces. Many shelters and nonprofits host large Thanksgiving dinners, serving the houseless community, the elderly, and anyone who might be alone or without the resources to cook a big meal.
In our area, there’s an annual Frank Veltri Annual Thanksgiving Dinner organized by local community members for more than 50 years. Volunteers help cook, serve, and even deliver meals to those who can’t leave their homes. People gather for a sense of community, a delicious meal, and the comfort of knowing they aren’t alone on Thanksgiving. This can be incredibly fulfilling, and it’s a reminder of the spirit of gratitude that the holiday is all about.
If you feel called to volunteer, check with local shelters, food banks, or community centers. Many will be organizing efforts for Thanksgiving and may need extra hands in the kitchen or with meal delivery. Just a few hours spent serving meals can make your empty nest Thanksgiving feel purposeful and can introduce you to new people who share the same holiday spirit.
3. Let Your Kids Take Over Hosting Duties
Once your kids are grown, it can be both strange and delightful to let them take the reins for Thanksgiving. If they’re interested in hosting, it might be time to pass on the Thanksgiving torch. This not only gives you a break from the long hours in the kitchen, but it also allows them to start crafting their own traditions and styles of hosting, while still preserving the family gathering.
When my kids were young, Thanksgiving meant I did all the cooking. We hosted the extended family, and every inch of the house was buzzing with activity. Over the years, though, I realized that part of the joy of an empty nest Thanksgiving is letting the younger generation make the day their own. Now, I love going to their homes for Thanksgiving. I often bring a their favorite dish, my famous chocolate pecan pie, but I leave the main meal to them. It’s a beautiful way to watch your kids grow into their roles as hosts, and it gives you the opportunity to relax and simply enjoy the day.
This shift in roles doesn’t just mean less work for you; it’s a chance for your grown children to create their own traditions and to feel the joy and responsibility of hosting. Watching them add their own touches to Thanksgiving can make the holiday even more special.
4. Go Out for a Thanksgiving Meal
Sometimes, the best way to embrace an empty nest Thanksgiving is by taking the day off from cooking altogether. For many empty nesters, Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to make reservations at a nice restaurant, especially one that offers a Thanksgiving menu. There’s something refreshing about walking into a beautifully decorated space, indulging in a festive meal without worrying about cleanup, and perhaps even leaving with a doggy bag for later.
Many restaurants now offer Thanksgiving buffets or special menus, with all the traditional fixings (and a few surprises) served without you having to lift a finger. For empty nesters, this can be the perfect way to enjoy Thanksgiving in a new, elegant setting. Plus, by dining out, you get to focus on connecting with each other, sharing memories, and maybe even indulging in a little dessert without having to bake it yourself.
Dining out can also offer the chance to explore a new place together, turning Thanksgiving into a mini adventure. You might try a new restaurant or a scenic inn, making the experience feel like a holiday getaway. An empty nest Thanksgiving doesn’t have to follow the same rules as before, so let yourselves enjoy the fun of a holiday meal that’s all about the two of you.
5. Host a Friendsgiving
If you still feel that familiar urge to cook a big Thanksgiving meal but don’t have a full house, consider hosting a Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving has become a popular way for friends to come together and celebrate, often with a bit less formality than a traditional family Thanksgiving. Hosting a Friendsgiving as part of your empty nest Thanksgiving tradition can bring back the joy of cooking for a crowd while also giving you a new circle to share the holiday with.
Invite other empty nest friends, especially those who may not have family close by or who might otherwise be spending Thanksgiving alone. Each person can bring a favorite dish, making the meal a true potluck feast. With Friendsgiving, you can enjoy great food, lots of laughter, and maybe even start some new traditions like game nights or wine tasting. This gathering can be as laid-back or as elaborate as you like, with the goal of simply sharing a fun, meaningful holiday with friends who feel like family.
Hosting a Friendsgiving can also become an annual tradition, giving everyone something to look forward to each holiday season. You might even add in a theme or special activity, like watching classic Thanksgiving movies, sharing what you’re thankful for, or hosting a “leftovers exchange” where everyone swaps a little of their best dish to take home.
The holidays may look a little different now, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be filled with joy, warmth, and new memories. An empty nest Thanksgiving is a chance to create fresh traditions that fit this new chapter in life. Whether you’re trying a unique meal, volunteering together, or sharing a Friendsgiving, these ideas can make Thanksgiving feel special in a whole new way.
And once you’ve celebrated Thanksgiving, there are even more ways to embrace the season ahead! Be sure to check out my post on Ways to Celebrate Christmas with an Empty Nest for ideas on making the holiday season merry and meaningful. This new phase offers plenty of room for new traditions, and each holiday is another opportunity to make memories that feel just right for you.
