Ah, the holiday season is upon us, my friends. You know what that means—gathering around the table for Thanksgiving while enduring Uncle Charlie’s cringe-worthy jokes about women. Or maybe you’re stuck in the kitchen while your rowdy nieces and nephews use the walls as their canvas, smearing chocolate everywhere while their parents sip drinks and pretend it’s not happening. Or perhaps you spend hours cooking, only for your mother-in-law to ignore your efforts and not offer a single compliment. Fun times, right?
Unless, of course, it’s not. Maybe this year you decide to say “forget it!” and book a getaway to a tropical paradise (or even just a cozy hotel nearby—anything to escape). Honestly, turkey is overrated anyway, and I’d much prefer a peaceful day with some chicken nuggets instead.
Holidays are meant to be joyful, but they often come with a side of family drama and ex-spouse complications. They can drain your wallet, require endless prep, and leave you utterly exhausted. If you love Thanksgiving and it genuinely brings you joy, enjoy every slice of pie! But if you find yourself muttering expletives at 9 PM as you battle an overflowing sink full of dishes and pick up glass shards from the floor because Aunt Lisa broke your favorite wine glass AGAIN, maybe it’s not worth it.
Consider ordering takeout and calling it quits for the day. Let Uncle Charlie and Aunt Lisa annoy someone else for a change. My partner’s family isn’t toxic, but they are loud and honestly, quite obnoxious. Even our kids aren’t fans! But my partner isn’t ready to cut ties just yet.
Confessionals
Confessional #25860157
I’m keeping my health diagnosis to myself this Thanksgiving. I don’t want my personal business plastered on social media, judged over my food choices, or inundated with articles about reversing my condition with crystals or essential oils.
Confessional #25857836
We usually accommodate a vegan relative at family dinners, but Thanksgiving has been a challenge! Turns out, she eats sweets and occasional meat at home, so I’m telling her to bring her own meal this year!
Confessional #25853923
Dear partner, please don’t invite your sister and her freeloading family this year. They’re just too loud and obnoxious. Let’s enjoy Thanksgiving for once. Just keep your mouth shut about it.
Confessional #25854019
Sure, holidays are about family, but what if your family is unbearable? Maybe they should be about something else entirely.
I just want to hide this Thanksgiving. I need peace and quiet, not family chaos. Honestly, I’d be happier grabbing some takeout and binge-watching my favorite shows.
Confessional #25859346
I’m nervous to ask my son about his Thanksgiving plans. I love him, but having him and his new girlfriend around for a whole week? I prefer my quiet space.
Confessional #25858650
My adult step-kids keep pestering us about hosting Thanksgiving. Seriously, kill me now.
Confessional #25857602
Listen, family, we love you, but we also love our peace and quiet. Find another table for Thanksgiving. We’re taking a break this year. Locks door, puts on pajamas, and turns on Netflix.
I’ve always found it rude when I work hard on Thanksgiving dinner only to hear my sister-in-law and father-in-law rave about my mother-in-law’s one dish. Hello?! I worked hard too!
Confessional #25847331
I’m so frustrated with my mother-in-law. She’s pushing for a family gathering for the holidays despite my little one being unvaccinated. She just doesn’t get it!
Confessional #25852186
Unless my in-laws get vaccinated, they’re not welcome for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. They can just go away.
Confessional #25851276
It’s always the in-laws, isn’t it? With their judgmental comments about our home, kids, and cooking, we’re just done with it all.
Thanks to my ex’s whining, I have to split Thanksgiving into two separate gatherings.
Confessional #25860119
My ex invited me to his place for Thanksgiving. He “misses us” (my cooking) and doesn’t want to be alone, but I already made plans with my family. Tough luck, cheater!
Confessional #25859279
My ex cheated and ruined our marriage four months ago, and now he’s hinting he wants to come to Thanksgiving at my place. Seriously?! His new girlfriend can cook him a turkey. Or better yet, he can do it himself.
Confessional #25858938
My ex is fishing for an invitation to Thanksgiving at my home. Not happening.
Confessional #25858664
And then there’s the ex! The drama never ends. No way are you coming over, jerk. Cook your own turkey!
I’ve made restaurant reservations for Thanksgiving. It’s actually cheaper than cooking everything myself and so much less work.
Confessional #25856840
We booked a beach vacation for Thanksgiving week. I’m so relieved to skip all the traditional family drama!
Confessional #25860141
I work in healthcare and, due to staffing shortages, I’ll be working through both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Honestly, I’m thankful for the break from holiday chaos.
Confessional #25859952
I got an unexpected bonus at work, so we booked a luxury vacation for Thanksgiving. No parents, no in-laws, no cooking—just our little family enjoying our hard-earned money.
So, many of us are saying “not this year” and opting out of Thanksgiving altogether. Whether it’s spending the holiday at the beach, volunteering to work, or just avoiding the chaos of family gatherings, you owe it to yourself to enjoy the day however you see fit. After all, Thanksgiving should be about appreciating the blessings in your life, not putting up with Uncle Charlie’s mustard-stained shirt.
If you can’t escape to Hawaii, consider making dinner reservations or just enjoying some pizza bites while lounging in your pajamas. Let everyone else fend for themselves. Just don’t forget to grab a big ol’ pie, because pie is a must!
Summary
Thanksgiving can be a source of stress for many, filled with family drama and obligations that often overshadow the holiday’s intended spirit of gratitude. Whether it’s dealing with obnoxious relatives or opting to skip the traditional meal altogether, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. Embrace the idea of spending the day in a way that truly brings you joy, whether that means taking a vacation, ordering takeout, or simply enjoying a quiet day at home.
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