13 Ways to Celebrate Your First Thanksgiving as a Married Couple

Listen to this article

As a newly married couple, you will have many “firsts” and many decisions to make, not the least of which will be where to spend your first Thanksgiving. This is something you may have even discussed during your engagement and marriage preparation. 

So, how do you plan to celebrate your first Thanksgiving as a married couple?

Your decision will likely be influenced by your own personal circumstances, such as the geographical location of your respective parents, as well as the quality of your relationship with your parents. For some couples, this will be an easy decision, but others may need to think through their options.

What should couples do on Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a time for families and loved ones to come together and celebrate their blessings. For couples, this can be a special opportunity to create new traditions and strengthen their bond. 

Some popular activities for couples on Thanksgiving include cooking a meal together, hosting a dinner party for close friends, volunteering at a local food bank or charity, taking a scenic hike or nature walk, or watching football or holiday movies. 

Couples can also exchange thoughtful gifts or write letters of gratitude to each other. Ultimately, the goal is to spend quality time together and create meaningful memories that will last for years to come.

A few helpful questions for you to answer

Are you unable to make up your mind on how to celebrate your first Thanksgiving? Let us help you reach a decision by answering these simple questions and deciding what works best for you.

What are your priorities regarding family celebrations?

Thanksgiving for couples is a great opportunity to create traditions. Each of you needs to be honest about what is really important to you. Perhaps your family doesn’t make much fuss at Thanksgiving, while your spouse’s family goes all out with the traditional fare. 

Perhaps you would really just prefer to be alone as a couple and set a foundation for your marriage and your own future family traditions. Once you are clear about your own personal priorities, you are ready for the next question.

How do your parents feel about your plans?

Perhaps both your sets of parents have already started expressing their desires for you to be with them on this special day and greeting you ‘’Happy first Thanksgiving, newlyweds!’’

Or perhaps there is no pressure at all, and they are leaving the choices up to you. Either way, chat with your parents and find out how they feel and what their expectations are.

What are the logistics involved?

This question is to consider how far away you live from both your families. 

If you are in the same city, it makes things a lot simpler, but many couples find themselves living far away from their parents, and travel costs would need to be taken into consideration as well as the time that it would take to travel back and forth.

What options are open to you?

Once you have thought these things through, you will be able to identify a few possible options for your particular situation on celebrating your first Thanksgiving as a married couple. These may include alternating between your families, visiting with one this year and the other next year. 

If they live close by, you could spend part of the day with one family and part with the other. Or you may consider hosting both families at your home.

Finally, what is your decision?

Once you have laid out all your options, you will need to make a decision that is agreeable to both of you. Whatever you decide, remember that now you are a married couple, and your relationship with your spouse comes first.

13 tips to celebrate your first Thanksgiving as a married couple

Thanksgiving is a special time to celebrate the blessings of the year and spend time with loved ones. For couples, their first Thanksgiving as a married couple is an exciting opportunity to create new traditions and start building a life together. 

Here are 13 creative and wholesome ways to celebrate your first Thanksgiving as a married couple:

1. Host a Thanksgiving dinner party

Invite your closest friends and family to your home and cook a meal together as a couple. This is a great way to showcase your culinary skills and make lasting memories.

2. Volunteer at a local food bank

Charity can be a great inclusion to the Thanksgiving traditions for couples. Many communities offer opportunities to volunteer on Thanksgiving day at a local food bank or soup kitchen. Giving back as a couple can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

3. Take a scenic hike

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving preparations and spend some quality time together in nature. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and crisp air as you take a scenic hike.

4. Create a gratitude jar

It is your first Thanksgiving as husband and wife; make it heartfelt. Take some time as a couple to reflect on the blessings of the past year and write them down on slips of paper. Fill a jar with these notes of gratitude and read them together on Thanksgiving day.

5. Host a Friendsgiving

Make your first Thanksgiving as a couple a fun affair by inviting friends over. If you and your spouse are far away from family, consider hosting a Friendsgiving celebration with close friends. Share a potluck-style meal and enjoy each other’s company.

6. Attend a local Thanksgiving parade

Many communities host Thanksgiving parades with floats, marching bands, and other festivities. Attend one of these events together and enjoy the holiday spirit.

7. Have a movie marathon

Spend a cozy day with your spouse and binge-watch your favorite holiday movies. Make some popcorn, cuddle up on the couch, and enjoy the day together.

Here are 7 tips for a perfect movie marathon binge. Watch the video:

8. Try a new recipe

Mix up your Thanksgiving menu by trying out a new recipe together. It can be a fun and exciting challenge to create a new dish as a couple.

9. Plan a weekend getaway

Take advantage of the long weekend and plan a romantic weekend getaway as a couple. Explore a new city, go on a wine-tasting tour, or simply relax and unwind together. It could be a great way to celebrate your first Thanksgiving as a married couple.

10. Write letters of gratitude to each other

If you ever happened to attend any paid or affordable marriage counseling, you would know how important it is to express your gratitude to your partner.

Try going old-fashioned for your first Thanksgiving as a married couple. Take some time to reflect on the ways in which your spouse has enriched your life and write a heartfelt letter of gratitude to them. Share these letters with each other on Thanksgiving day.

11. Plan for the future

Take a moment during your first Thanksgiving as a married couple to discuss and dream about your future together. Share your goals, aspirations, and the adventures you envision. 

Whether it’s planning your dream home, discussing career moves, or even envisioning future holiday celebrations, this can be a meaningful bonding experience that sets the tone for your journey ahead.

12. Enjoy downtime

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, make sure to carve out some quality downtime for just the two of you on your first married thanksgiving. 

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll after dinner, snuggling up with a favorite book or movie, or simply enjoying each other’s company without distractions, taking time to relax together fosters a deeper connection and allows you to appreciate the simplicity of being together.

13. Walk the memory lane

Reminisce about the moments that led you to this first Thanksgiving as a married couple. Share anecdotes from your dating days, recalling the quirks, laughter, and challenges you faced together. 

This trip down memory lane not only strengthens your emotional connection but also serves as a beautiful reminder of the journey you’ve taken to reach this special milestone in your relationship.

FAQs

Planning your first Thanksgiving as a couple? Discovering unique traditions, adding a special touch, navigating travel, and finding the perfect gift can make this holiday memorable.

• What are some unique Thanksgiving traditions for couples?

Establishing your own Thanksgiving traditions adds a special touch to the holiday. Try creating a gratitude jar to express thanks, cooking a signature dish together, or starting a cozy movie marathon. These personalized traditions make the day uniquely yours, setting the foundation for years to come.

• How can we make our first Thanksgiving special?

To make your first Thanksgiving special, focus on personalizing the day. Collaborate on cooking, choose thoughtful decorations, and create a cozy atmosphere. Centering the day around gratitude and cherishing each other’s company will make it extra memorable.

• Are there any Thanksgiving travel tips for married couples?

Traveling during Thanksgiving? Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress. Whether driving or flying, pack essentials and be flexible with your schedule. Embrace the journey as part of the adventure, and maintain a positive attitude to navigate any travel challenges together, making the trip a bonding experience.

• What are some thoughtful Thanksgiving gift ideas for my spouse?

Show your appreciation with thoughtful Thanksgiving gifts for your spouse. Consider personalized items like a gratitude journal or a framed photo capturing a special moment. Small gestures, whether big or small, express your love and gratitude during this season of thanks, creating a deeper connection in your relationship.

Make it your most memorable Thanksgiving

There are many creative and traditional ways to celebrate your first Thanksgiving as a married couple. 

Whether you choose to host a dinner party for family and friends, volunteer at a food bank, or simply enjoy a cozy day together, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your spouse and reflect on the blessings of the past year. 

By creating new traditions and making lasting memories, you can start building a life together that is full of love, joy, and gratitude. At last, Happy Thanksgiving, newlyweds!