Giving Thanks for the Gift of Less

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us begin thinking about gratitude, gathering, and the things that truly matter. Yet in a world that encourages us to consume more and hurry faster, it is surprisingly easy to lose sight of the simple gifts right in front of us.

Mindful consumption invites us to slow down and make intentional choices. It encourages us to consider how we spend our time, energy, and attention. When we release the excess in our lives, we create room for what brings genuine joy and peace.

This Thanksgiving season, I have been reflecting on the places in my life where choosing less has allowed me to experience more abundance. Here are a few lessons that have shaped my journey.

Less Shampoo, More Simplicity

It might sound unusual to begin a Thanksgiving reflection with hair care, but it was a small change that taught me a big truth.

For years I washed my hair every day because my haircut seemed to require it. When I eventually grew it out, I learned that daily washing was not necessary. My scalp adjusted, my hair became healthier, and I found myself spending less time and money on products.

This simple shift reminded me that small acts of simplification can create more peace in our daily lives. Thanksgiving often highlights the importance of gratitude for everyday blessings. Sometimes those blessings begin with simple choices that free our time and lighten our load.

Less Technology, More Presence

Technology plays a major role in my work and life. It has been a blessing and a tool that allows me to teach in ways I once only imagined. Yet it can also be mentally exhausting and financially costly.

When I upgraded my old computer last year, I made the decision not to bring over years of cluttered files and unused apps. That choice brought a surprising sense of clarity.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am more aware than ever of the gift of presence. Reducing digital clutter has helped me be more focused during my work and more present with my family. There is peace in choosing simplicity, especially during a season that invites us to notice what matters most.

Less Documenting, More Living

At Thanksgiving, we often reach for our phones to capture moments around the table. Yet I have learned that constantly documenting life can pull me out of the very moment I want to remember.

These days, I take fewer photos. I still treasure the pictures of my grandchildren, but I no longer feel pressure to capture every detail. The holidays become richer when we allow ourselves to be fully present instead of watching our lives through a screen. So put down that phone when you come to the Thanksgiving table!

Less Meal Prep, More Freedom

I am not someone who enjoys cooking, and I am thankful that my husband handles most of our meal preparation. Our approach is simple. We cook larger batches for leftovers and stick to easy recipes.

Thanksgiving often brings pressure to create elaborate meals, but simplicity can be just as meaningful. When we focus less on perfection and more on togetherness, we free ourselves to enjoy the company of the people around us.

Less Clothing, More Ease

Every holiday does not require a new outfit!

In a culture that pressures us to show up in something trendy or Instagram-worthy, it’s freeing to remember that celebration isn’t measured by what we wear. Some of the warmest, most meaningful gatherings happen when we show up simply as ourselves and focus on the people around us. Re-wearing a favorite sweater is a quiet act of contentment. It shifts the spotlight from outward appearance to the connections that truly make a holiday memorable.

Less Cleaning, More Contentment

Many of us know the rush of cleaning the house before guests arrive. In our home we jokingly call it shame cleaning. It is rooted in wanting to appear perfect.

This year I have been practicing a more relaxed approach. A tidy home is good, but enjoying the home God has given me is better. Thanksgiving is not about impressing others; it is about welcoming them with warmth.

Less Scrolling, More Soul

The last few months have been a struggle for me with social media. The endless scroll of even positive posts can be draining and setting me up for comparison, especially since I began my next book on teaching reading. Suddenly every possible phonics program is in my feed.

Thanksgiving invites us to live with intentional gratitude and step away from comparison. Reducing screen time helps create space for reflection and gratitude.

Less Anxiety, More Trust

Philippians 4:6 reminds us to be anxious for nothing but to bring everything to God with prayer and thanksgiving. As someone whose teaching income depends on enrollment numbers, I understand how hard it can be to let go of worry.

The last few years I have reduced my work load by only teaching one section of second grade instead of two. This has given me more time to help others and make travel easier. It has cut my income in half, but we find ourselves still abundantly provided for with excess to share.

Thanksgiving is a powerful time to reflect on God’s provisions and to release the worries that steal our joy.

Less Expectations, More Joy

High expectations can easily dampen the joy of holidays and gatherings. As a shy teenager, I often imagined becoming an entirely different version of myself at youth events. Those expectations set me up for disappointment.

The same thing happens in our relationships. When we place unspoken expectations on others, we create pressure and frustration for everyone involved.

Thanksgiving becomes much more joyful when we choose openness instead of rigid expectations. When we allow events to unfold naturally, we often find ourselves pleasantly surprised in the moment.

Choosing Less to Experience More This Thanksgiving

Mindful consumption is not about having less for the sake of less. It is about clarity. When we consume less, we live more intentionally. We create space for gratitude, connection, and the presence of God in our everyday lives.

This Thanksgiving, may we release what weighs us down and embrace what brings genuine joy. May we find peace in simplicity and fullness in gratitude. May choosing less open the door to experiencing more of what truly matters.