Holidays on the Road: Thanksgiving

We are often asked questions about how we celebrate holidays when we’re on the road. This time of year makes me feel nostalgic for traditions that are hard to keep and loved ones that are often far away.

It has been important for me to learn to rethink my definitions and expectations for celebrating holidays. My kids will not grow up with the exact same traditions I did. That would have been true whether or not we chose this nomadic lifestyle. This doesn’t mean that the new traditions we create in our family – that are full-time travel compatible – aren’t beautiful and meaningful.

I am also learning to be open to the possibilities that are hidden in the challenge of holidays on the road. Last year, far from loved ones on Thanksgiving, we joined a group of other full-time RVing families that graciously invited us to join their potluck feast. These new friends quickly grew to become like family on the road. Our tribe. We spent most of the winter together and we’re excited to rejoin them in Florida in a few weeks.

A Snowy Start

But first, we’re spending Thanksgiving with family in the Philadelphia area this year. We were hoping for a mild November until after Thanksgiving when we will start heading south for the winter. Instead, we’ve already thawed our water line with a hair dryer once, and this is the scene as I sit and type this:

The kids are thrilled, and I suppose it’s important for them not to forget winter entirely. They are still Swedish, after all.

RV Thanksgiving

If you’re curious about how RVing families celebrate Thanksgiving on the road, or an RVer looking for ideas, I’m guest posting about this today over at Wonder Wherever We Wander! Here’s an excerpt:

“It’s time once again for Thanksgiving in America. (The Canadians have already had theirs.) In true American fashion, each year we choose to show how thankful we are for the blessings of the year by attempting to consume them all in a single meal. (Just joking… sort of.)

Thanksgiving conjures images of a large extended family gathered around a table filled with turkey, stuffing, and platters of other delicious and festive foods. Young and old are dressed in their Sunday best and trying hard to save room for pumpkin pie. It’s like a Norman Rockwell painting.

But what do you do when you live in an RV the size of the dining table in that painting? How can families on the road celebrate this iconic American holiday? Chances are, the reality will be far from the painting, but a memorable Thanksgiving celebration is possible wherever the road takes you…”

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Whether this Thanksgiving finds you enjoying the shade of a palm tree (like we did last year!) or shoveling out your car (like we are this year), we wish you a wonderful holiday! May you be surrounded by those you love and pause to give thanks for God’s abundant gifts.

Past holiday reflections:
Halloween 
Easter
Christmas