When Thanksgiving is sad

Thanksgiving is a gorgeous holiday. I love that we have a day dedicated to feasting, celebrating, and belonging with the people we love! Togetherness, warmth, gratitude, and pumpkin pie. I love it.

Yet, Thanksgiving also magnifies what’s missing. It can be filled with sadness and longing. The empty chair at the table—a reminder of lost loved ones, broken relationships, or missed connections—can weigh heavily on our hearts. Whether you’ve lost a dear one, are living far from family, or have chosen boundaries that keep you from old traditions, this time of year can amplify feelings of emptiness.

What do we do when Thanksgiving has empty chairs? An empty table? An empty home? An aching heart?