10 Creative Ways to Honor Your Mom This Thanksgiving
On the first Thanksgiving after losing my mom, everything was a blur. I remember thinking, How in the world do I do this? How do I gather with my family for this holiday when the person who made it special isn’t here anymore? But at the same time, I didn’t want to deny my loved ones the joy of being together. By the second Thanksgiving, I still hadn’t figured it out—I honestly didn’t even want to be here to face another holiday without her. But by that third Thanksgiving, a shift happened. I started to realize that this is my life now, and I needed to make it count. I could honor God, cherish my mom’s legacy, and find a way to make the rest of my life the best of my life.
If you’re navigating your first, second, or tenth Thanksgiving without your mom, I see you. I know it’s hard, but I also know that there are meaningful ways to honor her that can bring you peace, maybe even a little joy. Here are 10 creative ways to honor your mom this Thanksgiving, with love from The Heart of Miss Bee, Inc. family to yours.
1. Set a Place for Her at the Table
This one’s simple but powerful. Set a special place for your mom, maybe with her favorite dish or a photo. It’s a subtle way of saying, “You’re still here with us,” even if just in spirit.
2. Share Her Favorite Recipe
Remember that special dish she made every Thanksgiving? Bring it back this year. Even if it’s a disaster (I mean, let’s be honest, we’re not all chefs), the effort alone is an act of love, and the laughter over any failed attempts might be the joy your family needs.
3. Tell a “Mom” Story
Start a tradition where everyone shares a favorite memory of your mom. It can be funny, heartfelt, or even something a little snarky. Let’s face it, our moms had sass! Keep her personality alive through the stories that made her who she was.
4. Create a “Thankfulness for Mom” Jar
Place a jar with slips of paper and a pen nearby, and invite everyone to write one thing they’re thankful for about your mom. Read them aloud before or after dinner. Trust me, you’ll feel her presence through every word.
5. Light a Candle in Her Honor
Candles symbolize warmth, guidance, and remembrance. Light a candle for your mom and let it burn throughout the day. Each flicker is a reminder that her light still shines through you.
6. Wear Something That Reminds You of Her
Was your mom known for her fabulous fashion, a favorite color, or even a piece of jewelry? Wear something that reminds you of her. You’ll feel her closer, like a comforting hug throughout the day.
7. Start a Gratitude Journal in Her Honor
We have a free printable grief journal, Living Without You, available at honoringmissbee.org. Use it to start documenting things you’re grateful for, the little moments that remind you of her, and how her love continues to shape your life. Journaling is a powerful tool to process your grief and keep her legacy alive.
8. Watch Her Favorite Movie or TV Show Together
Maybe your mom loved a particular Thanksgiving special or holiday movie. Make it a tradition to watch it in her memory. It’s a way to share something she loved and feel connected to her humor, taste, and personality.
9. Take a “Mom Walk”
If your mom loved nature or had a special spot she liked to visit, go there. Walk, breathe, and let her memory fill the space around you. Nature can be one of the most healing ways to feel connected to those we’ve lost.
10. Write Her a Letter
This may feel raw, but writing can be incredibly therapeutic. Write your mom a letter about what this holiday means to you now. Include how much you miss her, what you’re grateful for, and how you’re carrying her spirit forward. Our Healing Through Connection program at InHerBliss.com provides additional journaling prompts and email coaching for those who need structured support with grief.
Thanksgiving will never be the same, but it doesn’t mean we can’t find new ways to include our loved ones in our traditions. These ideas can help create a sense of closeness and purpose, even in the hardest moments.
Reflection Questions
How can you incorporate one of your mom’s traditions to bring her presence into your Thanksgiving celebration?
What’s one thing you’re grateful for that your mom taught or gave you?
How might sharing your grief story bring peace or inspiration to others?
Quote
“Grief doesn’t stop the love. And while it may reshape our holidays, it also deepens our connection to those we’ve lost. We just have to let it in.”
— Kinyatta E. Gray
About Kinyatta E. Gray
Kinyatta E. Gray is an author, entrepreneur, and founder of The Heart of Miss Bee, Inc., a nonprofit that provides compassionate support to women who have lost their mothers. Since her mother’s passing, Kinyatta has turned her grief into a driving force, building a legacy that speaks to resilience, purpose, and healing. She has published several books, launched a successful nonprofit, and created programs that help others navigate the path of loss.