Celebrating Thanksgiving as a Nonbeliever

Thankful thoughts from the RfR Online Community

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

There are a lot that changes when you leave religion behind, and the holidays are no exception. We posted a topic in the RfR online community asking for thoughts for Thanksgiving. We asked, what’s it like, celebrating Thanksgiving as a formerly-religious person? Here’s what everyone had to say.

I’ve spent most of my adult life finding reasons to avoid holidays. I hate the obligatory spending, the crowds, and the extra busy-ness and stress.
However, I love the idea of giving thanks. I love singing and especially traditional carols, and I love spending time with (certain members) of my family. Like everyone, I’m less enthusiastic about some of my family than others. Lol.

Over the last couple of decades, I’ve slowly weaned my sphere of influence from expecting much from me. I don’t give gifts or Christmas cards, I don’t decorate, bake, or attend parties. I don’t even organize events for my business anymore (If clients want them, I let one of them volunteer to organize it and I just pay for it.)

This year, I’ll attend a Thanksgiving gathering with my family, including my adult children (who I unconditionally adore) and other family members (who I love even though they are way too conservative and religious.) Then my…