Thanksgiving UnMasked

Thanksgiving is often portrayed as the quintessential season of gratitude—filled with family, friends, and a feast that brings everyone together. Behind the festive table settings and carefully crafted holiday moments lies a validity that many people experience but few talk about: the overwhelming pressure to meet expectations that feel stifling this pressure can be particularly suffocating when the world demands that we hide who we are to fit into a neat, comfortable version that matches everyone else's ideal.

Expectations are subtle but powerful myths that shape how we think we should feel, act, or even look during Thanksgiving. These myths tell us that everything must be perfect, that smiles should be genuine, and that gratitude—no matter how strained—should flow freely. The Thanksgiving myth is that everyone should have a family to celebrate with, that the table should be filled with traditional dishes, and that the day should be full of warmth and laughter. The complexity of it all is mind bending.

For many, these expectations mean hiding stress, exhaustion, or emotions that don't match the picture-perfect holiday spirit. It means trying to fit ourselves into a mold that society tells us is the only acceptable one. And in doing so, we often lose ourselves. Some of us, become people-pleasing, smiling faces for the sake of comfort, all while struggling under the weight of it all.

Imagine trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—it's uncomfortable, even painful. This metaphor resonates for those us who are neurodivergent, those with disabilities, those with complex family dynamics, or simply anyone who doesn't fit into society's version of what Thanksgiving "should" be. The pressure to "Mask" makes it hard to set boundaries, say no, or even just take a step back when things become overwhelming. It’s this need to meet unrealistic expectations—to hide our struggles or make ourselves smaller—that steals the true essence of the day.

What if, instead of striving for perfection, we let ourselves simply be? What if the best gift we could give ourselves this year was permission to be our real selves and unmask—flawed, complicated, exhausted, joyous, or anywhere in between?

True connection and peace come not from fitting in or masking who we are, but from honoring ourselves. It’s okay if your Thanksgiving looks different. It’s okay if the picture isn’t perfect or if the gratitude doesn’t always come naturally.

This year, maybe the greatest celebration of all is stepping away from that round hole and embracing the beautiful, unique shape that is you—no masks, no forced smiles, just being your authentic you!

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