Celebrating Thanksgiving after the loss of a loved one can be challenging, as holidays often highlight their absence and bring up cherished memories. However, it’s still possible to create a warm, meaningful holiday by honoring their memory, adjusting expectations, and finding ways to move forward with love and togetherness. From the Kitchen Switchen family to yours, here’s some guidance on how to manage grief, start new traditions, and keep a loved one’s spirit alive in the holiday festivities.

Managing Grief During the Holidays

Grief doesn’t disappear on holidays, and Thanksgiving can sometimes bring a surge of emotions. It’s natural to feel sadness, and giving yourself and your family space to acknowledge these emotions is crucial. Consider setting aside time to share memories of your loved one, whether it’s during the meal, in a quiet moment, or as a specific part of the day. Some families find comfort in sharing stories or lighting a candle in their honor. This gentle remembrance allows everyone to feel close to the person they’ve lost and provides an opportunity to process those feelings together.

It can also help to give yourself permission to experience joy and connection. Grief and joy can coexist, and celebrating with others doesn’t mean you’re forgetting or minimizing the loss. Embracing these moments can offer a feeling of healing and unity that is especially valuable during the holidays.

Starting New Traditions

While honoring old traditions is comforting, creating new ones can be an uplifting way to move forward. You might consider planning a new activity, like a “thankfulness” jar, where family members can write down things they’re grateful for and share them at dinner. Another idea is a special Friendsgiving with people who supported your family through your loss, giving thanks for friendship and connection.

A meaningful tradition could also involve the community—like volunteering together, donating in your loved one’s name, or making a dish to share with neighbors. These new activities help bring in fresh memories and offer ways to adapt holiday traditions while still honoring the past.

Adding a Special Recipe to Honor Their Memory

Incorporating a loved one’s favorite dish or ingredient into your Thanksgiving meal can be a beautiful way to keep their spirit alive. At Kitchen Switchen, we’re honoring one of our own with a special recipe that includes Bing cherries. These remind us of time spent together at the park, pizza nights, and a little bit of “Daddyo” during the holidays. Bing cherries were his favorite, and using them in a dish, like a Bing Cherry & Cranberry Relish, brings a piece of him to the table.

This small act of remembrance through food helps us feel connected and keeps those cherished moments close. Perhaps there’s a dish that your loved one enjoyed or even a new recipe featuring an ingredient that reminds you of them. Bringing it into your Thanksgiving meal can make the occasion feel warmer and more personal.

The Power of Thanksgiving Togetherness

The essence of Thanksgiving is gratitude, and even in loss, there’s often so much to be grateful for—whether it’s the love and memories left behind or the support of friends and family who gather to share the day with you. Keeping a loved one’s spirit alive in your celebration doesn’t have to be complex. Often, it’s found in the little things: a cherished recipe, a new tradition, or simply being together, remembering, and feeling grateful.

From all of us at Kitchen Switchen, we’re sending warmth, comfort, and love to families finding their way through a new kind of Thanksgiving. The season is about connection and gratitude, and sometimes, honoring those we’ve lost helps us feel even closer to them. Here’s to a meaningful holiday, filled with memories, love, and a bit of something special to keep their spirit with us.

Here's our festive, flavorful recipe for Bing Cherry & Cranberry Thanksgiving Relish that brings the sweetness of cherries together with the tartness of cranberries—a perfect pairing for Thanksgiving!

Bing Cherry & Cranberry Relish

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup pitted Bing cherries, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional, for warmth)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for texture)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, cherries, orange juice, water, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Simmer & Add Spices: Stir in cinnamon and cloves. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst, and the mixture thickens.
3. Add Orange Zest & Nuts: Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. For added crunch, toss in walnuts or pecans. Adjust sweetness if needed.
4. Cool & Serve: Let the relish cool and thicken further. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your Thanksgiving dishes.

This dish is vibrant, sweet-tart, and adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor to the table! Perfect for making ahead, as the flavors deepen over time. Enjoy! Garnish your turkey presentation with the Bing cherries