Our Mediterranean-Style Thanksgiving
Starting the Day With Tradition
Our morning started with our usual Thanksgiving tradition — pancakes and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The girls loved pointing out every balloon and cheering for the performers. Pancakes felt like a special little treat to kick off the day, and I’m working on a post for our Mediterranean-friendly pancake recipe without all the processed ingredients… that one’s coming soon!
A Low-Stress, Good-Food Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving this year felt really sweet. We brought a mezze platter for everyone to snack on, and it ended up being just the right thing before dinner — fresh, colorful, and easy for everyone to pick at while my mom finished all the classic dishes. The kitchen was busy in that cozy, familiar way, and everyone just talked and snacked and hung out.
Our little crew on Thanksgiving — full hearts, cozy vibes, and plenty to be grateful for.
How We Approach Holidays With the Mediterranean Diet
Something I’ve learned from eating Mediterranean-style is that it’s not about strict rules. It’s about enjoying food, paying attention to how it makes you feel, and not letting meals become heavy or stressful.
This Thanksgiving was exactly that.
Everyone enjoyed the full Thanksgiving spread with zero guilt or pressure. We had the mezze platter, and then we had the mashed potatoes and stuffing and turkey and all the things we’ve eaten every year since I was a kid.
No one felt the need to “make up” for it or restrict.
Just a normal, happy holiday meal.
Letting the Kids Be Kids
We made full plates for the girls, but they both ate… rolls. Only rolls. And I let it happen because it’s Thanksgiving! There are so many meals throughout the week when I’m guiding them toward balance — a holiday isn’t the day I’m fighting them over vegetables.
They were happy, full, and part of the table. That’s what mattered.
Small Moments I Want to Remember
Desmond had a slice of apple pie — his first real dessert in almost two years. We all kind of stared at him like, “Is this happening?”
The whole day itself was memorable — my parents, siblings, and grandmother all together. The girls running around, everyone laughing, the house feeling busy in the best way. These are the things I hope the girls remember when they think of family holidays.
What We Brought: Our Mezze Platter
Here’s what we included this year:
hummus
olive tapenade
roasted eggplant dip
marinated feta
pita chips + pita crackers
sliced baguette
carrots, cucumbers, mini peppers
blueberries, grapes, pomegranate seeds
It was easy, colorful, and something everyone snacked on!
A full mezze spread ready for grazing while we settled in for Thanksgiving day together.
