Thanksgiving may bring to mind turkey and family gatherings, but what if you’re interested in something different this Thanksgiving season? Maybe you’re tired of the turkey and stuffing. Or maybe you’re looking for a more nature centric moment to celebrate with friends and family instead of Thanksgiving.
In this article, we’ll cover both celestial events and earth-centric traditions that take place during the Fall holiday season! Let’s explore our curated list of alternative holidays and experiences that go beyond the conventional Thanksgiving narrative. And I invite you to mix and match to create your own non traditional ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Also, be sure to check out our Alternative Holiday Calendar to have access to non-traditional celebrations all year long!
10 Alternatives to Thanksgiving
1. World Vegetarian Day (October 1)
What is World Vegetarian Day?
World Vegetarian Day kicks off the month of October by promoting awareness of the ethical, environmental, health, and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.
Why Celebrate World Vegetarian Day?
It offers an earth-centric approach to the start of your holiday season, helping you to reconsider sustainable and humane dietary choices. For more ideas on how to make World Vegetarian Day an alternative holiday for Thanksgiving, click here.
2. German Harvest Festival: Erntedankfest (October 6, varies by year)
What is Erntedankfest?
Erntedankfest is a traditional German harvest festival that gives thanks for a good year and good fortune. It often involves church services, parades, and sometimes feasts.
Why Celebrate Erntedankfest?
It serves as a different, yet meaningful, way to show gratitude for the earth’s bounty. Explore this traditional November holiday as a unique alternative in our detailed blog post.
3. World Food Day (October 16)
What is World Food Day?
This global observance aims to raise awareness about issues related to poverty and hunger, while promoting food security and nutritious diets for all.
Why Celebrate World Food Day?
It provides an opportunity to engage with themes of gratitude and nourishment on a global scale. Discover how to celebrate World Food Day instead of Thanksgiving by delving into our blog post.
4. Orionids Meteor Shower (October 21, 22, varies each year)
What is the Orionids Meteor Shower?
This celestial event occurs as Earth passes through the debris left by Halley’s Comet, offering a spectacular meteor shower.
Why Celebrate the Orionids Meteor Shower?
It allows for a scientific yet magical experience of watching the night sky, reminding us of the universe’s grandeur. If you’re interested in replacing Thanksgiving with a celestial event or even adding a new tradition to your calendar, learn more about the Orionids meteor shower here.
5. Samhain (October 31)
What is Samhain?
Samhain is an ancient Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest and the onset of winter, complete with rituals and celebrations.
Why Celebrate Samhain?
As an earth-centric festival, Samhain provides a rich alternative to traditional Thanksgiving celebrations. We provide the history of Samhain, as well as celebration ideas in or detailed blog post!
6. Full Moon, Supermoon (November 15, varies each year)
What is a Full Moon, Supermoon?
A Supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, appearing larger and brighter in the sky.
Why Celebrate a Full Moon, Supermoon?
The moon has influenced cultures and agriculture for centuries.
Did you know that people relied on the moon to plan their daily lives, work, and play for 25,000 years!? And only in the last couple hundred years have we stopped gazing at the moon for guidance.
We may rely on clocks, calendars, and online schedules to plan our lives now. But I think our human brains and spirits miss connecting with the moon every once in a while.
Add this powerful natural event as a simple new tradition to your family’s November calendar.
7. International Merlot Day (November 7)
What is International Merlot Day?
This day is dedicated to celebrating Merlot, one of the most popular red wines in the world.
Why Celebrate International Merlot Day?
It’s a nod to the simple joys that come from the Earth, like grapes transformed into wine. Consider celebrating International Merlot Day in addition to Thanksgiving, or if you’re feeling extra thirsty just replace Thanksgiving all together! 🙂
8. National Family PJ Day (November 14)
What is National Family PJ Day?
A day to don your coziest pajamas and spend quality time with family, whether it’s watching movies or playing board games.
Why Celebrate National Family PJ Day?
National Family PJ Day offers a relaxed, low-stress alternative to the often hectic Thanksgiving preparations. Celebrating National Family PJ Day a few weeks before Thanksgiving can be a warm-up for the younger members of your family who might feel detached from the larger scale (multi-generational) Thanksgiving festivities.
9. National Day of Mourning (November 28)
What is the National Day of Mourning?
This observance serves as a form of protest for many Native Americans, marking the losses and injustices they’ve experienced.
Why Celebrate National Day of Mourning?
It offers an opportunity for education and reflection on the darker aspects of American history. If you’re interested in replacing Thanksgiving with a day of mindfulness and intentionality, click here for a helpful celebration guide.
10. National Mason Jar Day (November 30)
What is National Mason Jar Day?
A day to celebrate the versatility and utility of the Mason Jar, often used for preserving food but also for numerous DIY projects.
Why Celebrate National Mason Jar Day?
The Mason Jar epitomizes sustainability and simple living, making it a fitting alternative to the consumerism often seen around Thanksgiving. This celebration is conveniently placed after Thanksgiving. So, if you decide to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with the traditional turkey, stuffing, and gravy — you can still celebrate National Mason Jar Day by popping out the Mason Jars on November 30th to store your leftovers! Learn more about National Mason Jar Day and see two ways to celebrate here!.
Embrace the Possibilities
So there you have it—a myriad of ways to celebrate the Thanksgiving season that doesn’t necessarily involve a turkey or pumpkin pie. These celebration ideas may be non traditional, but remember, traditions are made by those who dare to explore and agree to be together.
Check out individual blog posts on each alternative holiday for inspiration on how to celebrate both simply and elaborately. Cheers to discovering new Fall traditions!
Try something new this year!
Alternative Holiday Calendar
Ever felt holidays could be more meaningful? Celebrate alternative holidays grounded in nature-centric wisdom and science. Ready to reshape your year?