Family Thanksgiving Tradition Faces Change as Daughter Declares New Plans

URGENT UPDATE: A family Thanksgiving tradition is facing a significant shift this year as the younger daughter of a couple announces her decision to host dinner on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at her newly purchased home, challenging the established Friday dinner routine.

This development comes after years of the family gathering on Fridays, allowing their married daughters to spend Thanksgiving with their in-laws on Thursdays. The couple has hosted this dinner for 15 years, accommodating their children’s needs. However, this year, the younger daughter expressed her desire to start her own family tradition, inviting her parents to join her on Thursday instead.

In a surprising twist, she mentioned she would be too tired to attend their dinner on Friday. Adding to the complexity, the couple’s younger daughter has reportedly counted their visits and requested “one more visit per year” to emphasize the importance of family connections.

Miss Manners advises the parents to embrace this change, suggesting they attend the Thursday dinner. “You are not trying to claim them as an inviolable tradition,” she stated. The younger daughter’s choice could stem from her not inviting her sister’s extended family, indicating familial dynamics may play a role in this evolving tradition.

In a separate but related query, Miss Manners addressed social etiquette regarding declining invitations. She emphasized the importance of expressing gratitude while offering regrets for not attending, even if the reason is merely lack of interest. “You are required to express thanks at being invited and regret at not being able to accept,” she stated, highlighting that most hosts appreciate any definite response.

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, families are now reassessing their traditions and dynamics as new plans emerge. The question remains: will more families be inspired to rethink their holiday routines?

As families navigate these changes, the impact on relationships and traditions will be felt long after the turkey is gone.

Stay tuned for more updates on evolving holiday traditions and social etiquette tips as the Thanksgiving season unfolds.