This Thanksgiving, you probably won’t be seeing your parents stress out about the fact that relatives you only see once a year are visiting, and maybe you’ll miss seeing your favorite uncle or eating the canned cranberry sauce your cousin brings every year. Although there are pros and cons to changing your family’s traditions, there are still ways to make the most of this fall holiday. If you follow this trusty guide, you are sure to have the best Thanksgiving yet!

Now, because you won’t need to worry about your nosy relatives asking about the love life you don’t have, instead, make a cardboard cut out of them so you know they are there in spirit. 

Wishing you could sink your teeth into your grandpa’s famous French silk pie? Put your culinary skills to the test and ask him for the recipe (if he’s willing to give it to you). Otherwise, head over to Shari’s to pick one up. Rumor has it that’s what your grandpa does. 

If you do miss your relatives, set up a Zoom call with them while you eat Thanksgiving dinner. They may be irritated because they’ve been on a call with Apple customer service all day to figure out how their computer works, but it will be worth it in the end. 

Always fighting with your cousin over the last dinner roll? There’s no need to anymore because you can now have a whole batch to yourself! It’s your brother you might have to worry about this year.

Because your relatives won’t be over, you will be on both sides of the wishbone this year. You’re guaranteed to get your wish this Thanksgiving! You’d better start thinking of a good one now. 

To show your gratitude, ask your dad if you can help him in the kitchen. Even though you can hardly make microwave popcorn, you might surprise yourself and everyone else and find that the side dish you make becomes the new family favorite. 

Now, you may be relieved that your aunt won’t come with her green bean casserole, but be cautious because it’s your sister’s favorite, and your mom has the recipe. It might just end up on your dinner table after all. 

Because your house will be so quiet this year, it will probably be easier to fall asleep after your big dinner, so find your favorite blanket and sleep the day away!

Since your parents won’t be as stressed because your extended family isn’t coming over, maybe now’s the time to ask for something they usually say no to, such as listening to holiday music early. 

Hopefully, these ideas have reassured you that this Thanksgiving will be one you will never forget. Maybe some of your old traditions will be broken by these new ones for years to come!