Thanksgiving, as we all know and love it, is a time when families gather around a nice big meal to celebrate the time of year. For picky eaters, however, it can feel like a stressful time more than a celebration.

As someone who is a picky eater, I understand the feeling of watching everyone pile their plates full of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and so much more. Meanwhile, you are quietly scanning everything on the table over and over, wondering if you can get away with a meal of mashed potatoes, bread rolls and mac and cheese without people commenting or noticing.   

Spoiler alert: Someone will notice. They always do. And they will ask you things like, “Is that all you are going to eat?” with you having to awkwardly stare at your empty plate, then back to them, as if you have just ruined their entire night.

It’s these questions that make you ask yourself if they are genuinely curious or simply judging you for your plate. 

Now, for picky eaters, or me at least, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food. I think of it as a way for families, such as mine, to celebrate their own traditions and have everyone able to come together, since most families don’t typically see each other super often.

Thanksgiving typically revolves around the table full of dishes that have likely been prepared the same way for generations. For me and my family, that is our way of connecting with the loved ones in our family we have lost.

Although I won’t actually eat what is prepared, I still know the meaning behind why it was made.  

This shows that being a picky eater on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. It is all about how you re-envision this holiday and lean into what makes you most comfortable.

It is perfectly okay to embrace your preferences unapologetically. It is not your fault that you don’t like this food. There is no rule that says you have to eat every dish on the table to enjoy the holidays.

If your ideal version of celebrating Thanksgiving is having some mashed potatoes and rolls, or maybe just rolls, then so be it. You’re celebrating Thanksgiving to be with loved ones, not to satisfy anyone else’s idea of what a plate should look like.  

Another good way to survive Thanksgiving dinner could be to bring your own dish to the celebration. Not only does this guarantee that there is something you will love, but it is also a chance to share it with your family and other picky eaters who might find this food comforting.

What you bring could become part of the family tradition, further ensuring you will have something that you know you will eat and connecting you with your family.  

If you are not a cook by any means, then eating a small thing before attending dinner could help. Showing up with a full stomach can allow you to sample the dishes you might fear committing to eating. This might shock you and allow you to find a new dish that you enjoy.  

But like I said, it is important to remember that Thanksgiving is about more than just food. While the meal may be the centerpiece, the holiday itself is about connecting with your family and creating memories. It is these small things that we tend to overlook.  

This could be your dad or grandfather watching football with your cousins or brothers, helping set the table or just talking with family that you don’t typically see. There is truly so much more to Thanksgiving than just what is on your plate. By focusing on these moments, you can make the holiday feel more meaningful. 

Now, I am not saying that focusing on these will completely change the experience. There still might be that person who is persistently trying to push you to “just try” something of theirs, and there might be a few glances when you skip eating turkey, but that is okay. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for what you do or don’t eat.  

So, for my picky eaters, the ones who always pass on the turkey and opt for some extra bread rolls instead, Thanksgiving is not about indulging in every dish. It’s about being present and finding joy in the ways that matter to you. Whether your plate is overflowing or barely touched, what counts is that you showed up. You were part of the celebration. That is all family truly cares about.