Thanksgiving may be over, but the holiday season is just beginning, and there’s still plenty to savor—both from the leftovers in your fridge and the time spent with family and friends. If you’re looking to keep the Thanksgiving magic alive a little longer, here are some fun ways to use up those leftovers while also embracing the shift into the quieter days after the holiday.
5 Unique Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas
Skip the guilt about the fridge full of food and turn those leftovers into something magical:
- Leftover Sheet Pan Nachos
Pile turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and cheese over tortilla chips. Bake until bubbly, then top with sour cream or a drizzle of gravy. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors in a totally new way—crispy, cheesy, and delicious. - Turkey Stock on Autopilot
Throw the turkey carcass and leftover veggies into a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Let it simmer for hours, creating a rich stock that can be frozen for future soups and stews. This is a great way to preserve the holiday flavors for another time and reduce food waste. - DIY Thanksgiving Panini Bar
Let your family or guests build their own paninis using turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and cheese. Grill them to crispy, melty perfection, and enjoy a fun, interactive meal that’s as cozy as it is delicious. - Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowls
Mash up leftover sweet potatoes, warm them up, and top with granola, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy breakfast. This simple dish is both nourishing and satisfying, giving you the perfect start to your morning after the big feast. - Gravy Cubes for Later
Freeze leftover gravy in an ice cube tray for easy, single-serving portions you can use on mashed potatoes, casseroles, or next week’s comfort meals. It’s a great way to keep your gravy on hand for a little extra flavor whenever you need it.
Post-Thanksgiving Reset: Embracing the Shift
Thanksgiving may be over, but the ripple effects of the holiday still linger, especially as we head into the final stretch of the year. It’s easy to feel a little lost in the rush of cooking, cleaning, and hosting, and once the holiday excitement fades, we’re left to contend with the aftermath. How do we navigate the post-Thanksgiving slump and make the most of this time? Here are a few ways to reset, recharge, and carry that holiday warmth forward.
1. Reflect and Express Gratitude—Beyond the Day Itself
Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to count our blessings, but the truth is, gratitude doesn’t have to be confined to one day of the year. As we move past the holiday, try incorporating gratitude into your daily routine. Whether it’s starting your morning by listing a few things you’re grateful for or writing in a journal before bed, expressing gratitude can help you center yourself during a busy season. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that can bring perspective and peace amidst the chaos of the holidays.
Gratitude Tip: Consider making a “gratitude jar” where family members write down something they’re thankful for each day, and open it up together at the end of the year.
2. Time to Slow Down: Avoid the Post-Holiday Rush
We’re often so focused on Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season that we forget to take a breather once the big day has passed. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the simple things. Whether it’s a walk outside, enjoying a cup of tea by the window, or diving into a good book, slowing down helps reset your mind and spirit. The holidays don’t have to feel rushed, and you don’t need to be constantly planning for the next big event.
Post-Thanksgiving Tip: Consider designating a few “quiet hours” each week to unwind—no emails, no shopping, just a chance to reconnect with yourself.
3. Sorting Out the “Holiday Leftover” Clutter
After all the cooking and gatherings, it’s easy for your home to feel a little out of sorts. The decorations, the gifts, the wrapping paper—it can all pile up fast! Take a little time to declutter and organize, even if it’s just a quick pass through the living room or kitchen. Not only will it give you a sense of accomplishment, but it’ll also clear some mental space for the rest of the holiday season.
Organization Tip: Tackle one room at a time, starting with the high-traffic areas like the kitchen or entryway. Put away the leftovers, gather any unused holiday decor, and create a cozy, organized environment that can help you unwind.
4. Focus on Mindful Eating Post-Feast
If you’ve overindulged a bit (as many of us do on Thanksgiving), it’s natural to feel like you need to “detox” afterward. But rather than jumping straight into restrictive diets or harsh resolutions, why not focus on mindful eating? Approach meals with a balanced mindset—eat when you’re hungry, savor the flavors, and listen to your body. Maybe it’s time to swap that second serving of mashed potatoes for a leafy green salad or enjoy a lighter breakfast.
Mindful Eating Tip: Enjoy a warm bowl of soup (like the ones from your leftovers!) or a fresh fruit smoothie to ease back into balanced eating while staying cozy.
5. Give Back and Pay It Forward
If Thanksgiving was about receiving and enjoying, consider how you can give back in the weeks following. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, donating clothes or toys, or simply reaching out to someone who might need a little extra support, the post-Thanksgiving season is a great time to spread some kindness. It helps shift the focus from the stress and commercialization of the holidays to something more meaningful.
Giving Tip: Consider making small, thoughtful gestures like writing a note to a friend or neighbor, checking in with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or offering a helping hand to those in need.
6. Get Ready for the Next Season—No Need to Rush Into the Holidays
With Christmas and New Year’s on the horizon, it’s easy to jump right into full-blown holiday mode. However, don’t feel pressured to start decorating or planning for the next event immediately. Instead, use this time to ease into the season and set intentions for the month ahead. Maybe it’s a commitment to self-care, a goal for your health, or simply prioritizing time with loved ones. You have time to figure it out, and the post-Thanksgiving space offers an opportunity to thoughtfully plan for the next steps, without the stress.
Prep Tip: Reflect on what you want the final month of the year to look like, and take some time to intentionally set up activities or small goals that feel aligned with what you value.
Don’t Forget to Savor the “Season of Comfort”
Embrace the cozy season ahead. The holidays may bring their own set of challenges and expectations, but there’s also magic in these last weeks of the year. With a little slowing down, reflection, and creative use of leftovers, you can create a peaceful, joyful post-Thanksgiving season that sets you up for success in the new year.
And speaking of cozy moments—if you’re in a town with a Sauce on the Side restaurant, you have to try their November featured calzone, The Mayflower. Filled with all the flavors of Thanksgiving—turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes—it’s a must-have before the holiday rush really kicks in. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re embracing gratitude, taking time to slow down, or getting ahead on your holiday plans, the post-Thanksgiving period is a great time to reset. It’s a perfect blend of reflecting on the season while gently easing into the upcoming months with intention, calm, and plenty of warm, comforting food.
What’s your favorite way to reset after Thanksgiving? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments below!