Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Reveal the Thanksgiving Tradition They Happily Avoided This Year

On a recent episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos revealed that their Thanksgiving this year was unlike any other. Rather than hosting a large meal at home, the couple traveled to London to visit their daughter, staying in a hotel where their dinner was delivered, enjoyed, and cleaned up afterward. Their verdict: the greatest Thanksgiving of our lives.

The couples decision to step away from the traditional holiday hustle wasnt about abandoning tradition, but about choosing a calmer experience. Ripa explained that they avoided the full-day cooking, cleaning, and stress that usually comes with the holiday. She shared in the studio, We got outta town we went to London and guess what? The dinner just arrived and then when it was done, it was cleared away.

Earlier episodes added more context to their celebration. On the Nov. 26 show, Ripa and Consuelos discussed the ideal timing for Thanksgiving dinner. Ripa advocated for a 6 p.m. meal, telling Consuelos (and anyone preferring an earlier dinner) that they could make themselves a sandwich before. Consuelos argued that an earlier dinner leaves more time to enjoy leftovers later. This exchange highlighted how much holiday meals can revolve around timing, effort, and obligation.

What makes this story resonate is not celebrity status but relatability. Thanksgiving often comes with societal pressures: a perfect meal, a punctual dinner, family gathered, hours spent cooking, and a spotless home. By choosing a simple hotel dinner in London, Ripa and Consuelos demonstrated an alternative approach. They still celebrated and shared a meal, but without the accompanying stress.

By discussing the benefits of skipping the traditional hosting marathon, the couple tapped into a universal holiday fatigue and offered permission for others to rethink how holidays can be celebrated. For many families, especially those with grown children or anyone feeling overwhelmed by perfection expectations, this approach encourages a focus on gratitude and ease rather than elaborate planning.

For Ripa and Consuelos, stepping back wasnt selfish it was restorative. Perhaps this relaxed approach is the most honest holiday tradition of all.

Author: Sophia Brooks