Meghan Markle Shares Her Family's Thanksgiving and Christmas Traditions: The Real Story

The holidays at the Sussex house aren’t exactly the formal, stiff-upper-lip affairs you might imagine. Forget the tiaras and the three-hour seating charts. Honestly, it sounds a lot more like a chaotic, flour-covered kitchen in Montecito than a palace ballroom.

Meghan Markle shares her family's thanksgiving and christmas traditions as a blend of her California roots and a few nods to Harry’s British past, but mostly, it’s about the kids. Archie and Lili are at that "magic" age. You know the one. Where every string of lights is a miracle and the idea of a reindeer eating a carrot is enough to keep them up all night.

The Thanksgiving Sage and a "Low-Key" Vibe

Meghan has been pretty vocal lately about how she handles late November. She calls it "low-key." In a world of paparazzi and global headlines, "low-key" basically means staying home, cooking, and inviting over the "misfits"—the friends who don't have family nearby.

Last year, Gloria Steinem reportedly pulled up a chair. Imagine that table talk.

But the real star of the 2025 season wasn't a celebrity; it was the sage. Meghan’s been obsessed with it. She grows it in her garden and apparently spends a lot of time drying it out and infusing it into everything. She even launched a $32 sage honey through her brand, As Ever, which she uses to glaze the turkey.

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What’s on the Sussex Thanksgiving Menu?

• The Bird: Roasted with that specific sage honey glaze.
• The Gravy: Harry’s non-negotiable. He allegedly "won't forgive" her if the gravy isn't on the table.
• The Sides: Mashed potatoes and a green salad.
• The Secret Hack: She keeps the tops of the carrots, blends them with parmesan and pine nuts, and makes a pesto. It’s a very "California-chef" move.

It isn't just about the food, though. They’ve made a point to include Archie and Lilibet in the giving side of things. Before they even sit down for their own meal, the whole family—kids included—has been seen helping out at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles. There’s something kinda grounding about seeing a 6-year-old Prince pushing a trolley of community meals.

A Montecito Christmas: Gumbo and "Reindeer Chow"

When December hits, the vibe shifts from earthy autumn to what Meghan calls a "cozy adventure." If you’ve seen her Netflix special, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, you know she’s leaned hard into the aesthetics—beige ornaments, gold baubles, and lots of flickering candles.

But the most interesting part? The food isn't British. It’s Southern.

Christmas Eve is all about her mom, Doria Ragland. Specifically, Doria’s gumbo. It’s a tradition that goes back to their family roots in Tennessee. Meghan makes a version with chicken and andouille sausage that’s apparently spicy enough to make Harry say it "punctured through the top of his head."

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The British Traditions That Stuck

Even though they’re thousands of miles from Sandringham, some UK habits died hard. Meghan still does Christmas crackers. She actually makes them herself now. In 2025, she revealed she fills them with personalized trinkets:

1. For Lili: A lavender rollerball because she wants to be a "grown-up lady."
2. For Archie: Tiny burger charms because he’s obsessed with the color red (and presumably burgers).
3. For Harry: A love letter and some chocolate.

And yes, they still put out carrots for the reindeer. They have a specific ceramic plate for it. It's the little things.

The Calligraphy and the "Love Notes"

One thing about Meghan—she loves a personal touch. She’s famous for her calligraphy, and she puts it to work during the holidays. She created customized white and red Advent calendars for Archie and Lili.

Instead of just cheap chocolate, she stuffs the pockets with handwritten notes. "I love you because you're so brave." "I love you because you're so kind." It’s sentimental, sure, but she’s big on "starting traditions" that actually mean something as the kids grow up.

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Why This Matters for the Rest of Us

Look, we might not live in a $14 million mansion, but the way Meghan Markle shares her family's thanksgiving and christmas traditions offers some surprisingly practical hosting advice. She’s big on the "prep ahead" philosophy.

She recommends chopping everything a day early so you aren't stuck at the cutting board while your guests are laughing in the other room. She’s also a fan of "saying yes" when people offer to help. You don't get a gold star for doing it all yourself, and frankly, you'll just end up stressed.

Actionable Holiday Tips from the Duchess:

• The Breakfast Hack: If you're hosting, ask a guest to bring a jar of homemade granola for the next morning. It saves you from cooking two big meals in a row.
• The Scent Rule: Use scented candles in the living room, but stick to unscented in the kitchen. Don't let a "Cinnamon Spice" candle fight with the smell of the turkey.
• The Icebreaker: Set out puzzles or board games. It gives people something to do with their hands if the conversation hits a lull.

At the end of the day, the Sussex holiday season seems to be a mix of high-end lifestyle branding and very normal "mom" energy. Whether it's the "Reindeer Chow" (a rebranded version of the classic Puppy Chow snack) or the spicy gumbo, the focus is clearly on building a private world for their kids in California. It’s a far cry from the royal protocol of the past, and honestly, it sounds a lot more relaxed.

To bring a bit of this vibe home, start by simplifying your own traditions. Pick one "anchor" dish—like a family recipe for gumbo or a specific way of glazing the turkey—and let everything else be low-pressure. Focus on the "surprise and delight" for the kids, and don't be afraid to mix in a few store-bought items if it means you actually get to enjoy the day.