With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to stuffing our faces and seeing our loved ones. Thanksgiving tends to be an overlooked holiday that serves as a little speed bump on the journey to Christmas. I’m here to give you eight ways to make your Turkey Day more meaningful.
The first tip is to bake a dessert to enjoy after your big meal. Taking the time and effort to put a little extra love into something delicious is a fun way to show your loved ones you care. Get a sibling or a friend and spend some quality time together in the kitchen. Speaking of loved ones, if you’re lucky enough to still have grandparents or even great grandparents with you, take advantage of the opportunity of being together and interview them. Ask them what their Thanksgivings were like growing up, and if they had any special traditions. They probably have very interesting stories to tell– you might learn something you never knew and add a new tradition to your family parties!
Along the lines of family, if you are able to, collect money and donate to a charity. Check online for any local food banks or shelters that are looking for donations to provide others with a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Another tip is to perform random acts of kindness. Getting that pre-dinner coffee? Pay for the person behind you! Little acts of kindness can really make someone’s day. Something else to try is sharing what you’re most thankful for. I know, I know, cliche, right? It may seem unnecessary or insignificant, but give some real thought to your answers and reflect on how fortunate you are.
Similarly, another great idea is to create a gratitude list. Have friends and family write down something they have been grateful for in the last year. It’s been a challenging past two years, and everyone could do with a little reminder of the joys in life.
Speaking of the past, showcasing your last year or so in photos is a fun and creative way to catch up with your family. We haven’t been able to get together as much as we may have liked, so get everyone up to date and use some of those photos taking up space in your camera roll.
Finally, just take the time to enjoy the chance to see friends and family. We know all too well how quickly things change and how quickly we all got separated from one another. Put away the phones and turn off the TVs. Soak up all the time you can with those you love.
