3 Tips for Having a Grateful Thanksgiving

A Special Guide to Making Your Thanksgiving Extra Memorable!

By: Daisy Bloom

It's that time of the year again when we gather around the table, laden with delicious food, surrounded by our loved ones - yes, you guessed it right, Thanksgiving! It's one of my favorite festivals, filled with warmth, gratitude, and of course, turkey!

But this year, I thought, why don't we add a little twist to our regular Thanksgiving and make it even more memorable? So, here I present to you my top 3 tips for having a grateful Thanksgiving!

Tip 1: Start a Gratitude Jar

This might sound cheesy to some but trust me, it's a fun and meaningful activity that everyone can participate in. All you need is a jar (or a box or basket, whatever you fancy) and some paper.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Place the jar in a common area in your house.
  2. Leave some paper and pen/pencil next to it.
  3. Ask everyone in the house to write down what they are thankful for, every day until Thanksgiving.
  4. On Thanksgiving Day, open the jar and read all the notes aloud.

It's heartwarming to hear what everyone is grateful for and it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Plus, it keeps the spirit of Thanksgiving alive for the entire month!

Tip 2: Try New Recipes

Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey and pumpkin pie, but how about trying something new this year? Cooking together can be a fun bonding activity and who knows, you might even discover a new family favorite!

Here are a couple of my personal favorite recipes that you might want to try:

Maple Glazed Carrots

This dish adds a sweet and savory twist to the regular roasted carrots.

Ingredients: - Carrots - Maple syrup - Olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste

Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Toss your carrots in olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. 3. Roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes or until tender.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Give your regular mashed potatoes a break and try this sweet and creamy casserole.

Ingredients: - Sweet potatoes - Butter - Milk - Brown sugar - Vanilla extract

Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Boil your sweet potatoes until tender. 3. Mash them in a bowl and add butter, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. 4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes.

Tip 3: Volunteer or Donate

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and giving. Volunteering your time or donating to a cause you believe in can be a fulfilling way to celebrate the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

Remember, Thanksgiving is not just about the food and festivities. It's about coming together as a family, expressing gratitude, and making lasting memories. So, try out these tips and I promise you, it will be a Thanksgiving to remember!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!


References

  1. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/7-ways-volunteer-thanksgiving-ncna937181
  2. https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-exercises/
  3. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/holidays-recipes/slideshow/best-thanksgiving-recipes