Giving Thanks

Nov 23

Hello friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m sharing a few ideas for making this Thanksgiving a positively memorable one, including a few songs for your Thanksgiving playlist.

Here’s to you and your family enjoying a holiday of connection and joy!

In gratitude,

Jacquelyn Benjamin

10 Ways to Make Thanksgiving a Day to be Thankful For

Go with gratitude. Wherever you go and whatever you do - find something to be grateful for. Nothing drains gratitude like reluctance and obligation, so begin your Thanksgiving Day by finding something to look forward to - people, food, scenery, etc.
Be helpful and generous. Thanksgiving is the perfect day to share your time, energy, and food. It truly is about connection.
Find the fun. Almost everyone has the day off, so enjoy! Be silly, social, and playful! If you know someone who has to work on Thanksgiving, find a way to help them feel extra-special.
Practice good boundaries and set expectations. Try not to sign yourself up for things you don’t really want to do, and volunteer for the tasks that you don’t mind helping with. Let people know what to expect from you, such a contributions, arrival times, departure times, etc. Taking the guess-work out of it helps everyone relax.
Pay a compliment. Not sure what to say or how to start a conversation? Start with a compliment. Conversing about positive things will leave you and others feeling upbeat, happy, and light. Not sure what to compliment? Start with something simple like food, decor, or a friendly gesture.
Honor the people. Take a moment of prayer or gratitude for all that it takes to bring the food to the table. Farmers, truckers, store owners, and chefs all play a vital role in making Thanksgiving a true annual feast.
Stuff the turkey, not yourself. Mindful moderation means: enjoy it, but don’t over do it. Food sets your mood, and if you overdo it, you’ll feel less than your best. Enjoying in moderation means taking in all of the flavors without feeling like a stuffed turkey when it’s all over.
Make time to move. Let’s face it, everyone is here to eat. Taking a stroll or having an impromptu dance party can be the perfect antidote to feeling filled up.
Slow down. Take the time to enjoy the day without rushing. Be mindful and present by intentionally slowing down. You can even rest or nap if you want - just blame it in the tryptophan.
Perfect the playlist. Nothing sets the mood like a bit of background music. It’s hard to please everyone with various preferences and music genres, so I’ve included a few songs below that you might consider for your Thanksgiving holiday playlist. I hope you find a new song to enjoy.