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

1. 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.

2. Be helpful and generous. Thanksgiving is the perfect day to share your time, energy, and food. It truly is about connection.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

41 Songs for Your Thanksgiving Playlist

Here are a 41 song suggestions for your Thanksgiving playlist.

There’s a little something for everyone in this mix, so set the mood, turn up the tunes, and enjoy your day!

I’d love to know your favorite songs for Thanksgiving, so please comment and share below.

I Want to Thank You - Otis Redding

Rest - Michael Kiwanuka

The Best Day - Taylor Swift

Not Even the King - Alicia Keys

Thank You for Being a Friend - Andrew Gold

Thank You - Dido

Thank You - Led Zeppelin

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Sweet Potato Pie - Ray Charles

Do The Mashed Potatoes - James Brown

Together - For King & Country

Home - Phillip Phillips

Glad You Exist - Dan + Shay

Amazing Grace - The Five Strings featuring Alex Boye

Don’t Stop - Fleetwood Mac

Blessed - Martina McBride

Thankful - Kelly Clarkson

I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For - Bing Crosby

In My Life - The Beatles

Gratitude - Earth, Wind, & Fire

Coming Home - Leon Bridges

Crowded Table - The Highwomen

We are Family - Sister Sledge

I’m Alive - Willie Nelson

Shower the People - James Taylor

Kind and Generous - Natalie Merchant

Everybody Eats When the Come to My House - Cab Calloway

They Can’t Take that Away From Me - Ella Fitzgerald + Louis Armstrong

Lucky - Pat Green

I Could Not Ask for More - Sara Evans

Lovely Day - Bill Withers

Grateful - Rita Ora

Gratitude - Beastie Boys

Thanksgiving Song - Adam Sandler

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing - Stevie Wonder

Count on Me - Bruno Mars

Take Me Home, Country Road - John Denver

One Love - Bob Marley & the Wailers

Thankful - Celine Dion

Thank You - Sly & the Family Stone

Stretchy Pants - Carrie Underwood

Happy Thanksgiving