WEAVING ALCHEMY

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Giving Thanks

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