Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving! If you observe this holiday, are you preparing anything special? My mom is visiting, and my dad will be here tomorrow (yes, both my separated parents!), plus we’re hosting friends, including this lively partygoer. We’re responsible for the turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, and cranberry sauce; our guests are bringing side dishes and desserts. Hope your day is wonderful, and here are some interesting links from around the internet…
The travel pants I’m now wearing; they fit perfectly.
An effortless way to make veggies taste fantastic. You’ll create “the carrotiest carrots you can imagine,” Eric Kim notes. “But as I’ve discovered over time, this same technique can work wonders for shallots, mushrooms, and green beans too.” (NYTimes gift link)
Wildflowers flourishing in urban areas! It makes my heart sing.
In California, two couples found out they were raising each other’s biological children. Should they exchange their daughters? This story is truly breathtaking. (NYTimes gift link)
Wow, what an awe-inspiring garden.
I adore that Catherine Newman included “vaginal estrogen” on her holiday gift list.
A pink apartment that envelops you like a warm hug.
What brings you joy? Molly Young reveals that she enjoys malted milk balls and clever license plates. Phoebe Ward loves jogging in the cold and no longer wearing a palate expander.
Here are five astonishing sales happening right now:
* Enjoy 50% off nearly everything at J.Crew. These pajamas are particularly adorable.
* Get 40% off with the code MADEBETTER at MADEWELL. Hello, gorgeous.
* NORDSTROM is having an enormous sale. What a fantastic top, and I use this daily.
* Enjoy 40% off at Primary Kids, plus free shipping.
* Save up to 65% at Dôen. For instance, is this the ultimate shirt?
Additionally, here are three reader comments:
Midge shares on holiday crafts: “Every year, we cut out snowflakes and sign and date the back. Grandparents, friends, significant others—anyone present has made one for the past 16 years. I especially cherish the one where someone was too small to use scissors and drew on the holes instead!!!”
Amanda states on holiday crafts: “If anyone’s searching for craft-themed gift ideas, we love creating cards with a fill-in-the-blank questionnaire that the kids then embellish. We’ve made them for grandparents and aunts, and they always go over well. For Father’s Day, one card asked, ‘What does Dad love most?’ and my son replied, ‘Sitting with me.’ It still makes me emotional!”
Meghan comments on the 12 gifts for your loving wife: “My father-in-law recently sent a truly touching Christmas wish list that included the note, ‘Everyone must recite a poem (preferably from memory).’ I was moved to tears. So, I wanted to share my own non-material Christmas wish list: time and space to read my book, my tiny apartment made more inviting through foraged and free decor, and everyone shopping at the farmers’ market for their feast supplies.”
(Photo by Christine Han/Stocksy.)
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**Commemorating the Essence of Thanksgiving: A Day of Reflection and Togetherness**
Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in the United States, a day dedicated to recognizing life’s blessings, sharing gratitude, and reinforcing connections with our dear ones. Observed on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving encompasses much more than a meal of turkey and pumpkin pie—it’s a tribute to community, thankfulness, and the lasting spirit of unity. From its historical origins to its contemporary practices, Thanksgiving maintains a cherished position in the hearts of many.
### The Historical Origin of Thanksgiving
The roots of Thanksgiving trace back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people gathered for a three-day harvest festival in Plymouth, Massachusetts. After enduring a difficult first winter filled with trials and loss, the Pilgrims, aided by the Wampanoag, learned to cultivate their land and were rewarded with a fruitful harvest. In appreciation, they shared a meal that represented harmony and collaboration.
Though the 1621 gathering is often deemed the “First Thanksgiving,” it was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. Amidst the Civil War, Lincoln called for a day of thanks and prayer to offer comfort to a fractured nation. Since then, Thanksgiving has transformed into a secular holiday that crosses religious and cultural lines, bringing people together in the spirit of appreciation and kindness.
### The Heart of Thanksgiving: Appreciation
At its essence, Thanksgiving is a celebration of appreciation. It is a moment to pause and consider the gifts in our lives, whether they consist of family, friends, health, or the simple pleasures of day-to-day living. In a fast-moving world, Thanksgiving serves as a gentle nudge to recognize the positives and voice thanks for those who enhance our lives.
Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have significant benefits for mental and emotional health. Studies indicate that embracing gratitude can alleviate stress, strengthen relationships, and foster happiness and contentment. Hence, Thanksgiving is not merely a day for indulgence, but rather an opportunity to nurture an attitude of thankfulness that extends throughout the year.
### Togetherness: The True Spirit of the Holiday
Thanksgiving is synonymous with unity. Families and friends come together around the dinner table to share a meal, trade stories, and create cherished memories. For many, the holiday provides a rare chance to reconnect with loved ones who may reside far or live busy lives.
The Thanksgiving table often represents a blend of diversity, bringing together individuals from different generations, backgrounds, and viewpoints. It is a time to honor togetherness and to recognize the richness that comes from sharing our lives with others. Even in situations where family dynamics might be complex, Thanksgiving allows for the setting aside of differences to focus on the shared thread of gratitude.
For those without nearby family, Friendsgiving—a newer tradition—offers an alternative way to celebrate. Friendsgiving gatherings emphasize the same values of appreciation and togetherness, demonstrating that family can extend beyond biological ties to include the connections we actively cultivate.
### Traditions That Bring Thanksgiving to Life
Thanksgiving is filled with traditions that vary significantly from family to family but often center around food, football, and acts of kindness. The highlight of most Thanksgiving gatherings is the meal, typically featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and an assortment of pies. Each dish holds its own significance and story, contributing to the rich fabric of the holiday.
In addition to the feast, Thanksgiving is also a time for parades and football. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, held annually in New York City, has become a cherished tradition, enchanting spectators with its grand balloons, floats, and performances. Meanwhile, football aficionados eagerly gather to watch NFL games, a tradition rooted in the early 20th century.
Acts of kindness constitute another vital part of Thanksgiving. Many individuals seize the holiday as a chance to give back to their communities, whether through volunteering at soup kitchens, contributing to food drives, or reaching out to those in need. This spirit of generosity encapsulates the true significance of Thanksgiving and reminds us of the importance of aiding others.
### Thanksgiving in a Contemporary Context
In the present day, Thanksgiving has adopted new forms. With the advent of social media, people express their gratitude publicly, spreading positivity and motivating others to reflect on their blessings. Nonetheless, the holiday faces challenges, including the commercialization of Black Friday, which often overshadows the Thanksgiving spirit with a scramble for consumerism.
Moreover, there is a growing recognition of the intricate history underlying Thanksgiving, particularly regarding the experiences of Native Americans. Many individuals use the holiday as a platform to educate themselves and others about this broader historical context, fostering a more inclusive and respectful celebration.
### A Day to Value
Thanksgiving is a day
