Thanksgiving 2025

The year was 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people came together to share a harvest feast, now remembered as the first Thanksgiving. It was not until 1863, amid the turmoil of the Civil War, that President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday—a powerful reminder of resilience and gratitude even in challenging times.

Today, more than ever before, Thanksgiving carries new meaning. We are living through a period of great need, as so many struggle with higher costs for food, clothing, healthcare, and vital services. Now is the time for those who can to show generosity: donate a sweater you seldom wear, arrange a warm meal for someone spending the holiday alone, or simply give your time. Reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with. Let’s remain aware of what’s happening around us and look for ways to support those in need.

If you are grieving the loss of someone close or experiencing loneliness this season, take comfort in the cherished moments you shared. Be thankful for those memories, and for the people who have been part of your journey.

This Thanksgiving, focus on appreciating what you have rather than what you wish for. Allow yourself to be present, mindful, and compassionate. Take a deep breath and grant yourself a moment of peace.

What makes Thanksgiving truly special is its inclusivity. Regardless of our backgrounds—race, religion, gender, or age—we celebrate together. It is a day that unites us in gratitude and reminds us that we are all in this together.

A cozy Thanksgiving table with autumn decorations and pumpkin pie

Host a Themed Potluck Dinner

Instead of the usual turkey and sides, invite guests to bring dishes inspired by a theme. This adds variety and sparks conversation. Some ideas include:

• Global Thanksgiving: Ask each guest to bring a dish from a different country that celebrates harvest or gratitude.

• Farm-to-Table: Focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.

• Family Favorites: Everyone brings a dish that has special meaning or history in their family.

  
  

This approach shares the cooking load and introduces new flavors to the table. It also encourages storytelling about the dishes, deepening the sense of connection.

Volunteer Together in Your Community

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to give back. Organizing a group volunteer activity can turn the holiday into a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Options include:

• Serving meals at a local shelter

• Collecting and delivering food donations

• Cleaning up parks or community gardens

  
  

Volunteering creates a shared sense of purpose and reminds everyone of the importance of gratitude through action.

Create a Gratitude Jar

Make gratitude a visible and ongoing practice by setting up a gratitude jar. Place slips of paper and pens nearby and encourage everyone to write down things they are thankful for throughout the day. Later, read the notes aloud or save them to revisit in the future.

This simple activity helps focus attention on positive moments and can become a cherished tradition that grows year after year.

Plan a Nature Walk or Outdoor Activity

Spending time outdoors on Thanksgiving can refresh the mind and body. Organize a walk, hike, or picnic in a nearby park or nature reserve. This can be especially rewarding in the crisp fall weather of late November.

Being in nature encourages reflection and offers a peaceful break from the usual holiday bustle. Plus, it’s a healthy way to bond with loved ones.

Host a DIY Craft Session

Get creative with a craft activity that everyone can enjoy. Ideas include:

• Making personalized Thanksgiving cards

• Creating autumn wreaths or table centerpieces

• Painting or decorating pumpkins

  
  

Crafting together sparks creativity and provides a hands-on way to celebrate the season. Finished projects can decorate the home or be gifted to others.

Organize a Storytelling Circle

Gather everyone for a storytelling session where each person shares a favorite memory, family tradition, or something they are thankful for. This can be done around the dinner table or by a cozy fire.

Storytelling strengthens bonds and preserves family history. It also gives everyone a chance to express gratitude in their own words.

Try a New Recipe Challenge

Make cooking part of the fun by trying new recipes that put a twist on classic Thanksgiving dishes. For example:

• Sweet potato gnocchi instead of mashed potatoes

• Cranberry salsa instead of sauce

• Pumpkin cheesecake instead of pie

  
  

Invite family members to pick recipes and cook together. This can turn meal prep into a collaborative and exciting experience.

Set Up a Thanksgiving Movie Marathon

After the meal, relax with a selection of movies that fit the Thanksgiving spirit. Some popular choices include:

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles

• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

• Home for the Holidays

  
  

This low-key activity allows everyone to unwind and enjoy time together without screens distracting from conversation.

Host a Friendly Game Tournament

Bring out board games, card games, or trivia for a lighthearted competition. Games that involve teamwork or storytelling work well to keep the mood festive and inclusive.

Games can be a great way to engage guests of all ages and create new memories filled with laughter.

Create a Thanksgiving Playlist

Music sets the tone for any gathering. Curate a playlist with songs that evoke warmth, gratitude, and the spirit of fall. Include a mix of genres and eras to appeal to all guests.

Playing music during cooking, dining, or relaxing adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the day.

Plan a Digital Detox Hour

Encourage everyone to put away phones and devices for at least one hour. Use this time to focus on face-to-face conversations, board games, or simply enjoying the moment.

A digital detox helps deepen connections and reduces distractions, making the celebration more meaningful.

Prepare a Memory Book

Invite guests to contribute photos, notes, or drawings about past Thanksgivings or what they appreciate most. Compile these into a scrapbook or digital album.

This project preserves memories and can become a treasured keepsake that grows richer each year.

Host a Charity Drive

Turn Thanksgiving into a chance to help those in need by organizing a charity drive. Collect items like canned goods, warm clothing, or school supplies to donate.

Involving guests in giving back reinforces the holiday’s spirit and spreads kindness beyond your home.