10 meaningful ways to embrace gratitude and thankfulness this November:

1. Start a Daily Gratitude Journal: Each day, jot down three things you’re grateful for, big or small. Reflecting on these can shift your perspective and boost positivity.

2. Write Thank-You Notes: Send a handwritten note or message to someone who’s impacted your life. Sharing appreciation can brighten someone’s day and strengthen connections.

3. Practice Mindful Moments: Take a few minutes each morning or evening to pause, breathe, and notice the beauty around you. Embrace the little things, like the warmth of a drink or the colors of autumn.

4. Create a “Grateful For” Jar: Write down things you’re thankful for on slips of paper and place them in a jar. At the end of the month, read through them to remind yourself of the positive moments.

5. Volunteer or Give Back: Helping others can be a powerful way to cultivate gratitude. Volunteer at a local organization or support a cause you care about.

6. Reconnect with Nature: Take walks, even if they’re short, and let nature help you feel grounded. Observe the changing leaves or crisp air, and appreciate the beauty of each season.

7. Limit Complaints for a Day: Challenge yourself to go an entire day without complaining. When you notice something negative, counter it with something positive.

8. Cook a Meal with Love: Whether for family, friends, or just yourself, make a meal mindfully, appreciating each ingredient. It’s a simple but meaningful way to practice gratitude.

9. Reflect on Challenges as Lessons: Think about past challenges and what they’ve taught you. By seeing growth in hardships, you can feel thankful for the strength you’ve gained.

10. Say “Thank You” Often: Don’t hold back on showing gratitude throughout the day. Thank your loved ones, coworkers, or even strangers. Expressing thanks more often can create an uplifting ripple effect.

Thanksgiving Food Menu/Checklist

Print and bring with to the grocery store a week or two before the Holiday.


Appetizers

  • Charcuterie’s Board [meat, cheese, crackers, chili fig spread]
  • Baby bell peppers and hummus
  • Deviled eggs [eggs, mustard, mayo, salt and pepper, paprika]
  • Bruschetta [ricotta homemade spread, fresh chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, bread, balsamic.]
  • Chips/Pretzels/fresh fruit for Kids [dips – Nutella, homemade cookie dip ]

Main Course

  • Turkey [butter, turkey injector marinade, stove top made stuffing, celery]
  • Ham-Already Cooked or Prime Rib optional

Sides

  • Mashed Potatoes And Gravy [potatoes, sour cream, butter,salt and pepper, heavy cream, brown gravy quick packet or homemade]
  • Sweet Potatoes [sweet potatoes, brown sugar, maple syrup, butter,marshmallows,salt]
  • Roasted Broccoli/Veggies [veggies, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, olive oil]
  • Salad [mixed green salad, bell peppers, sweet nuts, cranberries, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, (dressings – poppyseed, ranch, balsamic vinaigrette) ]
  • Cream Of Corn [frozen corn, heavy cream, cream cheese, pepper, sugar]
  • Sweet Rolls [unsalted butter]
  • Stuffing [stove top TURKEY, butter]
  • Black olives

Drinks

  • Sparkling Cider
  • Soda
  • Wine optional, or guest can bring their own
  • Ice tea [cold brew tea packets, sugar, cinnamon]

Dessert

  • Pie [apple pie with vanilla ice cream, pumpkin with whip cream (homemade or Costco)]
  • Arroz Con Leche [rice, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, cinnamon stick]
  • Pumpkin Spice Donut Bites or Any other homemade Dessert
  • Fruit Tart [from Safeway]

Desserts served with milk, coffee with cream, or hot cocoa

*get extra food storage containers to send guests home with leftovers*

Extra Things

  • Paper plates and dessert plates
  • Plastic silverware
  • Napkins
  • Cups
  • Candles
  • Fresh flowers