Thanksgiving

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.


Also see Travel Relationships

"Some 691,000 children went hungry in America sometime in 2007, while close to one in eight Americans struggled to feed themselves adequately" – msnbc.msn.com

  • Consider donating to a food bank or other charity, e.g., Feeding America
    • Consider offering to help at a homeless shelter or similar charity
    • Call relatives and friends to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving and to see how they’re doing
    • Consider watching a local parade

If you can’t afford enough food for your family:

If you are hosting a Thanksgiving gathering and/or meal:

If you are attending a Thanksgiving gathering and/or meal:

  • Well before, contact the host to determine if you can help with anything
  • Advise the host if you have special dietary needs and offer to bring appropriate items to meet your needs
  • If it is a potluck meal:
    • Try to choose a food item to contribute which will require minimal preparation at the event
    • Try to have your food item in a serving dish or bring a serving dish to use
    • Put your name on the bottom of your serving dish (e.g., on a piece of tape)
  • Plan to take a gift for the host(s)
  • Don’t arrive early and try not to arrive more than 15-30 minutes after the announced start time
  • After arriving, offer to help the host(s), e.g., assisting other guests, setting table, taking photos/video
  • Be aware that excessive consumption of foods like organ meats, shellfish, beef, beer and turkey with gravy might trigger a painful attack of gout, especially in men over 40 and women after menopause – other risky foods may include anchovies, herring, sardines, mushrooms, asparagus, peas, beans, mussels, kidney, liver, heart, brain, sweetbreads, broths, consomme
  • Consider not asking others about politics and personal issues, especially in a group setting
  • If someone asks you about something you don’t feel comfortable discussing, especially in a group setting, consider suggesting that you discuss it later
  • After the meal and/or near the end of the event, offer to help the host(s)
  • Get some exercise, e.g.:
    • Go for a walk
    • Play flag football
    • Play catch (e.g., football, baseball, Frisbee)
    • Jog
  • Afterwards, write a ‘thank you’ note to the host(s)

Expressing gratitude has been found to be good for your health.



EXPLORE: Family

Thanks for reading!