Tag: Thanksgiving

Image of pumpkins in front of stairs for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving 2024 Blog post at Bloggey.com - Images free courtesy of Pexels.com at https://www.pexels.com/photo/pumpkins-on-stairs-in-front-of-a-door-3142467/

Happy Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving 2024!

November 22, 2024 / Keith Klein / 0 Comments

Celebrating Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving 2024: Gratitude, Gatherings, and Good Food

Image of food for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving 2024 Blog post at Bloggey.com - Images free courtesy of Pexels.com at https://www.pexels.com/photo/delectable-baked-pumpkin-pie-5706426/

Mmmm, pumpkin pie!
All images free courtesy of pexels.com

As the leaves fall and the crisp air signals the arrival of the holiday season, we prepare for two of the most heartwarming celebrations of this year: Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving 2024. While Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition and family connections, Friendsgiving offers a fresh, modern take on the holiday by celebrating with chosen family—our friends.

Consider and explore the essence of both celebrations. We’re offering tips to make them memorable and meaningful for everyone gathered around the table. Mix and match to suit yourself. Treat friends like family, and treat family like friends.

The Tradition of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time-honored American holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a day to express gratitude, reflect on our blessings, and share a hearty meal with loved ones. Traditional dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are staples of Thanksgiving feasts. Families often gather to watch parades, football games, and, of course, enjoy time together.

Beyond the traditions, Thanksgiving invites us to pause and give thanks for the people and experiences that enrich our lives. As always, let’s strive to emphasize the spirit of gratitude by incorporating meaningful activities, such as sharing what we’re thankful for or volunteering to help those in need.

Friendsgiving: A Modern Twist

Friendsgiving is all about bringing friends together for a relaxed, fun-filled celebration. Typically held in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving—or sometimes even as a casual replacement—it allows people to celebrate in their own unique ways.

Why Friendsgiving is Special

Friendsgiving is a time to honor the friendships that sustain us. For those who may not have family nearby or prefer a more laid-back holiday, it offers an inclusive alternative. It’s also an opportunity to experiment with new recipes, share potluck-style meals, and enjoy a casual, laughter-filled gathering.

Key Elements of a Great Friendsgiving

Potluck Perfection
Let each friend bring their favorite dish to share. This not only reduces the host’s workload but also creates a diverse and delicious spread.
Creative Themes
Add a fun twist to your Friendsgiving by choosing a theme, like “International Flavors,” where everyone brings a dish inspired by different cultures, or “Dessert First,” where sweet treats take center stage.
Gratitude Moments
Incorporate a moment of gratitude where everyone shares something they appreciate about their friendships or the past year. It’s a small touch that adds heartfelt meaning to the celebration.
Games and Activities
Keep the energy lively with board games, trivia, or even a group movie marathon featuring holiday classics.

Planning Tips for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving 2024

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, thoughtful planning can make your celebration seamless and stress-free. Here are some tips to ensure your gathering is a success:

Plan Ahead
Start planning early by creating guest lists, assigning dishes (for Friendsgiving), and deciding on decorations or activities. This avoids last-minute stress and ensures everyone knows their role.
Embrace DIY Decorations
Simple, budget-friendly decorations can set the festive mood. For Thanksgiving, think fall leaves, pumpkins, and candles. For Friendsgiving, consider personalized place cards or themed centerpieces.
Offer Dietary Options
Ensure your menu accommodates dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, so everyone feels included.
Keep It Light
While traditional dishes are a must for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is a chance to lighten things up. Encourage guests to bring unconventional dishes or finger foods to keep the vibe casual.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Dimmed lighting, soft music, and comfortable seating arrangements can make your guests feel right at home.

Combining Traditions: A Blended Celebration

For those who can’t decide between Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, why not combine the best of both worlds? Host a Thanksgiving dinner with family during the day and transition to a Friendsgiving-style dessert party with friends in the evening. It’s a great way to spend time with everyone who matters most.

Reflecting on Gratitude

As we gather for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, let’s remember the deeper meaning of these celebrations: gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in the food and festivities, but the heart of these holidays lies in appreciating the people and moments that bring joy to our lives. Whether you’re sharing turkey with family or toasting with friends, make time to reflect on the blessings of the past year.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate both Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving with open hearts, full plates, and cherished memories. Here’s to making this season one of gratitude, togetherness, and joy!

Happy Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving! May your holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food. What are your plans for the celebrations this year? If you have no ready answer, please think about it, and talk about it with friends and family, for their sakes and, most of all, for you.

Regards,
Keith

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This Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving message was both written and optimized by Keith Klein with an AI assist via ChatGPT. Please feel free to use this blog yourself – with attribution via a live link to https://www.bloggey.com/

Image of a wrapped gift with a thank you card to illustrate a blog on the "Spirit of Giving"

Happy Thanksgiving 2023, and let’s emphasize the spirit of giving!

November 21, 2023 / Keith Klein / 0 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving 2023, and let’s emphasize the spirit of giving!

As we celebrate this special day of gratitude, we can emphasize the spirit of giving – reflecting on how we can continue to make a positive impact in our families, among our friends, and in our larger communities.

Here are some ideas for acts of kindness and giving for thirty days, spread out through next year, to help establish the spirit of giving – a giving mindset and a great giving exploration:

November 23, Thanksgiving Day 2023 Many families really do take time to express what they’re thankful for, including the opportunity to bring those dearest to us, nearest to us, once more.
November 24, Friendsgiving Day 2023 Ditto #1 above.
November 25 Small Business Saturday 2023 Patronize your favorite small shop(s).
November 27 Cyber Monday 2023 If you’re not in a position to patronize your favorite small shops – or even if you are – go the extra mile and give them a great review on Google or a community bulletin board. Tell others why they’re a favorite of yours.
November 30, 2023 Give yourself “Calls to Action.” Subscribe to newsletters or podcasts having to do with volunteer service work and causes with which you identify to be aware of what is happening in your areas of interest on a long-term basis.
December 1, 2023 – Support a Local Food Bank Consider donating non-perishable food items to your nearest food bank. Many people struggle with food insecurity, especially during the holiday season.
December 15, 2023 – Provide Warm Clothing Gather gently-used coats, scarves, and gloves, and donate them to a homeless shelter. Winter can be harsh, and your donations can make a big difference.
December 25, 2023 – Christmas Giving Continue the tradition of giving by volunteering at a Christmas charity event or donating to a favorite charitable organization.

Extend the Spirit of Giving through the New Year
January 7, 2024 – Volunteer at a Senior Center or Assisted Living Facility. Spend some time with elderly residents at a local senior center. Your companionship can brighten their day and reduce feelings of loneliness…both ways!
January 21, 2024 – Clean Up a Local Park Organize a community clean-up day at a nearby park. A cleaner environment benefits everyone and fosters community pride.
February 14, 2024 – Send Cards to Hospitalized Children Create and send Valentine’s Day cards to children in the hospital. Your warm wishes can bring smiles to their faces during a challenging time.
March 3, 2024 – Plant a Tree Join a tree-planting event in your area. Trees improve air quality, provide shade, and contribute to a healthier planet.
March 17, 2024 – Help a Neighbor Offer assistance to an elderly or disabled neighbor, whether it’s shoveling snow, grocery shopping, or simply being a good listener.
April 22, 2024 – Earth Day Cleanup Participate in an Earth Day cleanup event to remove litter from local streets and parks. A cleaner environment benefits everyone’s quality of life.
May 5, 2024 – Donate Blood Visit a local blood donation center and give the gift of life. Blood donations are crucial for saving lives in emergencies and medical procedures.
May 20, 2024 – Support a Local Animal Shelter Donate pet supplies, volunteer your time, or consider adopting a furry friend from a local animal shelter.
June 10, 2024 – Mentor a Student Offer your expertise to mentor a student in your field. Guidance and support can significantly impact their educational and career journey.
June 24, 2024 – Community Garden Join or start a community garden project, providing fresh produce to those in need and fostering a sense of unity.
July 7, 2024 – Send Care Packages to Troops Assemble care packages with essential items and snacks to send to deployed military personnel. Your support boosts morale.
July 21, 2024 – Organize a Charity Run/Walk Host a charity run or walk to raise funds for a cause you’re passionate about. It promotes fitness and community engagement.
August 15, 2024 – Donate Books Contribute books to a local library or school. Reading opens doors to knowledge and opportunities for young minds.
August 29, 2024 – Help a Homeless Shelter Provide hygiene kits or toiletries to a homeless shelter. These small items can make a big difference for those in need.
September 11, 2024 – Remember 9/11 Pay tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11 by supporting a charity related to first responders or veterans.
September 25, 2024 – Support A Group or Organization You Care About If you’ve had a loved one affected by disease or disabilty, take time to donate of volunteer on your loved one’s behalf. Perhaps support a group that hasn’t directly affected you or a loved one, simply to reach out and learn while helping.
October 10, 2024 – Assist a Domestic Violence Shelter Offer your time or resources to a domestic violence shelter, helping survivors rebuild their lives.
October 24, 2024 – Organize a Community Cleanup Rally or simply join others in your community to clean up a neglected area, making it safer and more inviting for everyone.
November 8, 2024 – Help a Children’s Hospital Donate toys, art supplies, or funds to a children’s hospital. Bringing joy to young patients is a heartwarming endeavor.
November 22, 2024 – Thanksgiving Again! Celebrate Thanksgiving by volunteering at a local soup kitchen or providing meals to families in need.
December 10, 2024 – Sponsor a Family for the Holidays Support a less fortunate family during the holiday season by providing gifts, groceries, or other necessities.
December 25, 2024 – Christmas Giving Continue the tradition of giving by volunteering at a Christmas charity event or donating to a favorite charitable organization.
December 31, 2024 Thanks for Giving! Now look ahead and plan to do more in the year 2025! Look at all you’ve done, and ask yourself what you enjoyed doing the most. Plan on more of it. Ask yourself what you’d like to learn about, and see if there’s a way to learn while serving. Do you notice how nicely this will tie in with New Year’s Resolutions a little over a year from now?

These acts of kindness in a true spirit of giving can have a lasting and meaningful impact on your family, friends, and community, aligning you with your spirit of giving not only during Thanksgiving but throughout the entire year. Remember, the benefits extend beyond those you help; they also enrich your own life and contribute to a stronger, more caring society.

We welcome you to share your ideas in the “Spirit of Giving” in the comments below.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Please contact us with questions. Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs).

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Thanks to our friends & vendors at www.WisX.com for sharing this post with us, so we could share it with you! WisX, in turn, thanks Paul Haut of WHaut.com and Mark Mullarky of GreatLakesTS.com who – each in their own spirit of giving – gave us the ideas for these holiday blog posts!

Thanksgiving Day Traditions

November 24, 2022 / Keith Klein / 0 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving Day Traditions

Thanksgiving Day traditions vary widely, I’m sure. In preparation for this holiday post, I looked up a lot of them. While they included many great traditions, some of which we practice in our home, a couple of my favorites were missing.

First, the common traditions that we practice here are no doubt among the most common across the country. Macy’s Parade starts the day, very much as a background to the cooking and last-minute calls about who’s to bring what and when they’ll be here. It’s the ‘official’ start of Christmas movies and Christmas music playing virtually non-stop through the end of the year. Pies and bread baking in the oven, along with a 14 to 20 pound bird and plenty of savory and sweet side dishes fill the house with mouth-watering aromas. Gift exchanges are setup and our kids enjoy getting the names of their siblings in the secret Santa drawings.

Perhaps my favorite pastime – missing from the traditions I read about – is listening to the women in the kitchen. Since the passing of my brother-in-law, Tom, many years ago – the family matriarchy presides over the kitchen absolutely. Tom was perhaps the best conversationalist I’d ever known, and a great listener. Now it’s purely the women running the kitchen, from my wife and daughters to my wife’s sisters, (and formerly my mother-in-law before she passed) and they dominate the conversations about things that matter. The men are relegated to a mixing drinks, a steady stream of appetizers they can have now (vs. save that for the meal!), and to taking out the trash. Conversations among the women range from the foods being prepared to dates for family camping in the coming year, to the progress of our adult children and our grandchildren in their pursuits and more. I enjoy the life they bring to the holiday, as well as the love and food they prepare for the table. Of course, by this time, the guys are watching A Christmas Story or Miracle on 34th Street for the 211th time, and, of course, a football game.

The house is decorated for Thanksgiving, and the Christmas decorating begins in earnest on Thanksgiving weekend, if it hasn’t begun already. Much like Christmas Eve, I enjoy the time after all the visitors have gone. The time devoted to enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail with my wife who evaluates what went well (or not), sharing some news that perhaps I hadn’t heard, and beginning plans for next year. That’s among the finest of traditions.

More Thanksgiving Day Traditions

Here are a few places to think explore more Thanksgiving Day Traditions to consider for your own family, along with a few comments.

I got a practical start to the research at a blog for International Boarding Schools, of all places. The post, “Top 10 Thanksgiving traditions in the US” suggested this post was on the right track.

Oprah offers a nifty slide-show of 34 Unique Thanksgiving Traditions Your Family and Friends Will Adore You may get a pop-up or two to start with, but I found the slide show easy to glide through, with nifty matching graphics and a few sentences bringing the ideas in each slide to life.

Country living shares the 30 Best Thanksgiving Traditions to Try With Your Family This Year on a single long page of “fun and unusual activities will keep the crew entertained.”

I could (maybe next Thanksgiving) do a post about Friendsgiving – a tradition I witnessed my own adult kids getting into perhaps a decade ago – and mentioned several times in the research, including the links above. We enjoy having friends over on Thanksgiving, as well as family. I think the whole idea of Friendsgiving is a great one. My wife has a great banner on her website, CindyCooks.com: Treat Friends Like Family, and Family Like Friends. The flip side of this research was learning that some traditions flat out don’t match up with what we learned about the origins of Thanksgiving, between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, in grade school. While many traditions are no doubt shared, if you Google “native american thanksgiving traditions” you may find links to “a day of mourning.”

When all is said and done, Thanksgiving to me is simply a day to celebrate our blessings and to give thanks…a shared day of celebration and thanks if you’re lucky. Be lucky. Happy Thanksgiving!

With all best wishes for you and yours to enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving!

Regards,

Keith Klein
Organizer, Wisconsin Business Owners
Founder & CEO, OnYourMark, LLC

We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please contact us with questions. Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs).

As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others:
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_____________

Thanks to our friends at OnYourMark, LLC, for preparing this post so we could share the message, and our wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, with you.

Happy Thanksgiving Thought Experiment

November 25, 2021 / Keith Klein / 0 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving posts are usually about counting our blessings and giving thanks. Steven Johnson compels us to consider this thought experiment: If your daily newspaper were published once-in-a-century, and it came out today, what would the banner headline read?

This is, indeed, something to be truly grateful for: Human life expectancy at birth doubled, worldwide, over the last hundred years.

Here’s a video Steven Johnson referred to in his TED Talk; under two minutes:

I plan to listen to the Audible Book. I recommend Audible Books.

Extra Life
A Short History of Living Longer

By: Steven Johnson
Narrated by: Steven Johnson
Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-11-21
Language: English
Publisher: Penguin Audio
4.7 out of 5 stars(91 ratings)

Happy Thanksgiving Poems

I’ll likely do a more traditional Happy Thanksgiving Holiday Greeting for some client sites, and I’ll share a couple of thoughts along that line here.

Here’s a great poem, among many at https://www.weareteachers.com/thanksgiving-poems-for-kids/ (that’s for kids of all ages!).

I was pleased to find this little gem among many via https://www.google.com/search?q=thanksgiving+poems

You’ll find more fun Thanksgiving Day poems for kids at https://gatheredagain.com/thanksgiving-poems-kids/