Americans are notorious for centralizing holidays around bountiful feasts and abundant meals with dishes that we love and have grown up with. Thanksgiving could be the first holiday that comes to mind when asked this! The holiday has become known as a celebration of the harvest and food, food, food. However, Thanksgiving is so much more than just about food.
Thanksgiving History
In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged present day as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day be held each November.
Believe it or not, Thanksgiving meals did not feature pumpkin pies, cakes, or other desserts as meals in present day have become known for. Things like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce didn’t become popular until later throughout the centuries.
What is Thanksgiving?
So what does the word “thanksgiving” mean to you? To some, it means the act of expressing or feeling thankfulness. There might be people in your life that have helped you, become apart of your life, taught you valuable lessons, or have made an impact on you that you might want to celebrate and give thanks to.
Thanksgiving might look differently to you after having bariatric surgery. With your new tool your surgeon has provided to you, and with your changed anatomy, food will be portioned, measured, and focused on high-protein, veggies, and low-carbohydrates. Below we have put together a list of ways to still make your Thanksgiving special and memorable, and about more than just the food!
- Get Outside: Move your body by being active in a Turkey Trot, flag football tournament, or any kind of outdoor activity.
- Volunteer: Spare your time by helping with a food drive or serving food at a soup kitchen or shelter.
- Give a Meal to Someone Less Fortunate: There are many who are less fortunate and some who might not be able to get out and prepare a meal for themselves. Why not prepare a meal and deliver it to those in need?
- Watch Movies: Gather together and watch Thanksgiving-themed moves!
- Play Games: Break out the board games, trivia, card games, or charades and have a good laugh with your family and/or friends.
- Go for a Drive: If it hasn’t snowed, Utah’s autumn season is filled with vibrant-colored leaves and stunning mountain views. You don’t even need to leave the warmth of your car! See the beautiful sights by taking your family for a leisured drive.
- Just Be Thankful: Create a list of all the things you are thankful for and grateful to have as a part of your life.
However you spend the Thanksgiving holiday this year, remember to give thanks by celebrating with more than just food. We have much to be grateful for! It could be our improving good health, to do activities and move our bodies, our friends and family, our home, our job, education, and let’s not forget our fury or scaly friends (pets)! Embrace the gratitude attitude for your health and wellness, not just on Thanksgiving Day, but 365 days of the year.
Links to related articles:
Top Ten Holiday Survival Tips
5 Strategies for Holiday Gatherings
Dealing with Holidays and Special Occasions
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