As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, communities across the country prepare for a cherished holiday – Thanksgiving. This day is not just about the feast but a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the essence of community and gratitude. Here at the Solon Area Community Foundation, we believe in celebrating Thanksgiving in ways that bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for one another.
The Feast: More Than Just Turkey
While turkey stands as the iconic centerpiece, Thanksgiving dinner is a tapestry of flavors and traditions:
- Turkey: Whether roasted to golden perfection, deep-fried, or stuffed with holiday flavors, it remains a symbol of abundance.
- Sides Galore: From mashed potatoes with gravy to green bean casserole, sweet potato dishes, and stuffing (or dressing, depending on where you’re from!), each side dish tells a story of heritage or innovation.
- Cranberry Sauce: Often debated in its form, whether homemade or from the can, it adds a tart contrast to the meal’s richness.
- Pumpkin Pie: The quintessential dessert, symbolizing the end of the harvest season, often served with whipped cream or ice cream.
Beyond the Meal
Thanksgiving isn’t solely about the food; it’s about the moments shared:
- The Wishbone: After dinner, the wishbone is traditionally saved to be broken, with each participant making a silent wish. The one with the larger piece gets their wish granted, or so the legend goes.
- Parades and Football: Many tune into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or enjoy local parades. Football games, both on TV and in backyards, become a competitive yet communal tradition.
- Giving Thanks: It’s customary for families to go around the table, each person sharing what they are thankful for, a practice that deepens connections and fosters gratitude.
Community Engagement
Thanksgiving also serves as a time for community involvement:
- Volunteering: Many spend part of their day at food banks, shelters, or serving meals to those who might otherwise be alone. It’s a day to give back, reflecting on our blessings by helping others.
- Food Drives: Collecting non-perishable items for those in need is a common activity, ensuring that everyone has something to be thankful for.
- Friendsgiving: A modern twist where friends gather for a Thanksgiving meal, celebrating chosen families and extending the circle of gratitude beyond blood relations.
Reflecting and Remembering
- Gratitude Journals: Some take this time to start or add to a gratitude journal, documenting things they appreciate, which can be revisited for inspiration or comfort.
- Memorial Candles: Lighting a candle for loved ones who are no longer with us can be a poignant tradition, keeping their memory alive in the warmth of the gathering.
Crafting Memories
- DIY Decorations: Crafting Thanksgiving-themed decorations, from handprint turkey crafts to cornucopia centerpieces, involves family and friends in the holiday spirit.
- Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids: Keeping children engaged with activities like creating turkey hats or gratitude turkeys where each feather is something they’re thankful for.
Wrapping Up
In essence, Thanksgiving is a beautiful blend of old and new traditions, where the act of giving thanks transcends the meal itself. It’s about community, reflection, and joy – values that resonate deeply with the mission of the Solon Area Community Foundation.
We encourage you to start or continue your Thanksgiving traditions, share them with your community, and perhaps adopt a new one that speaks to giving, gratitude, or simply enjoying each other’s company. After all, Thanksgiving is a day to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future with hope and togetherness.