The Six Do’s and Don’ts of Thanksgiving

EVERYONE is extra busy around the holidays and EVERYONE loves to be invited! 

Start praying now and ask God how you can be a blessing to your neighbors during the Thanksgiving season.

Research indicates that at least 55% of people experience loneliness during the holidays. How might God lead us to take small steps this season that make a big difference in a neighbor’s life?

How can you open your home and include someone who might need a place to celebrate

Being inclusive is a great way to make sure your neighbors feel seen and loved. Instead of independent houses sitting in isolation one right after another, imagine a community of people caring for one another and becoming a place where friendships grow. Building a community takes prayer, time, and intentionality. It does not happen overnight.

Here are a few tips to help you as you plan.

DO:
✅ Pick a day to celebrate being thankful! 
✅ Offer food that’s easy to prepare or order. 
✅ Invite someone who lives alone or has family out of town.

DON’T:
❌ Assume it must be on Thanksgiving Day. 
❌ Force yourself to cook if it will leave you feeling grumpy. 
❌ Forget to laugh and enjoy the people. 

Gathering with others, especially neighbors, can be fun during November. Prepare a meal (doesn’t even need to be a turkey!) and invite someone/others to bring a side or dessert and have them share their recipes. We can enjoy learning about other people’s holiday family traditions, especially when they involve food!

A great icebreaker for a gathering would be going around and sharing what each person is thankful for this year. It would also be a tender time to share a testimony of gratitude, detailing how the Lord has provided and protected you through a trial. People are earnestly seeking vulnerability and real relationships. Let them know how a relationship with God has changed your life.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15

As far as practical application, join us for an online gathering as we discuss “Three Best & Worst Ways to Connect with Neighbors During the Holidays.”

We want to encourage and equip you with simple ways to connect with neighbors during the holidays. Click this link to register for our next online gathering on November 6th, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST. We can’t wait to hear the stories of having friends, new and old, gather around your tables! Please share them with us.