Chicago is a dining destination 365 days a year, which means there are tons of amazing restaurants open on Thanksgiving. After you’ve worked up an appetite watching the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, you’ll want to make a reservation at these Chicago restaurants serving Thanksgiving feasts. Check out just a few of the spots open on Thanksgiving Day and offering delicious meals, festive ambiance, and more all around the city.
Chicago restaurants open on Thanksgiving 2025
Tre Dita Chicago
Tre Dita: Celebrate a fancy and festive Thanksgiving this year at Tre Dita, the buzzing Italian spot inside The St. Regis tower featuring sweeping river views.
La Storia Ristorante: The cozy, old-school Italian hideaway is having a very pasta-ful Thanksgiving. Trade the stuffing for spaghetti and the gravy for garlic butter. Dinner will include homemade pasta specials with perfectly paired wines.
Brass Tack: The signature restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is serving a three-course prix-fixe and a la carte menu. Enjoy seasonal favorites like brown butternut squash bisque, turkey croquettes, and cognac pumpkin cheesecakes.
True Food Kitchen: The three-course prix-fixe menu offers clean and indulgent twists on holiday favorites. Entrees include your choice of a turkey plate, butternut squash lasagna, ancient grain bowl, grilled salmon, or jambalaya pasta.
Bar Pendry: Step inside the iconic Carbide and Carbon building for a cozy dinner inside Pendry’s fireside lounge. Feast on comforting classics like autumn salad, roasted turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, and pumpkin basque cheesecake.
Hawksmoor: Want to skip the turkey? Hawksmoor is celebrating Thanksgiving with a prime rib roast. The feast features dry-aged prime rib with beef-dripping roasted potatoes and Yorkshire pudding.
Hawksmoor
Prime & Provisions
Cafe Robey: Head to the heart of Wicker Park for a seasonal curated buffet with holiday classics. Featuring roasted turkey alongside comforting sides like garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie.
IO Godfrey: Enjoy a special dinner buffet that includes a carving station, salad bar, dessert bar, and more.
Fioretta: This Fulton Market steakhouse is planning a four-course tasting menu of traditional Thanksgiving and Fioretta classics. Menu options include hand-cut filet mignon, turkey with Italian sausage stuffing, and more.
Prime & Provisions: This River North steakhouse is bringing a holiday-worthy grand buffet. The options include a raw bar selection, a succulent carved meats station, holiday sides, and desserts.
Alpana: Enjoy a three-course menu of globally inspired options like cream of cauliflower soup with yuzu jam, truffle mac n’ cheese, and harissa roasted cauliflower.
Bistronomic: Celebrate Thanksgiving with a French accent and a three-course prix fixe menu at this classic downtown bistro.
Shula’s Steak House: The three-course feast begins with roasted butternut squash topped with ginger apple crème fraiche, followed by a traditional turkey plate, and ending with a Chicago deep dish pumpkin pie.
Adorn Bar & Restaurant: The grand Thanksgiving feast includes seasonal favorites like roasted butternut bisque, slow-roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, and herb-crusted Colorado lamb chops with mint jelly.
Adorn Chicago
The Smith: Diners can enjoy a special three-course menu that includes turkey three ways — roasted breast, braised leg, or turkey pot pie — along with other options for non-turkey lovers.
Staycation Market & Bar: Experience Thanksgiving in the heart of the city with a traditional menu with refined seasonal touches, including roasted turkey breast, lemongrass green beans, and a warm apple tart for dessert.
Mercat a la Planxa: Celebrate the holiday with a Catalan-inspired twist. The menu features elevated comfort classics like turkey rillette with cranberry coulis, confit turkey thigh with sourdough dressing, and festive cocktails.
Toro: Enjoy Thanksgiving with a festive flair. Indulge in oven-roasted turkey breast with all the comforting side classics and Toro’s signature cranberry bacon morita jam.
Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse: For a slam dunk Thanksgiving feast, head to the legendary basketball star’s Magnificent Mile restaurant to enjoy a traditional three-course meal.
City Cruises: Cruise Lake Michigan and take in breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline on a chef-prepared holiday lunch cruise. Expect Thanksgiving favorites and seasonal specialties while enjoying DJ entertainment.
Grill on 21: Experience a refined three-course dinner. Start with East Coast oysters or select an entree such as roasted turkey with truffle au jus and cranberry sauce. End with several options for dessert.
City Cruises Chicago River
Alpana, photo by Anthony Tahlier
Steak 48: The turkey package includes a sourced turkey from a farm just outside of Raleigh, NC. The turkey is roasted until golden brown and served topped with signature black truffle, Cabernet, and pan gravy.
Tortoise Supper Club: The elegant family-friendly buffet includes an iced seafood tower, hand-carved turkey, and prime rib with all the classic Thanksgiving trimmings.
Monarch & Lion: This British pub will be serving a special Thanksgiving day roast centered around turkey or prime rib, served with Yorkshire pudding, potatoes and gravy.
Yasemi: The Greek Turkey dinner blends holiday comfort with Mediterranean flavor. Choose from holiday specials like the braised lamb shank in thyme and lemon oil sauce.
RPM Steak: This sleek downtown steakhouse is serving a Thanksgiving feast featuring a multi-course prix-fixe menu of holiday signatures.
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Turkeys aren’t known for flying but their prices are soaring ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
A September outlook report from the United States Agriculture Department estimates that wholesale prices for frozen turkeys will be $1.32 per pound this year, a 40% increase from 2024’s average of $0.94 per pound.
The wholesale price is what retailers pay to buy items in bulk. Retailers then decide how much they want to charge consumers.
The reason the birds — traditionally the centerpiece at the Thanksgiving table — are getting more expensive comes down to supply. The number of available turkeys has shrunk in recent years amid slightly weakened demand and avian flu outbreaks, according to USDA data.
More than 3 million turkeys have been impacted by bird flu outbreaks this year, including over half a million this month alone, USDA data shows.
That translates to less turkeys: USDA forecasts that farmers raised around 195 million turkeys in 2025 compared with 200 million in 2024, a 3% decrease. To be sure, the number of turkeys in supply has been sliding over the last decade. In 2016, farmers raised around 245 million turkeys, roughly 50 million more than today’s supply.
Deals abound
Amid the rise in wholesale turkey prices, several companies are floating deals in an attempt to win over budget-conscious customers.
Walmart announced Tuesday that it is offering Butterball turkeys for $0.97 per pound this year. The retailer also said its 10-person meal deal will cost under $4 per person. Grocery chain Aldi has offered a similar deal, at $40 for 10 people.
Retailers typically use turkeys as a loss leader,” David Ortega, a professor and food economist at Michigan State University, told CBS News. “That is they price them very competitively, sometimes even below cost, to draw shoppers into stores ahead of Thanksgiving.”
Both deals represent a decrease in the average cost for a Thanksgiving meal from 2024, which was $58 for 10 people, according to a report from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Frozen turkeys that year accounted for a large share of Americans’ holiday grocery bill, at an average retail cost of $25 for a 16-pound bird.
Despite the surge in wholesale turkey prices in 2025, Bernt Nelson, an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation doesn’t expect consumer prices to increase much.
“We see that uptick right now in the wholesale price by about 40%, so we’ll definitely see some price increases there, but I don’t think they’re going to go a whole lot higher above where they are at,” he said on a Farm Bureau podcast.
“Higher wholesale prices for turkeys are likely to translate into somewhat higher prices at the grocery store, but the increase consumers see will probably be smaller than what’s happening upstream,” Ortega explained.
In other welcome news for shoppers, CBS News’ price tracker shows that prices for Thanksgiving dinner ingredients like butter, milk and potatoes haven’t budged much compared with prices the same time last year.
Wholesale turkey prices are up about 40% from last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O’Grady explains the impact on your Thanksgiving meal.
More than 1 million Georgians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not receive critical food benefits next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Georgians who usually receive payments between Nov. 5 and Nov. 23 should not expect to see payment until December.
SNAP supports about 42 million low income people throughout the country each month by assisting them with payments for food. That assistance has already negatively impacted by rising food costs. Adding to the negative impact of delayed payments and rising food costs, changes which have taken effect recently under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill reduces and in some cases eliminates payments altogether.
The new rules decrease the number of Americans who qualify for SNAP by expanding the work exemption from 59 to 65 years old, and the childcare exemption now only applies to parents or guardians of children under 14 when it was previously 18.
People experiencing homelessness and veterans are no longer exempt form the work requirement.
“Many people in America are a single missed paycheck away from needing support from their local food banks,” Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, said when the shutdown started on Oct. 1. “A prolonged shutdown will deepen the strain, and more families will seek help at a time when food banks are already stretched due to sustained high need.”
The government shutdown now entering its fourth week will cause November payments to be delayed. That delay will increase hardships on individuals and families as they approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents can only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months every 3 years unless they meet work criteria. , but pregnant individuals and those unable to work due to a physical or mental condition remain exempt.
It’s important to check your state’s payment schedule to see when your SNAP benefits will arrive this month. If you’re an ABAWD, be aware of the new eligibility rules that could impact how long you can receive assistance.
Check your state’s expected SNAP distribution dates for more details.
These Eggless Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars pack all the cozy, caramelized flavor of classic pecan pie—without the pie fuss or the eggs. After years of testing allergy-friendly desserts, I can promise this one delivers everything you love about the original: a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust and a gooey, nutty filling that’s rich and irresistible. They’re easy to make, travel beautifully, and bring that special, homemade touch to any fall gathering or holiday dessert table.
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could bring that nostalgic pecan pie flavor to the table without the stress of making an actual pie, these bars are for you. When my daughter was diagnosed with an egg allergy, I made it my mission to re-create all those beloved holiday desserts in a way that felt just as indulgent—only safer and simpler.
This Eggless Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars recipe is one of those “tested until perfect” ones I’m truly proud of. The brown butter crust gives every bite a toasty, nutty depth that makes people stop and say, “Wait… these are egg-free?” Whether you’re baking for your family, your kid’s school party, or just a cozy night in, these bars bring all the magic of pecan pie—no rolling pin required.
Why You’ll Want to Try My Recipe
Rich brown butter flavor: That toasty, nutty note takes these bars from simple to unforgettable.
Egg-free & allergy-friendly: Safe for families with egg allergies—no one will even notice the difference.
Simple ingredients: Everyday pantry staples come together to make something that feels fancy.
Perfect for sharing: They slice cleanly, travel well, and look gorgeous on dessert tables.
Holiday-ready: A crowd-pleasing treat that brings cozy, caramelized flavor to any celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details, including measurements and instructions.
For The Brown Butter Shortbread Crust
Unsalted Butter: The base of the crust—browning it adds a rich, nutty flavor that sets this dessert apart from traditional pecan bars.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough and helps create a tender texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the buttery notes and adds warmth and depth to the shortbread.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to the crust while keeping it crumbly and delicate.
For the Eggless Pecan Filling:
Golden Flaxseed Meal & Water: Mixed together, they form a flax “egg,” which helps bind the filling while adding a subtle nutty taste.
Corn Syrup: Gives the filling that classic gooey texture found in pecan pie and helps hold everything together.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with caramel notes and enhances the pecans’ natural sweetness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery, nutty flavors.
Ground Cinnamon & Ground Nutmeg: Add cozy warmth and spice, making each bite taste like fall.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it sets properly once baked and cooled.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the filling.
Heavy Cream: Makes the filling silky smooth and adds a luscious, creamy touch.
Pure Vanilla Extract (or Vanilla Paste): Adds depth and complements the brown sugar and pecans beautifully.
Pecans: The star of the show! They bring crunch, warmth, and that unmistakable pecan pie flavor.
This recipe is naturally egg, dairy, wheat/gluten, peanut, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.
Dairy: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter, Trader Joe’s brand vegan butter, and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking. For the best flavor, use a vegan butter that tastes good. Use sticks or blocks, not tub (spreadable) butter.
Heavy Cream: You can use a non-dairy cream, such as Silk, Country Crock Plant Cream, or Califia Farms.
Wheat/Gluten:Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend. I also like Doves Farm Freee Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, but this blend does not contain xanthan gum, so you need to add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup (140 g) of gluten-free flour blend.
Nuts: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds to make it nut-free.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Brown the Butter
Melt your butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Keep stirring as it melts and starts to foam. After about 5–8 minutes, you’ll notice little brown bits forming at the bottom and a delicious nutty smell—that’s your cue! Take it off the heat right away and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 2 – Make the Crust
In a large bowl, mix the brown butter with sugar, vanilla, and salt. Then stir in the flour until everything comes together.
Press this dough evenly into your prepared pan—it’ll be soft and buttery. Bake it for 15 minutes, then let it cool a bit while you get the filling ready.
Step 3 – Mix the Pecan Filling
In a small bowl, combine the golden flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens up—it should look a little gel-like. This will help the filling set beautifully without using real eggs. Grab a medium bowl and mix together the flax “egg,” corn syrup, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla. Once everything’s smooth and glossy, fold in the chopped pecans so they’re coated in all that sweet, gooey goodness.
In a small bowl, combine the golden flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens up—it should look a little gel-like. This will help the filling set beautifully without using real eggs. Grab a medium bowl and mix together the flax “egg,” corn syrup, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla. Once everything’s smooth and glossy, fold in the chopped pecans so they’re coated in all that sweet, gooey goodness. Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the warm crust. If you love a sweet-salty contrast, sprinkle a little sea salt on top.
Step 4 – Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center looks set but still has a tiny jiggle. If it starts to brown too much, loosely cover it with foil.
Step 5 – Cool and Slice
Once baked, place the pan on a wire rack and let it cool completely—this part is key for neat slices. When it’s cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares. Enjoy every rich, nutty, buttery bite!
Recipe Tips For Success
➤ Potential Recipe Challenges & Pro Tips:
Overbrowning the butter: Brown butter adds flavor, but it can quickly go from golden to burnt. Pro Tip:Keep a close eye on the butter as it cooks—stir often and remove from heat as soon as it smells nutty and turns amber brown.
Soggy crust: The crust can soften if the filling is added while it’s still too hot. Pro Tip:Allow the crust to cool slightly before pouring in the filling so it sets nicely and stays crisp.
Runny filling: If the filling doesn’t set properly, it may be due to underbaking or too little cornstarch. Pro Tip:Bake until the filling looks slightly puffed and the edges are set. It will firm up more as it cools.
Cutting messy bars: Warm bars can fall apart when sliced. Pro Tip:Chill the bars completely before cutting for clean, beautiful slices.
Toasting the pecans before mixing them in enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
Don’t skip cooling time—these bars need time to set properly for the best texture.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a delicious sweet-salty finish.
Variations & Additions
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top once the bars have cooled for an extra decadent touch.
Maple Twist: Replace the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
Spiced-Up Version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a cozy holiday vibe.
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Swirl a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce into the filling before baking.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before serving.
These Eggless Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars have all the cozy, caramelized flavor of pecan pie—without the fuss or the eggs. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey, nutty filling, they’re rich, easy to make, and perfect for any fall or holiday dessert table.
Prep Time 25 minutesmins
Cook Time 50 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr15 minutesmins
Servings 9– 12 bars
For The Brown Butter Shortbread Crust:
For Eggless Pecan Filling:
Get Recipe Ingredients
You can find step-by-step photos above in the post and/or right here on the recipe card. They’ll walk you through the process and make everything super clear! Just click the camera icon button below on the right to show or hide them. Turn them off before printing if you prefer a cleaner copy!
Make the Brown Butter Shortbread Crust:
Make the Pecan Filling:
Mix the golden flaxseed meal and water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until thick and gelatinous.
Combine flaxseed mixture, corn syrup, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the top with sea salt, if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is just set. If the center still jiggles, bake for a few more minutes; if you notice the bars starting to puff in the middle, remove them immediately. If the top is getting too brown as it bakes, loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Remove from the oven, set on a wire rack, and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Storing: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Corn syrup: Corn syrup and starch are the ingredients that hold this eggless pecan filling together. I have no substitution suggestions yielding the same texture, moisture, and flavor. Corn syrup is a must in traditional pecan pie. However, if you have some negative thoughts about corn syrup, you can try using golden cane syrup instead or glucose. Food Allergy Swaps: This recipe is naturally egg, dairy, wheat/gluten, peanut, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.
Dairy: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter, Trader Joe’s brand vegan butter, and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking. For the best flavor, use a vegan butter that tastes good. Use sticks or blocks, not tub (spreadable) butter.
Heavy Cream: You can use a non-dairy cream, such as Silk, Country Crock Plant Cream, or Califia Farms.
Wheat/Gluten:Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend. I also like Doves Farm Freee Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, but this blend does not contain xanthan gum, so you need to add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup (140 g) of gluten-free flour blend.
Nuts: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds to make it nut-free.
Recipe Tips For Success: ➤ Potential Recipe Challenges & Pro Tips:
Overbrowning the butter: Brown butter adds flavor, but it can quickly go from golden to burnt. Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the butter as it cooks—stir often and remove from heat as soon as it smells nutty and turns amber brown.
Soggy crust: The crust can soften if the filling is added while it’s still too hot. Pro Tip: Allow the crust to cool slightly before pouring in the filling so it sets nicely and stays crisp.
Runny filling: If the filling doesn’t set properly, it may be due to underbaking or too little cornstarch. Pro Tip: Bake until the filling looks slightly puffed and the edges are set. It will firm up more as it cools.
Cutting messy bars: Warm bars can fall apart when sliced. Pro Tip: Chill the bars completely before cutting for clean, beautiful slices.
➤ Extra Tips:
Preheat the oven. Preheat it for at least 15 -20 minutes before you start, to give it plenty of time to reach the ideal recipe temperature.
Measure the ingredients correctly. In my opinion, a kitchen scale is always the best option.
Line the baking pan with parchment paper so it’s easier to lift out the bars for slicing.
Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling can enhance their flavor and crunch.
If you want a touch of salted caramel flavor, add a pinch of sea salt on top of the filling before baking.
Know Your Oven. Every oven is different, so baking times must always be taken with a grain of salt. Oven thermostats can be wildly off, affecting baking time, so keep an eye on yours.
➤ Variations & Additions:
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top once the bars have cooled for an extra decadent touch.
Maple Twist: Replace the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
Spiced-Up Version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a cozy holiday vibe.
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Swirl a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce into the filling before baking.
Recipe reviews on the website are extremely valuable to other readers online. So, please don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating below.
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, I worked at Cook’s Illustrated and CHOW’s test kitchens. I’ve edited and tested recipes for more than 15 years, including developing recipes for the James Beard-award winning Mister Jiu’s in Chinatown cookbook. My favorite taste testers are my husband, Hayden, and daughter, Sophie.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After providing a holiday tent assistance program in Tampa more than 40 years, Metropolitan Ministries is expanding its outreach and opening a tent in Pinellas County this season.
What You Need To Know
Metropolitan Ministries expands iconic holiday tent site to Pinellas County
The St. Petersburg location at Holy Cross Catholic Church is expected to serve more than 5,000 families
Organization hiring for seasonal staff to help support holiday outreach efforts
“We’ve done distributions out of the back of a truck and giving people food but this is more relational,” said Tim Marks, Chief Strategy Advisor and Former CEO of Metropolitan Ministries. “My role is to take what we’ve done in Tampa (and) make sure we do our best here in Pinellas to serve.”
The organization will offer hope, Marks says, to more than 5,000 families the organization is expected to serve.
“Some are struggling still from the hurricanes from last year. Others have economic storms and other storms of life that they’re facing. We want to bring hope and happiness to families over the holiday season,” he said.
“You shop for the food you like for your family. You pick out the toys. It’s not Metropolitan Ministries that’s providing the toys; you want to give mom and dad the dignity of providing toys for their kids,” said Marks.
Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Petersburg says parishioners are also excited about the expansion and ready to volunteer.
Metropolitan Ministries is also hiring for several temporary positions to help support what it calls Tampa Bay’s largest outreach initiative serving families in crisis over Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“We’ve been seeing about a 15% increase in seniors struggling and needing help because they’re on fixed income. Their rent’s gone up, their food costs have gone up, utilities have gone up,” said Marks.
While setup is still in progress, the tent will soon be filled with people serving the community.
Place 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée, 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil, and 3 large eggs in a large bowl and whisk until smooth and combined. Add 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and whisk to combine. Add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and fold it in with a rubber spatula until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds, then gently press them into the batter to ensure they stick.
Why settle for a stuffy dining room when you can host Friendsgiving under the open sky? This year, I took to the garden, complete with cozy vibes, fall bulbs, and a few picture-worthy Friendsgiving ideas. Whether you’ve got a big backyard or a small patio, here’s how to turn your outdoor space into a magical fall gathering.
In every garden space I’ve had the pleasure of calling home, I always prioritize an area for entertaining. Some of my favourite memories are those long, lazy afternoons and twinkle-lit evenings spent outside, surrounded by greenery, laughter, and the people I love.
When I first moved into this house, I had a very specific dream: a big table right in the middle of the lawn, set for an outdoor dinner for 12. I don’t have a dining room in the house so the big dinners move outside. And garden-side entertaining is magical.
Fast-forward to now. The deck is done, the veggie garden is thriving, and Lola (my stylish, vintage trailer sidekick!) is tucked into her corner like she was always meant to be there. It finally felt like the perfect time to throw a little garden gathering.
Friendsgiving with my chosen family seemed like the perfect opportunity to get everyone together and enjoy the abundance and beauty of the fall garden.
This year, I wanted to switch things up and reflect not just on what we’re thankful for now, but also on the gifts we can give our future selves. I planned a little magic for my garden table, and perhaps it will inspire you to create your own unforgettable evening with these garden-themed Friendsgiving ideas.
This post will cover…
Having a gift/activity for your guests is a great way to add to the event.
Sponsored: This post is sponsored by Flowerbulb.eu, who graciously provided the bulbs we used to write our intentions and gift to our future selves. Flowerbulb.eu aims to educate those on the beauty and joy of flower bulbs. Go to Flowerbulb.eu for inspiration and education!
Friendsgiving Décor in the Garden
When I designed the garden, I always planned that the lawn would become an outdoor dining area for the bigger events. I combined three folding beer garden tables to make one square table big enough for 12, with benches around so 4 people could sit on each side.
The invites were clear that it would be an outdoor dining event and to dress accordingly. And, of course, that’s part of the fun! Everyone dressed stylishly warm in wool and velvet fabrics, brightened by the rich colours of fall. I also provided blankets for everyone on the bench seating to ensure the guests did not get chilly.
Even in the summer, blankets are appreciated for outdoor hosting.
Lights are the number one way to set ambience. Outdoor string lights with Edison bulbs are strung from the deck to the large hazelnut tree, so they light up the table and Lola. The table lighting was simple as well: an array of candles to set the mood.
Lola, my vintage trailer, was a great backdrop.
To set the table, I layered tablecloths. Each setting had different vintage, colourful plates. All together, it perfectly matched the vibrancy and eclectic nature of the garden.
Layering mismatched patterned tablecloths is a beautiful way to create depth and texture.
On the table, I set out flowers freshly harvested from my cutting garden, In this season it is filled with zinnias and sunflowers, but the garden gives flowers from early spring in succession from the bulbs I planted: tulips first, then ranunculus. Next summer, I plan to include dahlias for a huge selection of flowers through to the fall.
There are usually some long-lasting flowers you can trim from your garden in the fall, like these zinnia.
I filled in the center of the table with other items harvested from my garden: acorn squash, rosemary sprigs, and dried hydrangeas. Truly celebrating the abundance that can come from the garden.
Finally, I added pretty 1-litre Mason jars filled with tulip bulbs. These make for cute and useful gifts that each guest can take home. These also became an activity later in the night.
A Gift for Your Future Self
At all my dinners, I like to host an activity to bring everyone together and share my gratitude for friendship. For Friendsgiving this year, my theme was “A Gift to Your Future Self.” When we finished the main course, I thanked everyone for being part of my family and then explained the reason there were jars of tulip bulbs on the table.
This gift was how we could collectively explore appreciation for a period of winter’s rest and acknowledgement of our future selves. Giving fall planting flower bulbs is the example.
I used fabric rather than the metal snap lids to allow air flow for the bulbs.
If you plant fall bulbs now, such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, and other showstoppers, they bloom in the early days of spring. Exactly when you need a reminder that winter does, in fact, end in a new season, spring. This is a very personal concept for me, and one that I experienced in full colour this past year.
When I first moved into the house, it was fall. I planted a lawn full of fall bulbs that brought me so much joy in the following spring when I didn’t have any other plants or flowers yet. Since I hadn’t been able to do any garden work yet, having those bulbs come up in the spring was a really lovely gift and kick-started my year of gardening ahead.
I loved it so much, I planted more tulip bulbs last fall so I could have even more flowers. I harvested so many tulips to use as bouquets, thanking past me for this abundance and feeling such joy that I gave this small gift to myself.
At Friendsgiving, I wanted to pass on this abundance and joyful feeling so that my loved ones could nourish themselves over winter.
Ensure your guests know how to plant and use the bulbs by cutting up the planting instructions from the package and including them in the jars.
Every couple or family got a jar of tulip bulbs alongside some pieces of paper. I encouraged everyone to write an intention and what they hoped spring would bring them. What gift would you love to receive in the spring that you’re nourishing now?
Once written down, we folded the pieces of paper and put them in the jar. When they bring the bulbs home, they can plant the paper with the bulbs. After a little winter rest, the flowers will grow in the spring alongside your intentions. And you’ll remember the gift you had given yourself.
Friendsgiving Foodie Feast
In the center of my vegetable garden beds is the Gardener’s Table. Like a Chef’s table, it is set for just two people to enjoy an intimate meal.
It’s framed with a U-shaped vegetable garden and a bean arch. I removed the two chairs for this party and tossed a tablecloth over top of the table to serve wine and a cranberry-themed cheeseboard. After dinner, I set dessert on that table as well. It kept everyone moving around the garden for the different courses.
The cheeseboard featured cranberry chevre, brie, olive tapenade, burrata with cranberry balsamic, cranberry hazelnut crackers, and dried dates.
For the main course, I cooked a turkey dinner. My friend, who happens to be an amazing chef, also cooked Chinese dumplings for everyone, which we enjoyed as a second course.
Keep the table clear and the food warm by serving the food inside the house.
For dessert, I served hyper-realistic fall-themed cakes that looked like pumpkins, green apples, acorns, and mushrooms. They were absolutely stunning but 100% cake, so no worries about the mushroom being poisonous (it was pistachio raspberry-flavoured cake and mousse. Yum!). I got the cakes from a local bakery, making things simple for me and enjoyable for my guests.
What you serve at your Friendsgiving is personal and doesn’t have the follow the Thanksgiving norms. Collaborate to lessen the stress of doing it all yourself, and you can enjoy what your friends love to cook as well.
The desserts featured realistic-looking apples, pumpkins, mushrooms, and acorns.
The Joy of a Thanksgiving Garden Party
Having friends over for any kind of celebration is a way to share your life with them. This Thanksgiving garden party was a way to share something meaningful to me: planting fall bulbs and the abundance they can provide next spring. I knew how much joy it gave me, and I wanted to pass that feeling and intention to the people who are important to me.
Bringing them together, cooking them dinner, and gifting them these bulbs also allowed me to feel the abundance of their friendship. It is my hope that by passing on the gift of tulip bulbs to them, they’ll be reminded that they’re special to me.
And better yet, inspire the intentions and dreams they’ve made this fall to come true next spring.
I hope you found some inspiration for garden-themed Friendsgiving décor, and most importantly, feel inspired to set your own intentions this fall. Be sure to check out Flowerbulb.eu for more bulb inspiration and tips!
More Ways to Celebrate the Season
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
As the Assistant Editor for The Kitchn, I cover groceries, news, trends, people, and culture. I have 5 years of experience in communications and an MA in Food Studies from NYU. I previously worked at Food Network, and for nonprofits advocating for food justice.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The return of the Skins Game shows how much has changed in 17 years. The four players are among the top six in the world, it’s moving from the California desert to South Florida and it will be broadcast on Prime Video instead of network TV.
It will be held at Panther National, a new course in Florida that opened two years ago and was designed by Thomas and Jack Nicklaus. Bradley, Schauffele and Thomas all live in the area.
The Skins Game, which began in 1983 with some of golf’s biggest stars, was last played in 2008 and won by K.J. Choi.
The new Skins Game will have a similar format. A player wins the dollar amount for each hole, and it carries over if the hole is tied. The difference is a “reverse purse,” in which all four players start with $1 million and their fortunes rise or fall with every hole won or lost.
Coverage will start at 9 a.m., the start of a big Black Friday for Prime Video, which also will have an NFL game and an NBA doubleheader.
This is the second golf event for Prime, which last month announced it would stream two additional hours of weekday coverage at the Masters.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Thanksgiving dinner isn’t just about the turkey, it’s the side dishes that make the meal unforgettable!
I’ve rounded up my family-favorite and reader-favorite recipes to help you plan your feast with zero stress. From classic mashed potatoes to buttery dinner rolls, the sides might be the best part of the meal!
First Things First
First things first… let’s nail those side dishes. Think of this roundup as your Thanksgiving cheat sheet: everything you need to wow your guests and keep the kitchen chaos to a minimum.
I’ve listed a bunch that can be made ahead of time and just warmed up so that your big day doesn’t have to be stressful at all! When the sides are solid, the whole meal tastes more delicious!
Tips for the PERFECT Sides
Plan Ahead: Most of these sides can be made a day or two in advance. Do the chopping, mixing, or baking early to save oven space on Thanksgiving Day.
Double Up on Favorites: Mashed potatoes, rolls, and stuffing always go fast so make extra if you’re feeding a crowd.
Balance the Menu: Mix richer, more classic dishes (like sweet potato casserole) with lighter veggie sides (like Brussels sprouts or green beans) for variety.
Warm Everything at Once: Keep a slow cooker or warming trays handy to hold sides at the perfect serving temp without overcooking.
Use a Cooler as a Warming Drawer. If your oven is full, line a clean cooler with foil and towels to keep casseroles, rolls, or veggies warm for up to an hour. It frees up precious oven space and keeps everything at serving temperature until mealtime.
Dad’s Famous Mashed Potatoes
My dad’s famous mashed potatoes are always the star of the dinner table! Perfectly creamy, buttery, and they have such amazing flavor. People are always begging him to make the recipe!
The best sweet potato casserole is smooth and creamy, sprinkled with a brown sugar pecan mixture. It’s a sweet and savory side dish that is perfect for the holidays!
Cornbread stuffing is a delicious hearty dish that your family will go crazy over this Thanksgiving! It’s loaded with fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies for the perfect sweet and savory side.
1-hour rolls are the perfect solution for making fresh bread in a pinch! This easy and delicious roll recipe will become your new favorite, just in time for the holidays!
Roasted brown butter honey garlic carrots make the perfect side dish. Roasted to tender perfection in the most incredible sauce, these will instantly become a new favorite!
Green bean casserole uses fresh mushrooms salted with onions and garlic, topped with crispy onions, and loaded with fresh, crunchy green beans! This might be your favorite dish next Thanksgiving!
This five-ingredient cornbread casserole can be prepped and ready to go in the oven in less than five minutes. It’s packed with sweet, juicy corn and fluffy cornbread and tastes amazing! You can make this side dish for the holidays, to go with your favorite chili or any weeknight dinner.
The sweet maple glaze and bacon complement these roasted brussel sprouts perfectly. This will be a side dish that the family won’t be able to get enough of!
Turkey gravy is rich, thick, and creamy! This gravy takes less than 15 minutes to make! Once you drizzle it all over your turkey and potatoes, well, you will use this recipe for every holiday season!
Calling all Thanksgiving pros! I want YOUR input on how to make the sides of thanksgiving the best part of the meal this year. What’s your can’t-miss side dish or secret prep tip? Share it in the comments below. The more comments we can get, the better ALL of our meals will be!
Everyone knows it’s the side dishes that make Thanksgiving dinner fabulous! From Southern cornbread dressing to giblet gravy, these classic Southern Thanksgiving side dishes will have your guests raving!
⭐Southern Thanksgiving Dressing Recipes
It’s not a Southern Thanksgiving unless dressing is on the table! Many ask what the difference is between stuffing and dressing and it’s really simple. Stuffing is “stuffed” into the cavity of the turkey, where the dressing is cooked outside of the bird. In the South, you’ll hear most people use the term “dressing.”
SAUSAGE BISCUIT DRESSING-This southern dressing is made with biscuits and sausage. It’s moist and delicious! You can make our famous Cathead Biscuits a couple of days in advance to make this recipe.
SAUSAGE RICE DRESSING-Rice is prevalent in the South, and this rice dressing is always a good holiday idea.
⭐Thanksgiving Potato Side Dishes
Potatoes make a very popular side dish! Plus, you gotta have something to pour the gravy over.
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE-For many, Thanksgiving is the only time they eat sweet potatoes. This casserole has fantastic reviews.
SWEET POTATO PONE-it’s made with sweet potatoes and molasses and is a traditional holiday food. It can be served as a dessert or a side dish. We serve it as a side dish.
⭐Thanksgiving Vegetable Recipes
Can’t forget the vegetables. Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a few vegetbale dishes.
SOUTHERN BROCCOLI CASSEROLE-It’s definitely a staple! Probably one of the most popular side dishes for Thanksgiving.
BEST GREEN BEANS– This recipe for green beans is super simple to make and always a hit. You can make these a day in advance too!
EASY CORN CASSEROLE-This is a very popular Southern recipe. Plus, it’s a simple dish that always received wonderful reviews.
Pumpkin flower arrangements are a fun and chic way to set the table for fall festivities, including Thanksgiving and Halloween. Grab some warm-toned flowers from the garden or the grocery store, and pick a pumpkin that calls your name!
I keep seeing these gorgeous pumpkin flower arrangements at florists, farmers’ markets, and online. A collection of blooms tightly packed into a bright orange pumpkin just screams “fall.”
It’s an elegant take on fall decorating: setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner, adorning the mantle for the season change, or even to give as gifts.
I know I would love to receive one of these gorgeous pumpkins, and they will be just as rewarding to give! Here’s how you can make your own.
Use pumpkins of all sizes and shapes to really make it your own.
How to Make Pumpkin Flower Arrangements
With flower arranging, the artistry is in the design, and it’s not as easy as it looks. But if you want to take a stab at creating your own pumpkin flower arrangement, then here is how to do it.
Keep pumpkins cool and shaded to help them last longer.
Make It!
Cut the top off your pumpkin so that you have a fairly wide opening near the center of your pumpkin. Scoop out the guts and make these addictive Roasted Rosemary Pumpkin Seeds.
Line the inside of the pumpkin with a sheet of plastic. This will hold some of the moisture in when you water the floral foam.
Cut a piece of floral foam with the knife to a size that will fit inside the pumpkin. Soak the foam in water while you prepare your flowers (soak it, don’t dunk it!).
Make sure to use wet flower foam, not dry flower foam.
Choose flowers with strong, straight stems that are freshly cut, either from the garden or a purchased bouquet.
Insert the floral foam into the inside of the pumpkin and create your arrangement. Start with flowers, then add leaves, berries, and other embellishments to create a full and interesting arrangement.
Use garden clippings to make it extra seasonal.
Items collected from the garden will shine in a new way when displayed in a pumpkin vase like this one I spotted at Vancouver florist Flowerz.
Save the top of the pumpkin for an extra unique arrangement.
You can even pop the top of the pumpkin like on this other creative arrangement. Hold it on with a piece of floral wire inserted into the floral foam (also from Flowerz).
Save the succulents once the pumpkin begins to decompose.
I even made up one with some tender succulents for my garden. As the weather starts to get cooler, the succulents won’t survive outdoors, so why not bring them in, plant them in a pumpkin, and enjoy them for as long as you can?
I didn’t use floral foam for the succulents, but instead filled the inside of the pumpkin with indoor potting soil. I do this for my outdoor pumpkins every year. You can see a whole bunch of them here.
Pumpkins don’t have to have all of the fun; this works well with gourds, too!
Pumpkin Flower Arrangements FAQ
How long do the pumpkins stay fresh?
It depends on a few factors, like how fresh it was to begin with and what the conditions are. But I would say a good estimate would be 1-2 weeks. Keep the pumpkins cool and away from sunlight to help them last longer.
How far in advance can I make these pumpkins?
Like all fresh flowers, they look best when freshly made, so I would try to make them no more than 1-2 days in advance. The arrangement should then look pretty for another 1-2 weeks, depending on the flowers and the temperature they are stored at.
More Ways to Use Pumpkins
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
Americans are expected to rein in spending this holiday season by the most amount since the pandemic, as they continue to face pressure from high prices and tariffs.
That’s according to a new survey released by accounting firm PwC on Wednesday, which predicts Americans this year will reduce holiday spending to $1,552 a person on average, which is 5% less than in 2024. That includes spending on gifts, travel, food and entertainment.
If the predictions come to pass, it would represent the most significant drop in holiday spending since 2020. While consumers are not cutting purchases entirely, they are getting smarter about how they stretch their dollars, according to Alison Furman, PwC’s consumer markets industry leader.
“Inflation is kind of creeping in, and they’re seeing it affect their wallets,” Furman told CBS MoneyWatch.
For its report, PwC surveyed 4,000 Americans from Gen Zs to baby boomers over a two-week period from June to July, when tariff-related uncertainty was more pronounced. But any perceived changes in the economy over the next couple of months could alter consumers’ attitude toward spending.
“Economic signals continue to shift and, between now and December, purchasing behavior could evolve in response,” the report states.
The generation expected to tighten their spending the most is Gen Z. Respondents from this cohort, ages 17 to 28, said they expect to reduce their holiday budgets by 23% — more than any other generation in the study. That’s due in part to the tough job market facing young Americans, along with rising costs.
Overall, 84% of consumers expect to cut back spending in general over the next six months, according to the report.
A slowdown in spending could spell trouble for retailers who depend on holiday sales to shore up revenue toward the end of the year. Since 2019, holiday sales during the months of November and December have accounted for 19% of total retail revenue for the year, according to a National Retail Federation report.
Tariffs, high prices top of mind
The projected pullback in consumer holiday spending underscores Americans’ shaky confidence in the state of the economy. Worries over inflation and tariffs have already led shoppers to be more judicious with their spending.
Discretionary spending on categories like indoor and outdoor dining were down in August, according to the U.S. Conference Board’s latest consumer confidence index each month. Meanwhile, average 12-month inflation expectations among consumers increased to 6.2%, from 5.7% in July.
Tighter spending
PwC expects consumers to approach holiday shopping “more deliberately,” with an eye toward saving money, amid ongoing concerns over tariffs and high prices.
Furman said the potential for tariff-related price increases has already made the consumers “very conscious of trying to buy things at a discount.”Case in point: Internet searches for “discount” and “coupon code” have climbed by 11% over the past year, according to the survey.
With deals in mind, consumers are expected to do a large portion, or 39%, of their total planned holiday gift spending, during the time between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, according to the PwC report. With heightened traffic expected during that five-day stretch, Furman advises shoppers to start looking early for popular items.
“If you’re interested in very hot items, knowing that they’re going to likely be on shelves sooner, to guarantee that you’ll get them, you may want to shop for them in those early promotional cycles, versus wait until the five-day frenzy,” she said.
Mary Cunningham is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. Before joining the business and finance vertical, she worked at “60 Minutes,” CBSNews.com and CBS News 24/7 as part of the CBS News Associate Program.
In today’s climate, it can be too easy for kids to get caught up with the concerns and worries of the adult world. That’s why it’s super important to teach our students that, despite the sometimes harsh realities of today’s world, there is always much to be grateful for. Practicing an attitude of gratitude is a skill that students can be taught, and there is no better time than now to focus on gratitude. Whether you are looking for a game, activity, or a craft project, there is something for everyone on our list of meaningful gratitude activities for kids of all ages.
But first, let’s take a look at how helping your students cultivate a strong gratitude practice can benefit them in school, at home, and in their personal growth and development.
Benefits of Gratitude Activities for Kids of All Ages
Improved mental well-being: Regular gratitude practices can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, allowing students to develop a more positive and optimistic mindset.
Stronger social bonds: Gratitude activities encourage students to acknowledge and appreciate one another’s efforts, fostering stronger relationships and a sense of community in the classroom.
Increased student engagement: When students feel recognized and valued, they’re more likely to actively participate in class, which leads to greater engagement and enthusiasm for learning.
Better emotional regulation: Gratitude helps students build emotional resilience, making it easier for them to manage their feelings and stay focused during class.
Improved behavior: By promoting a culture of appreciation and respect, gratitude activities can reduce disruptive behaviors and contribute to a more positive classroom environment.
Enhanced academic performance: A positive outlook fostered by gratitude can improve concentration and motivation, which often leads to better academic results.
Development of a growth mindset: Gratitude activities shift the focus from outcomes to effort and progress, which reinforces the value of learning and self-improvement.
All in all, cultivating a gratitude practice with your students can create a more positive, supportive, and productive classroom environment, and give your students skills they can carry throughout their lifetime.
Jump to:
Gratitude Activities for Kids in Elementary School
1. Gratitude scavenger hunt
Naomi Meredith at We Are Teachers
Take some time with your students to actively look for things that we can be thankful for. Create a master list of items for your scavenger hunt. Include items like something that is your favorite color, something that smells good, something that makes you smile. Or perhaps something you’ve never noticed, something that makes your life easier, or someone you really like. Get creative and prepare your own list tailored to your group of kids.
2. Gratitude videos
As always, videos are a wonderful way to engage students with a topic. We’ve compiled a list of 22 awesome videos to help kids understand what gratitude is all about. From gratitude meditations to Kid President to short stories, there’s something on the list that will help your students connect.
This simple craft is a meaningful way for kids to think about all that they are grateful for. Use a sturdy orange paper plate for the turkey’s body, and glue “feathers” cut from different-colored construction paper to the back, two-thirds of the way around. Next, on each “feather,” have students write something they are thankful for—friends, family, home, school, etc. Finally, use a toilet paper roll painted brown for the body and add eyes, a beak, a wattle, and a hat made from a small cup painted black.
4. Pickup sticks: gratitude edition
A simple yet fun variation on the classic game of pickup sticks that helps reinforce the practice of gratitude. First, create a key that corresponds to the colors of your particular set of pickup sticks. Then, to begin play, students will take turns selecting a stick, then finding the corresponding gratitude prompt on the key to share something they are thankful for. For example, the key may read “red = name a person you are grateful for,” “blue = name an activity you are grateful for,” etc.
This simple activity helps young students practice their alphabet skills, but more importantly, their gratitude skills. To start, supply each child with an ABC worksheet with each letter written in a column down the left side. On the right side of the page, provide blanks for students to fill in with a word that starts with each letter. After everyone finishes, gather them together and invite students to share.
6. Gratitude acrostics
We Are Teachers
Grab these free printable templates for a fun Thanksgiving (or anytime!) writing assignment. Each template focuses on a different word—family, thankful, gratitude. Students think of one thing starting with each letter of that word that they are grateful for and fill in the blank.
7. Gratitude sphere
If you love rustic decor, this is the gratitude project for you and your students. Grab a grapevine sphere or wreath or a few branches from outside. Then give each student a circle cut from burlap and have them write one thing they are thankful for on it with a Sharpie. (If students would like to do more than one, feel free!) Finally, attach all your students’ sentiments to the sphere, wreath, or branches with twine so that they are charmingly dangling.
Take a few moments each day to have your students complete a different gratitude-based drawing prompt. Encourage them to get creative and draw something that is personally meaningful to them. Allow students who would like to share to do so, but if some students prefer to keep their drawings private, that’s OK too. Brainstorm a list of ideas such as: Draw someone who is important to you, draw an activity that makes you happy, draw your happy place, etc.
9. Thankfulness chain
Such a fun and simple idea—we love that all you need to do this project is some construction paper and markers. We also love the nostalgia of making paper chains leading up to holidays. First, cut construction paper in fall colors into strips and display them in a bin or basket along with a few Sharpie pens. Explain that, together, you are going to make a paper chain of things you are all grateful for. Write down three things you are personally grateful for and join the three strips together to start the chain. Throughout the week, encourage students to add a strip every time they think of something they are grateful for. Challenge them to see how long they can make the chain before Thanksgiving break.
10. M&M gratitude game
Every kid likes games that include snacks! Have students partner up and then give each pair a small bag of plain M&Ms. Display a key that includes a task for each color. For example, “red = share a place you are grateful for,” “green = share a person you are grateful for,” etc. Then have students take turns picking one M&M and sharing their answers with one another.
11. Gratitude sunflowers
Have students grow a garden of positivity and thankfulness with beautiful gratitude sunflowers. For this activity, you will need yellow, brown, and green construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers. With the brown paper, have students cut a circle for the center of the sunflower. With the yellow paper, have students cut petals, and with the green paper, a stem and leaves. On each of the yellow petals, ask students to write one thing they are thankful for. Then assemble the flowers using glue. Display your class’s sunflower garden, ideally in the hallway to share their abundant feelings of gratitude with the school.
12. Gratitude stones
This is one of the simplest gratitude activities for kids. Take a nature walk and have students gather stones. When you get back to the classroom, have students paint hearts or words like “thankful,” “gratitude,” “happiness,” or “love” on their rocks. Once they dry, encourage them to take their rocks home and distribute them around their neighborhood to spread random moments of gratitude.
13. Gratitude leaf garland
Naomi Meredith at We Are Teachers
Use colorful leaf printouts (or create your own) to challenge students to write one thing they are grateful for on as many leaves as they can. Once students complete their leaves, string them together and display the colorful gratitude garland in your classroom to remind students of all the little and big things there are to be thankful for.
FREE PRINTABLE
Our free printable bundle includes Leaf Templates in a large variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some even include writing lines!
14. Gratitude tree
Naomi Meredith for We Are Teachers
You can also have each student create their own personal gratitude tree. Students write what they’re thankful for. Then have them color the leaves and cut them out before gluing the leaves to the branches on a sheet of paper with an outline of a tree.
FREE PRINTABLE
Get your free Gratitude Tree printable to do this project with your students.
15. Thank you in any language
Teach your students to say thank you in different languages. In sign language, that means bringing your hand, with fingers together and palm facing in, to your chin and pulling your hand away in an arc. Kind of like blowing a kiss but coming from your chin instead of your lips. Other ways to say thank you: Gracias in Spanish, Merci in French, Arigato in Japanese, Danke in German, etc. An easy Google search can provide many examples. Make it a game and give students points whenever they say thank you in another language. When they reach a certain number of points, celebrate with an activity!
16. Compliment circle
This is such a great way to create a kind and inclusive classroom while also teaching students to be grateful for the things that make them and their classmates special. Have kids sit in a circle with their legs out straight, and then choose one student to begin by giving a classmate a compliment. Once a student has received a compliment, they pull their legs into crisscross applesauce so that others can see who is still left to compliment as you continue around the circle.
17. Thank-you coloring pages
Naomi Meredith at We are Teachers
It’s always a good time to show appreciation and gratitude for the helpers that make our lives better every day! Download these free coloring pages and share them with your students.
18. Gratitude spinner
For this activity, you will need a sturdy paper plate and two circles cut from card stock that fit inside of the plate. Use a pencil to divide one circle into eight equal triangular sections. In each section, have students write one thing they are thankful for. Then, have students color the other circle in any manner they’d like. Help them cut one triangular segment from the decorated circle and write in the words “I am grateful.” Finally, place the circle with words in the center of the plate with the decorated circle on top, and join the three layers together with a brad. Once they’re finished, they can spin the spinner and reflect on all the things they are grateful for.
Heart maps are a creative way to combine doodling and thoughtful reflection. Print out our free heart template and pass it out to students. Next, have them decorate the background any way they’d like. Now, ask them to think carefully about some of the things they are grateful for. Then, using whatever colors or whatever types of lettering they choose, have them fill up their heart to bursting.
FREE PRINTABLE
Use the large black-and-white printable in this Heart Template Bundle to do the heart-map project in your classroom.
20. Gratitude jar
Naomi Meredith for We Are Teachers
Everybody appreciates shout-outs. Set up a jar in your classroom and set a stack of paper slips and pens next to it. Ask your students to add to the gratitude jar whenever someone in the class (or at school) does something that they are grateful for. Once a week, read the shout-outs aloud. This activity is wonderful for reinforcing a sense of community in your classroom. You can also let students do this as an individual activity using the free printable gratitude jar worksheets below.
FREE PRINTABLE
Grab our free printable Gratitude Jar activity for your classroom.
21. Posters
Talk with your students about the power of positive messages. Brainstorm different ways to encourage each other to find things to be grateful for. Then, divide students into groups and have them design colorful posters with the messages to display around the classroom or school.
22. Gratitude writing prompts
Naomi Meredith at We Are Teachers
Help kids make gratitude a habit with mindful journaling. Use the free printable writing paper below or have students use the prompts to answer in their own personal journals.
FREE PRINTABLE
This bundle includes five styles of Gratitude Writing Paper with and without space for drawing plus a set of 15 gratitude writing prompts.
23. Gratitude mobiles
Gratitude activities for middle school should leave room for individuality. For this activity, provide each student with a stick (gathered from outside). Have them attach a string hanger at the top with six dangling strings hanging down. Set out a variety of craft materials—beads, wire, charms, corks, etc.—to adorn each string with. Also provide small paper tags for them to write one thing they are thankful for to attach to each string. Your students will love creating these personalized reminders of abundance in their life.
Pass out printable gratitude cards to students. There are full-color cards or a black-and-white version students can color. Tell students to find a person who fits the description on each card and present it to them. It’s a great way to encourage your students to express themselves.
FREE PRINTABLE
Our free printable Gratitude Cards are available in full-color or black-and-white.
25. Beach ball gratitude activity
Label each colored section of a blow-up beach ball with a gratitude prompt such as “What is one thing that always brings a smile to your face?” or “Name the last nice thing someone did for you,” etc. Then circle the kids up and start up some music. Have the kids toss the ball around until the music stops. Whoever is holding the ball when the music stops must answer the question that is under their left thumb. Once they answer, put on the music and continue until everyone has had a turn. If a person who has already answered gets the ball, have them choose someone who hasn’t yet answered.
26. Teacher thank-yous
Naomi Meredith at We Are Teachers
Encourage your students to draft a letter of gratitude. This powerful exercise involves kids personally thanking an educator for being in their lives. Since gratitude activities for middle school can be a little more involved, you may want to set a minimum word count. Better yet, download our free Teacher Thank-You cards and spread the love to all the staff members around your building.
27. Gratitude paper marbling
Give each student a 4-by-4-inch square of watercolor paper or white card stock. Fill a shallow rectangular foil tray about halfway up with water. Begin pouring drops of nail polish into the water, swirling gently with a chopstick or skewer. Don’t mix it too much! Then, take your paper square and place it face down in the solution. Carefully lift it out (you may want to use tongs) and place it on paper towels to dry. Each student’s creation will come out entirely different. Once each student’s square has dried, ask them to write something they are thankful for on their paper. Use a hole punch to create a hole at the top of each square. String the squares together and drape them from the ceiling of the classroom.
28. Gratitude collage or vision board
Provide students with magazines and have them cut out images that remind them of things they are grateful for or things they wish for. Then, have them glue the images together to create their own personal gratitude collage or vision board.
29. Gratitude charades
Pass out slips of paper with the sentence starter “I am thankful for …” written on them. Ask each student to write down one answer. Remind them to keep their answers clean and sincere. Then, divide up into teams and play a few rounds of charades with their responses.
Gratitude Activities for Kids in High School
30. Gratitude wall or bulletin board
Ask kids to take a moment and think of one simple thing they are thankful for at the beginning of class. Have them write it on a sticky not or index card and attach it to a bulletin board or designated space on the wall. Do this for one week and see if you can completely cover the board. Better yet, have your students from different periods compete for the biggest wall.
31. Thankfulness nature walk
Take a nature walk with your students and focus on appreciating all of the beautiful and amazing things around us that we often take for granted. Have students walk mindfully and silently in single file as they observe their surroundings. Take it a step further and have them journal about their experience when you get back to the classroom.
32. Gratitude conversation starters
It’s not always easy to dive into personally meaningful conversations. That’s why conversation starters are such a great idea. On strips of paper, write down prompts such as “Where is the place you feel happiest?”, “Who is a person that you are especially grateful for?”, or “What is one learning experience that you are grateful for?” Have students pair up and let each one choose one or two questions they are comfortable sharing.
33. Gratitude playlist
Set up good vibes in your classroom with songs that focus on gratitude. From Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson to Earth, Wind & Fire, there’s something every kid in your class will want to groove to.
34. Gratitude watercolor spiral
This might just be the prettiest gratitude project on this list. All you need is watercolor paints, brushes, paper, and Sharpie pens. Have students draw a spiral with the Sharpie on a piece of watercolor paper. Then, along the line, have them write things they are thankful for. When they are finished writing, have them trace the spiral with watercolor paints. For a beautiful effect, have them use three or four different colors.
35. Donation bin
Teaching kids the power of giving back can also help them appreciate the things they have. Regardless of whether you collect school supplies or take donations of winter hats and gloves, kids will learn how good it feels to give to those in need.
36. Family letters
It’s easy to take the people closest to us for granted. Take a moment to have students reflect on the ways in which they are thankful for their families. They can choose one person or speak to their family as a whole. Then, ask students to write a letter expressing their gratitude. Suggest that they share their letters on Thanksgiving Day.
37. Flip complaints
Flip the script with this meaningful activity. Regardless of your disposition, negative thoughts sometimes pop up. In this social-emotional learning exercise, students will write out negative thoughts and practice replacing them with more positive ones. Students can pair up or work in a small group, if that works for your community.
38. Gratitude quotes
Being thankful is scientifically proven to improve the quality of our lives, so it’s something we should definitely encourage in our classrooms year-round. Share a few of these quotes of gratitude from children’s books and famous people. Ask them to choose one as their favorite and write a journal entry about it.
FREE RESOURCE
You’ll feel good about sharing this roundup of Gratitude Quotes with your students.
39. Gratitude heroes
Ask students to think of a famous person, dead or alive, to whom they are grateful. Maybe they’ll choose Benjamin Franklin for discovering electricity. Maybe they think of the caveman who invented the wheel. Maybe they think of Michael Jordan for revolutionizing basketball. Have them write that person’s name on an index card along with three or four sentences explaining their choice.
40. Spirals
This is another one of those cool and creative gratitude activities for kids to display the things they’re thankful for. On a sheet of drawing paper, have kids draw a spiral that starts in the middle and circles outward. Next, have them fill in the entirety of the line with words or phrases that show what they are thankful for. Another fun way to do this is to cut along the lines of the spiral they drew, creating a 3D whirligig. Then, flattening the whirligig, have them fill in their words. Finally, have them poke a hole on the narrowest end of the spiral and connect a piece of yarn to hang their creation.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. While the cost of your holiday meal may impact your wallet, what you’ll eat at your dining room table could affect the climate too.
What You Need To Know
The highest producer of carbon dioxide of your meal is macaroni and cheese
Potatoes are the most climate friendly option
Vegetables also have a low climate impact
This blog is going to make you hungry.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for food. My favorite dishes are sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top, dressing and macaroni cheese.
Plus, my favorite holiday desserts are sweet potato pie and mom’s 7UP! pound cake.
So, I was curious about the impact some of my favorite dishes had on our environment. I looked over data from Our World in Data, a nonprofit that focus on global issues from the environment to agriculture.
So let’s discuss the environmental impact of your holiday feast.
Turkey
The data classifies turkey as poultry meat. The main course of your meal will contribute about 21 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere.
Raising and the transport of turkeys from farms to processing is factored into the environmental impact of the main dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Now to some of your favorite sides during this festive feast.
Potatoes are climate friendly. I really enjoy mashed potatoes with gravy.
They produce about 1 lb of greenhouse emissions. Potatoes are the most climate friendly option because they are sustainably grown.
The starchy vegetable uses less water and land to grow.
Macaroni and Cheese
It’s a different story for macaroni and cheese, which is a popular side dish during this time of year. The cheesy side contributes about 37 lbs of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Macaroni and cheese has a high climate compact because the milk needed to make the cheese comes from cows, goats and sheep.
Livestock from these animal groups creates and emits greenhouse gases.
Vegetables
Vegetables are also important for the Thanksgiving meal. Whether it’s asparagus, broccoli or peas, all of them have a lower climate impact.
All three vegetables contribute less than 2 lbs of greenhouse gases.
Just like potatoes, it takes less natural resources to grow these vegetables.
Biscuits
We cannot forget about those Thanksgiving biscuits. The buttery bread has a climate impact of 4 lbs of CO2.
The ingredients are key in determining the impact of this item. Flour, butter, salt, sugar and milk make up biscuits.
So, the study is taking in account the ingredients used to determine the impact of this flaky bread.
Desserts
Let’s discuss some deserts. Unfortunately, the study does not include pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie, but they list apple pie and carrot cake.
Apple pie contributes about 3 lbs of CO2 to the atmosphere, while carrot cake contributes 4 lbs of greenhouse emissions.
Like biscuits, the study took into account the ingredients to make the desserts.
No matter what you eat this Thanksgiving, enjoy it and be happy with your friends and family.
I know I am going to grab 2 to 3 plates myself.
There’s a lot to be thankful for this year, so enjoy and have a festive and safe holiday.
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