Radical Empathy: Some Thanksgiving Thoughts

The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner. We know some people for whom this is their absolute favorite holiday — full of food, friends, and family without the financial and commercial concerns of Christmas or Hanukkah. Similarly, we also know people who dread Thanksgiving because it highlights family division and dysfunction and/or creates a difficult environment for those struggling with weight issues or addiction. We, along with most people, fall somewhere in between.

We love the idea of a day devoted to giving thanks but it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the day with the emphasis on food and the stress that often comes with traveling and large groups. No matter where you are on the Thanksgiving spectrum, we hope you will join us as we discuss ideas and suggestions to emphasize gratitude and giving thanks this holiday.

We talk about our family traditions, offer easy ways to integrate gratitude into your day, and make some humble recommendations about the holiday meal. We also discuss some of the challenges of celebrating Thanksgiving during middlescence.