The truth about Thanksgiving is that it really doesn't matter what you eat, or where you gather, or what you wear. What is important is that you take a few moments to reflect and give thanks for the people and moments that bless your life.

Use these ideas from Sandra Magsamen, author of Living Artfully, to create an artful holiday season.
  • Donate time to a soup kitchen or shelter. When you serve up a warm meal you'll receive an even warmer feeling in your heart.
  • Invite someone to your home for dinner who would otherwise be alone.
  • Make napkin rings out of twine and tie on a beautiful red or orange leaf from a maple tree.
  • What are you famous for baking? Pie? Bread? Cake? Make it for all to enjoy!
  • Not in the mood for an indoor crowd? Pack a picnic and head outdoors. Enjoy the crisp fall air, the countryside and the company.
  • Bake cookies in the shape of fall leaves (molds are readily available at bake shops or online) and invite all the kids—no matter their age, 2 to 82— to decorate them in orange, red and green icing. Sprinkle colored sugar on top for a beautiful sparkling treat.
  • Send a thank you note to your teacher, a friend, or a co-worker, letting them know how much you appreciate having them in your life.
  • Instead of fancy linens, this Thanksgiving cover your table with brown craft paper! Invite your guests to create a tablecloth by tracing their hand and coloring in the silhouette to resemble big gobblers. Provide the crayons and the inspiration, and let your guests create!
  • Start a gratitude journal. What are you grateful for? Record something each day. You can add pictures of places, people, quotes, scraps of fabric or the feather you found on your morning walk. Honor the things and people that you love that are blessings in your life.

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