Q: As with every year, this Thanksgiving, I am most thankful for my family and friends. But I'm struggling with the recent loss of a loved one. How can I stay thankful?
A: There are many ways to express your love and your grief, while also remaining thankful. If you are religious, you can offer a special prayer before your Thanksgiving meal. If you celebrate Dia del los Muertos, you can create an altar honoring their memory and keep it up through Thanksgiving. You can leave a seat at the table for them and decorate their chair and place setting with mementos and pictures. And one special way to remember them is to go around the table and have everyone who knew them tell a favorite memory of your loved one.
Q: I have a small family and there will just be a few of us this Thanksgiving. How do we best celebrate a small, quiet holiday?
A: If you have any family traditions, like watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or the football game, you can still enjoy watching together as a small group. You could do a craft project together to decorate the table while you watch. Instead of cooking a huge turkey for just a few people, consider a roast chicken or just the turkey breast. Some people like roast duck as well. Ask the people attending what their favorite sides are and skip the rest. You can be just as thankful for a quiet Thanksgiving with a few of those closest to you, instead of a huge, loud gathering.
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