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Embracing the Spirit of Thanksgiving: A Guide to Celebrating in the UK
As a business built around American-style products, we think it’s important to honour the traditions of the States. Thanksgiving, a quintessential American holiday, might not be traditionally celebrated in the United Kingdom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and a delicious feast right here in the UK. While it may not be a national holiday on British shores, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful opportunity to bring friends and family together for a heartwarming celebration. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to celebrate Thanksgiving right here in the UK, and we offer some tips to make your celebration feel like a true American holiday.
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Inviting Loved Ones
Thanksgiving is all about spending quality time with your loved ones, so the first step is to invite friends and family to join in the festivities. Send out heartfelt invitations, whether digitally or via traditional mail, and encourage everyone to come together for a memorable day of gratitude.
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Decorate with Fall Flair
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by decorating your home with the colors and symbols of autumn. Use warm, earthy tones, and consider incorporating elements like pumpkins, gourds, and cornucopias as centrepieces. This will give your home a cosy, seasonal feel that’s perfect for the occasion.
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Give Thanks
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so take some time for a moment of reflection. Ask your guests to share what they’re thankful for and encourage heartfelt conversations. You can even provide small notebooks for guests to jot down their thoughts and express their gratitude.
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The Feast
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving celebration is of course the food. Traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes can be the stars of your feast. But feel free to add your own twist, and don’t forget to include some British favourites to make your guests feel at home.
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Dessert Delights
Pies are a quintessential part of Thanksgiving dessert, so make sure to have a selection of pies on hand. Classics like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are always a hit. And why not include some Whoopie Pies for a delightful twist on traditional American sweets? They are gaining popularity in the UK and will add a unique touch to your celebration. As an American product handmade right here in the UK, and available throughout November in special American, Fall and Thanksgiving-inspired flavours, these will really help you and your guests get into that American spirit.
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Activities for All Ages
To keep everyone engaged and entertained, consider planning some fun activities. You could organize a friendly football match, have a game of touch rugby, or even set up a craft station where kids and adults can make Thanksgiving-themed decorations.
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Sharing the Spirit
Thanksgiving is not just about celebrating within the walls of your home; it’s also a time to share with those in need. Consider organising a food drive or making a donation to a local charity to give back to the community during this season of giving.
Summary
While Thanksgiving may not be a traditional UK holiday, you can still embrace its spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and delicious food. Use this guide to create a memorable Thanksgiving celebration for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re an American expat missing the traditions of home or a UK resident looking to experience something new, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful occasion to celebrate and share with your nearest and dearest. So, this year, gather your friends and family, share a meal, express your gratitude, and make lasting memories in the true spirit of Thanksgiving – and don’t forget to add the Whoopie Pies!