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November 26th • Gratitude & Tradition

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It originated as a harvest festival and has since become a time for families and friends to gather for a feast and express gratitude for their blessings. Today, we debate the importance of gratitude in our lives, the challenges of modern family dynamics, and whether our holidays have become too focused on consumption and shopping.

A beautifully set Thanksgiving table with a roasted turkey

Speaking Discussion

  • What are you most grateful for in your life right now? Why is it important to take the time to express gratitude regularly?
  • Do you have any family traditions that you particularly love or, perhaps, find a bit overwhelming? Why?
  • How has the concept of the family feast changed in your country over the last few decades? Do people still gather in the same way?
  • Do you think that holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas have become too commercialised? How can we get back to their original meaning?
  • In your opinion, what is the best way to deal with family members who have very different political or social views during a holiday gathering?
  • What is your favourite comfort food that reminds you of home or your childhood? Why does it have such a powerful emotional connection?

Activity 1: The gratitude Speech

The Task: You have been asked to give a short Gratitude Speech at a global gala. You need to thank one person or group who has significantly impacted your life.

Who are they, and what did they do for you?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The true meaning of gratitude is..."
  • "I think family traditions are..."
  • "In my opinion, the holiday season should be..."