Celebrate Mini Holidays from November 24 to November 30 With Tasty Recipes and Money-Saving Secrets
From Better Conversations Week to Drinksgiving, here are mini holidays to celebrate from November 24 to 30
Preparations for Thanksgiving are well under way, with people eager to dive into their beloved traditions. But it isn’t the only holiday that can spark a little celebration—there are lesser known occasions perfect for enjoying with others too. This week’s “mini holidays” are a wonderful chance to kick back and relax on days like Drinksgiving or score big savings on Black Friday.
But these special holidays are loaded with feel-good perks too. Indulging in a pumpkin parfait is a great way to alleviate inflammation, while catching up with friends has been proven to work wonders for your wellbeing. So take a break from the stress of holiday planning and enjoy these lesser-known holidays that are sure to bring you joy. Below you’ll find simple ideas for celebrating to make your week even more memorable!
November 24-30: Better Conversations Week
Just in time for the holiday season, when we’re all doing more socializing and chatting with family, friends and strangers, new research shows that a simple smile may be the secret to better conversations. In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, speakers smiled more in face-to-face conversations when the person they were talking to smiled more. And the more the listener smiled, the more positive the speaker felt about the interaction. The researchers say smiling during a conversation enhances the feelings of rapport and connection.
Monday, November 25: National Parfait Day
Celebrate this delicious holiday with an easy-to-make parfait using prepared pie filling and instant pudding mix. For an adult twist, we added a touch of brandy to the pudding.
To make Simple Spiced Pumpkin Parfaits: Mix up a box of vanilla pudding according to package directions, then stir in 1 oz. of brandy and 1⁄2 tsp. of cinnamon. For each parfait, spoon 1⁄2 cup of the pudding into the bottom of a stemless wine glass. Top with 1⁄2 cup of canned pumpkin pie filling and crumbled oatmeal cookies. Garnish each parfait with a star anise and a cinnamon stick. Serves 4.
Wednesday, November 27: Drinksgiving
This holiday is all about getting together with friends and enjoying a cocktail (or mocktail) before the big family holiday. To celebrate at home, try this alcohol-infused citrus tea sipper created by the mixologists in the Woman’s World test kitchen. (For more fun, check out these Friendsgiving ideas!)
To make Orange-Maple Serenity:Steep 2 orange and black tea bags with 2 cinnamon sticks in 2 cups of boiling water 2 to 4 minutes. Pour into 2 mugs. Stir 1 Tbs. of maple syrup or honey and 11⁄2 oz. of apple bourbon into each glass. Garnish as desired. Makes 2 drinks.
Thursday, November 28: Thanksgiving
A rustic-chic autumnal centerpiece brings woodland flair and seasonal charm to your Thanksgiving dinner table—and it’s a cinch to create the display!
To make: Set a large wood slice (available at craft stores) in the center of your table. Arrange 4 to 5 real or faux mini pumpkins and other small varieties of squash or gourds on the wood (adhere with putty), then scatter in-shell walnuts around the squash. Tip: Tuck in sprigs of fresh herbs to add festive fragrance to your table.
Friday, November 29: Black Friday
No matter where you shop today, you’re guaranteed to find great deals, but you can save even more when you pay with cash. Scientists at Australia’s University of Adelaide found that the act of counting bills and coins produces a mindful effect that helps us keep track of what we’re spending.
Also smart: Hit the stores on the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead of waiting for Black Friday. “Big retailers like Best Buy and Walmart usually offer pre–Black Friday deals or early access to sales,” explains Bella Gerard, shopping and trend advisor for the cash-back app Rakuten. “By shopping early, you can avoid the last-minute rush and ensure you’re checking items off your list before they sell out.” Plus, you’ll avoid some of the crowds!
Donate extra snacks!
If you have granola bars, crackers or Slim Jims to spare, consider sending them to Operation Shoebox. The nonprofit organization will include the items in the boxes of care packages they ship to troops around the world. Send items to Operation Shoebox, 8360 East Highway 25, Belleview, FL 34420.
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