As Thanksgiving approaches each November, with the accompanying food magazine frenzy over “the best stuffing recipe ever” and miraculous “to-die-for-but-low-fat” mashed potatoes, I ask myself: Is it really necessary to do something “new” with dinner this year? Honestly, I’d still be ecstatic to finally master lump-free gravy…and make enough! Oh, and don’t forget to thaw the turkey.

One innovation I made some years ago was to switch from my old reliable Black Roasting Pan to the disposable foil variety with metal handles. I eyed it cynically, there in the Meat Department, wondering if it would hold up. Then I flipped it over to find the words “Support the Bottom” stamped into the foil. I must have appeared daft, standing there chuckling over a foil roasting pan, but those words really struck me as carrying some deeper meaning.

On the most obvious level, we “support the bottom” through our generosity to appeals and projects throughout the year and during the Holiday season that help the less fortunate. Within our congregations, we support congregants in need through a modest Minister’s discretionary fund, too. Less obviously, we need to support ourselves (in body, mind, and spirit) so the “bottom” doesn’t drop out on us as we navigate through another holiday season. The holidays can be a joyous time to reconnect. They can also be a stressful and painful time of recurring disappointments and sorrow.

 It’s especially valuable to “support the bottom” in yourselves when you are expecting to break bread with family members and others who can be difficult and unpleasant. It’s healthy to prepare yourself emotionally for these encounters and to remember that Thanksgiving dinner is probably not the best time to confront a relative about a past hurt or about an addiction. You may not even want to complain that the meat is dry (again?).

So, if you’re hankering to do something “new” this Thanksgiving, perhaps it will be to ground yourself emotionally and spiritually, as much as possible in advance, so that you can keep your “bottom” well supported. And if you don’t have plans for dinner on Thanksgiving, come to the Friendsgiving Dinner being hosted at Eastrose. All are welcome! Details in Petals.