As we gather today to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is important to align our celebration with the teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). This year, Thanksgiving falls during the (Tsome Nebiyat), a sacred 40-day fasting season. While we celebrate, we must observe the spiritual discipline of fasting, which includes abstaining from dairy, meat, and overindulgence, and instead focus on gratitude, prayer, and meaningful connections with loved ones.
Here’s a guide to create a spiritually uplifting and family-centered Thanksgiving atmosphere that brings everyone together in faith and joy:
1. Begin the Celebration with Prayer
- Unified Prayer: Gather everyone, including children, teenagers, and adults, to begin the celebration with a prayer led by a deacon, child, or elder in the family. This sets the tone for a spiritually meaningful gathering.
- EOTC Thanksgiving Prayer: Include prayers of gratitude to God for His blessings, protection, and guidance. Thank Him for the family, community, and the opportunity to celebrate together.
- Special Hymns: Sing a short Mezmur (church hymn) together to praise God, fostering a spirit of unity and reverence.
2. Acknowledge the Fasting Season
- Fasting Guidelines: Remind everyone that this season is a time of spiritual reflection. Meals served should be fasting-friendly (Yetsom Megib), free of dairy and meat, with a focus on simplicity and moderation.
- Bless the Food: Before eating, offer a prayer of blessing for the food, thanking God for the provision and remembering those who are less fortunate.
3. Family-Centered Activities
Encourage participation across all ages to create a strong sense of unity and purpose. Here are some activities to include:
Faith-Based Activities
- Bible Reading: Share a passage from the Bible that highlights gratitude, such as Psalm 136 or 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Discuss its meaning with the group.
- Storytelling: Elders can share stories from the Bible or church traditions that teach
about thanksgiving, humility, and God’s providence.
Interactive Games with a Purpose
- Gratitude Circle: Pass around a candle or symbolic item, and have each person share one thing they are grateful for this year.
- Faith Quiz: Prepare simple questions about the EOTC faith or Bible stories to engage children and teenagers in learning while having fun.
4. Strengthening Intergenerational Bonds
- Stay Together: Instead of children or teenagers isolating themselves in a separate room, encourage everyone to remain in the main gathering area. Parents, guardians, and relatives can lead by example, interacting with the younger ones and guiding their conversations.
- Encourage Mentorship: Pair younger children with older siblings, cousins, or adults to foster mentorship and avoid unmonitored discussions.
5. Share a Meaningful Meal
- Eating Together: Serve the meal as a family, ensuring everyone sits together to enjoy the food and share blessings. Focus on the spiritual and relational aspects of the meal rather than overindulgence.
- Fasting-Friendly Dishes: Prepare a variety of Yetsom dishes like lentil stew (Shiro), vegetable curries, and traditional fasting breads (Injera), ensuring the menu adheres to the fasting season.
6. Post-Meal Activities
After the meal, continue the spirit of thanksgiving with activities that engage the group:
- Charity and Giving Back: Discuss ways the family can give back to those in need, such as donating to the church or supporting a local charity.
- Arts and Crafts: Work together to create religious-themed crafts, like drawing crosses or making symbolic decorations.
- Traditional Songs: Teach and perform church songs that reflect joy and gratitude.
7. Encourage Good Behavior
- Model Virtues: Parents and adults should demonstrate kindness, respect, and patience, setting an example for children to follow.
- Address Issues Gracefully: If disagreements or inappropriate behaviors arise, handle them calmly and use the moment to teach lessons about forgiveness and understanding.
8. Conclude with Reflection and Prayer
- Thanksgiving Reflection: End the gathering by reflecting on the day’s blessings and lessons. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts on what they learned or enjoyed most.
- Closing Prayer: Offer a prayer of gratitude to God for the successful celebration and ask for His continued guidance and protection for the family.
Key Reminders
- Celebrate with Faith at the Center: Ensure every aspect of the gathering reflects the values and teachings of the EOTC.
- Promote Unity: Keep the group together as much as possible, fostering connections and avoiding isolation of children or teenagers.
- Practice Moderation: Remember that this is a fasting season—celebrate with gratitude, not excess.
By following this guide, your Thanksgiving celebration can become a spiritually enriching and memorable experience that strengthens faith, builds family bonds, and honors the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s teachings.
https://stgebrieleotcboston.org/thanksgiving-celebration-guide
