THE SEASON TO GATHER & GIVE THANKS
With Thanksgiving around the corner and holidays on the horizon, November is a time for gatherings and gratitude. This is also National American Indian Heritage Month; November was chosen by Congress as it concludes the harvest season and was a time of celebration for American Indians. So this month, we’re offering tips for your next gathering and ways to celebrate Native American history and culture.
National American Indian Heritage Month is a great time to dive into films and TV shows that explore Native American history and culture. Here are three significant works to watch.
- Reservation Dogs (Hulu):
This comedy-drama series follows four indigenous teens living on a Muscogee Nation reservation in Oklahoma and their struggles to find their place in a community that they desperately want to leave. Co-created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, it features an almost entirely Native American cast and crew. - Killers of the Flower Moon (Apple TV):
Hailed by the New York Times as “an unsettling masterpiece,” this epic historical drama recounts a fraught and violent chapter of American history when members of the Osage Nation were murdered after oil was discovered on their tribal lands. - Cheyenne Autumn (Amazon, YouTube and others):
This 1964-film was the last western by John Ford, one of the genre’s most acclaimed directors. Though very much a Hollywood production of its time, Ford presented the film as an apology for the poor historic treatment and cinematic representation of Native Americans. In doing so, he offers a clear portrayal of the historic mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.
Prepping your home for the holidays (and any possible gatherings, planned or otherwise!) is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for yourself, family, and friends. Start by decluttering to make space for your holiday décor and to ensure a welcoming environment. Putting away everyday items will also highlight your special seasonal touches, whether it’s a few autumn-themed throw pillows or festive decorations like garlands, wreaths and mantel displays.
As you decorate, focus on creating cozy spaces—think plush pillows, soft blankets, and candles with subtle seasonal scents. Set up a welcoming entryway, perhaps with a holiday-themed floral arrangement or a string of lights. You might even splurge on a new area rug!
For those hosting guests, ensure the guest room is prepared with fresh linens, towels, and small gestures like a holiday-themed candle or snack basket. In the kitchen, stock up on essentials and plan ahead for meals and gatherings.
Lastly, don’t forget your home’s exterior. Brighten up the outside with lights, a festive welcome mat, or seasonal plants. These finishing touches will make your home holiday-ready and ensure it’s a warm and joyful space for family and friends to gather.
In her bestselling book The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker highlights the importance of gathering with purpose, a theme she revisits as we prepare for seasonal gatherings at home and in the office. Here we outline three common mistakes that Priya says can detract from a meaningful gathering.
Mistake #1: Pleasing Over Purpose: Writing about a Friendsgiving she once hosted, Parker mentions a guest who texted at the last minute to say he would arrive late—and bring his mother. Not wanting to seem un-generous, she acquiesced without question. The two showed up at the end of the meal, disrupting a dynamic that had formed over two hours and leaving the late arrivals feeling awkward. In trying to be nice, she neither protected her friend nor the evening. Her solution for next time? “Practice generous authority for the good of the group.”
Mistake #2: More is Not Always Merrier: A larger guest list doesn’t always result in a better event. Inviting too many people without considering group compatibility can lead to awkward interactions and a lack of cohesion. Parker recommends letting your event’s purpose guide the guest list.
Mistake #3: Leaving guests to fend for themselves. While it’s tempting to let gatherings unfold organically, Parker warns that a lack of structure can leave guests feeling aimless. Instead, create just enough structure to guide the group toward meaningful interactions without stifling spontaneity.
As we prepare for the holidays, Parker encourages us to shift our focus from material aspects to the people. A purposeful gathering, no matter how small, can create lasting connections and meaningful memories.
