Be Thankful, Get Organized

The holidays are rapidly approaching. And while you may have thought you’d have “everything” done ahead of time, the stark reality is that a few things may have escaped your attention until now.

It’s rare for a person to have every single thing completed by the internal deadlines they themselves have created. Be #thankful if you were able to get the jump on a couple of things on your to-do list already.

As for the responsibilities that loom in the weeks ahead, now’s a fine time to get started. You have nine days left to prepare for #Thanksgiving — more than enough time to plan a lavish celebration.

Start by planning the feast itself, Me in Order says. List everything you plan to make and anything that you’ll ask guests to bring or buy ready-made. Then, go and buy the the ingredients while the stores still have them.

Early rumors of supply chain shortages of turkeys and other Thanksgiving staples appear to have been overblown. But even if something is missing from your list, you still have time to get creative and suffuse your feast with decadent seasonal alternatives.

You may also wish to do a quick kitchen #cleanup and #decluttering to #streamline next week’s heavy usage. Locate the specialized tools you’ll need (such as that potato-masher) and keep them within easy reach.

The table and home are another question. If you’re the host, you may wish to do a day’s worth of cleaning and decorating. If you happen to find items that you no longer need or want as you #organize, you can #donate them to ClothingDonations.org.

#Donating lightly used clothing and household items to ClothingDonations.org is one of the easiest ways to #givethanks to #veterans, since the proceeds from the resale of those goods go directly toward veteran health care, housing and other support programs.

This year, be #thankful for the bounty that you do have and the ability to again gather in person relatively risk-free. Share that bounty with your family, friends and fellows throughout the holiday season.

Helping Veterans Year-Round

With Veterans Day 2021 now officially complete, remember that there is a way to help #veterans of the armed forces throughout the country every day of the year: By donating to ClothingDonations.org and the Vietnam Veterans of America. #Donations of lightly used clothing and household items are resold at thrift shops, with the proceeds going toward veterans health care, housing, advocacy and more. Donations are tax-deductible and VVA’s pickup service offers a way for donors to quickly get rid of any unwanted stuff that’s #cluttering up the home.

Observing Veterans Day Virtually

With the spread of #COVID-19 still a concern especially for aging veterans, many virtual observances of Veterans Day will be held in 2021. You can participate in an Apple Watch Activity Challenge by completing an 11-minute workout, hear the Chicago Symphony’s Tribute to Veterans, or attend the Indianapolis and Phoenix Veterans Day parades virtually. Or you can invite your favorite military veteran over for popcorn, drinks and a screening of the Disabled American Veterans’ The Battle Never Ends documentary on the HISTORY channel.

Vietnam Veterans Return to the Wall

To recognize #veterans of Vietnam and pay tribute to all members of the armed services on Veterans Day, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will hold its 2021 Veterans Day Ceremony at the Wall live this year after taking the remembrance virtual-only in 2020 to prevent the spread of #COVID-19. Vietnam veteran Gen. Barry McCaffrey will keynote the event, and Lt. Grace Moore, a veteran of the Army Nurse Corps, will follow with a talk about the importance of women in Vietnam. If you can’t make it to Washington, D.C., for the outdoor ceremony on Nov. 11, you can stream the event live on VVMF’s Facebook page.

Veterans Day: Local, Live and Virtual

Armistice Day was created to recognize the end of World War I in “the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month.” Rechristened Veterans Day in 1954, Nov. 11 recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of all who serve in the U.S. military. Observances often include parades, memorials, speeches and other events, but if COVID-19 has disrupted local plans, you can always livestream the VA’s National Veterans Day Observance on Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery, which starts at starting at 11 a.m. EST with the laying of a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns.