Happy Thanksgiving! — Speak New York Today

We wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a time when many Americans relax with our family and friends. We like to think about the good things in our lives. In English, we say that we are THANKFUL FOR something. This means that we GIVE THANKS or FEEL GRATEFUL.

So, what are YOU thankful for?

For example, maybe you are thankful for having a loving family, or a warm home, or a good meal. You would say:

I am thankful for my mother and father.

I am thankful for my sisters and brothers.

I am thankful for my children.

I am thankful for my apartment.

I am thankful for my job.

I am thankful for my food.

Americans also know that there are many people in New York and around the world who don't have some of those good things. Some New Yorkers choose to work in shelters or churches on Thanksgiving morning. We volunteer to cook and serve food to people who need a good, hot meal.

One wonderful organization that accepts volunteers all year around is New York Cares. Volunteers go through a short training. Then they sign up to volunteer at many different places. It's a great way to help other people, and you can practice your English, too.

You can get more information at their website: https://www.newyorkcares.org/volunteer

City Meals on Wheels is another worthwhile organization. It delivers meals to thousands of people who can't go outside. For more information and to volunteer to help, go to their website: https://www.citymeals.org/

Thanksgiving morning is also the Macy's Day parade. The big parade balloons are blown up all day and night on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. You can see them in progress on the Upper West Side in Manhattan near Columbus Avenue between West 77th and West 81st Streets. See photos of the balloons below. Wow!

On Thursday, the parade marched down Central Park West to Macy's on West 34th Street. This is a true New York experience! Of course, you may have watched it on TV - and stayed warm - if you preferred. But in person, it's VERY exciting!

Now, let's improve your English!

For beginner level students, practice your Thanksgiving vocabulary at this link: https://www.esolcourses.com/content/topics/thanksgiving/elementary-thanksgiving-gap-fill.html

Intermediate and advanced level students, check out this video and listening activity about making pumpkin pie: https://www.esolcourses.com/content/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-holidays-pumpkin-pie.html

So, enjoy Thanksgiving and the weekend with friends and family. Maybe cook traditional Thanksgiving foods - or something special to you. And if you know someone who is alone this year, invite them to join you. Most of all, Thanksgiving is a time to reach out and share with others. Happy Thanksgiving to you from Leah and Robin!