Thanksgiving always has been a favorite holiday for me — as the days are getting shorter and colder, there’s something extra cozy about gathering family and friends together to share a good meal. And it’s a wonderful time to enjoy just being together before all the holiday shopping and cocktail parties start taking over the social calendar. The mornings are all about watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, whether we’re standing curbside or watching on television. Watching from home, we’re also usually buzzing around, already cooking for the Thanksgiving dinner that will last most of the afternoon. Wrapping things up over coffee and dessert once the sun has already gone down, there’s an overwhelming sense of gratitude to go along with full bellies.

We all have the opportunity to make a difference this and every Thanksgiving not only by what we choose to put on the table, but also by participating in Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt a Turkey Project. Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary, with locations in upstate New York and northern California, has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys. For only $30, anyone can sponsor a turkey residing at either one of the sanctuaries. Last month, we received our adoption certificate in the mail — we’ve adopted Kima, who resides at the New York sanctuary. I liked the caption under her online photo: “Take the road less travelled and start a new Thanksgiving tradition with me.” Right on, Kima!

There’s also the option to literally adopt a turkey and bring it home. If you live in an area where you could become a turkey’s caregiver, check out the online adoption application. Besides sponsorships and adoptions, Farm Sanctuary welcomes donations to help them in their efforts to protect all farm animals.

Want to meet your turkey face to face? You can visit Farm Sanctuary to experience first-hand all the great work they’re doing — that would be a terrific activity to share with a couple of friends, or with the kids!

Cruelty-Free (Turkey-Free) Tips!

In an Italian-American family that includes an antipasto, a pasta course, and tons of side dishes on the Thanksgiving menu, it’s easy enough to skip the turkey and still wind up with a full belly and no room for dessert! However, if you and your Thanksgiving guests are open to having an alternative to the traditional bird, try a Tofurky Feast (serves six, complete with stuffing and chocolate cake!) or the Vegan Whole Turkey by Vegetarian Plus.

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