November often brings people gathering around the table. For many, Thanksgiving is a time to reconnect with family and friends, share favorite recipes and reflect on what matters most. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or simply enjoy the changing season, this time of year can offer opportunities to strengthen one of the most important dimensions of wellbeing: social connection. 

Food has a unique ability to bring people together. Often, what makes a dish special isn’t the ingredients themselves, but the memories, traditions and people associated with it. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), positive social connections can contribute to longer lives, better health and improved wellbeing, including a greater ability to manage stress, anxiety and depression. While connection can take many forms, sharing food has long been one of the simplest and most universal ways people come together. 

During a season that can feel busy and overwhelming, mealtime traditions can also provide a sense of comfort and stability.  

Preparing a favorite dish can become a small ritual that encourages us to slow down and be present, even when our calendars are full. Inviting a child to help mix ingredients, swapping recipes with a colleague or preparing a meal with a partner can turn an everyday task into a shared experience.  

As Thanksgiving approaches, many conversations naturally turn to gratitude. Of course, connection doesn’t require a large holiday gathering. Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving, and not everyone spends the season surrounded by family. A quick coffee with a friend, sharing a homemade treat with a neighbor, checking in on a loved one or enjoying lunch with a coworker can be equally meaningful.  

This month, as you try the featured Mexican shortbread cookie recipe, consider sharing it with someone. You might swap stories about favorite holiday foods, learn about a tradition from another culture or simply enjoy a few moments together. 

Sources:  

“Social Connection,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov, Accessed October 6, 2026. 

“Social Wellness Toolkit,” National Institutes of Health, nih.gov, Accessed October 6, 2026.