OMGNBD: What's important this Thanksgiving ?

Happy Thanksgiving! And thank you for being here at OMGNBD™ by Solvecast™.

Our mission is to explore what truly matters—what’s Oh My Gosh (OMG) and what’s Not a Big Deal (NBD) in our world. First, we identify the topics that are important (and not so important). Then, we use this perspective to look at news, content, people, and everyday life, helping us connect to what—and who—we value most.

Today? We’re talking about Thanksgiving 2024.

Thanksgiving is more than turkey— Americans care deeply about this tradition, with 76% calling it important.

So, what matters most for Thanksgiving? Pew Research Center recently surveyed thousands of Americans to uncover their plans, and we’ve added some of our own ideas to the mix.

⭐OMGs (Oh My Gosh) for this Thanksgiving:
Gratitude, Travel, Politics… and yes even Wicked: The Movie

 🧊NBDs (Not a Big Deal) for this Thanksgiving:
Going to Bars, Going to the Gym, Shopping

And More: You can view more Thanksgiving OMGNBD topics here.

Viewing the world through the lens of our Thanksgiving 2024 OMGNBD topics

Here’s what’s going on in the world right now, viewed through our Thanksgiving OMGNBD topic lens:

⭐Wicked the Movie → Thanksgiving

Why OMG: Wicked: The Movie… this movie has some serious Thanksgiving vibes. And, its release during Thanksgiving weekend could drive significant box office revenue, aiding the film industry's recovery from past declines.

“Wicked” in the news:

How the movie "Wicked" can help us explore the power of friendship and acceptance [www.childrensdayton.org]
What: The Wicked movie serves as a platform for discussing important life lessons with children. It encourages conversations about belonging, acceptance, and the value of true friendship, using the characters Glinda and Elphaba's evolving relationship as a teaching tool.
Why: The themes of friendship, empathy, and embracing differences in Wicked are vital for children's mental health. They provide a framework for discussing complex issues like belonging and acceptance, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience in young audiences. [Visit Link]

Box Office: Hollywood Cooking Up Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Feast [www.hollywoodreporter.com]
What: Major films including Gladiator II, Wicked, and Moana 2 are set to premiere around Thanksgiving, with projections indicating a potential record-breaking revenue weekend. This comes after a challenging year for the box office due to various industry disruptions.
Why: The upcoming Thanksgiving weekend is crucial for the film industry, with multiple major releases expected to generate record-breaking box office revenue. This surge is vital for recovering from previous declines due to labor strikes and pandemic-related delays. [Visit Link]

⭐Gratitude → Thanksgiving

Why OMG: Gratitude fosters appreciation for what we have, strengthens relationships, enhances mental well-being, and promotes a positive outlook, making it a vital practice during Thanksgiving and beyond.

Gratitude in the news:

Thanksgiving in a world that forgets gratitude [cbsaustin.com]
What: Thanksgiving serves as a reminder for Americans to express gratitude for their prosperity and freedoms. The editorial encourages reflection on the sacrifices of ancestors and the importance of community, urging individuals to celebrate their blessings and resist negativity.
Why: Gratitude is emphasized as a vital aspect of personal and communal well-being, fostering a sense of tranquility and connection. It counters negative emotions like jealousy and selfishness, promoting a positive outlook on life and encouraging appreciation for current blessings. [Visit Link]

Gratitude is powerful and expressing it can impact people physically and mentally [www.coshoctontribune.com]
What: Julianne Smith experienced a life-threatening brain aneurysm rupture, leading to a profound journey of recovery. Her experiences in Haiti serving others reinforced her understanding of gratitude and the importance of basic needs in achieving happiness.
Why: Gratitude is essential for mental and physical well-being. It fosters resilience, improves relationships, and enhances overall life satisfaction. Recognizing and practicing gratitude can lead to significant health benefits and a more fulfilling life. [Visit Link]

⭐Travel → Thanksgiving

Why OMG: This will be the busiest Thanksgiving travel day ever.

Travel in the news:

'Busiest Thanksgiving ever' as 80 million expected to travel for the holiday and record numbers set to flood U.S. airports [fortune.com]
What: Thanksgiving travel is projected to be the busiest ever, with nearly 80 million Americans traveling. TSA expects to screen 18.3 million people, while a shortage of air traffic controllers may lead to flight delays despite high staffing levels at TSA.
Why: The anticipated increase in air travel during the Thanksgiving holiday is significant, with TSA expecting to screen 18.3 million passengers. This highlights the importance of effective staffing and preparation to manage the surge in travelers. [Visit Link]

Thanksgiving week forecast includes snow, heavy rain for holiday travel across US [www.foxweather.com]
What: A winter storm is expected to impact travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, particularly on Black Friday along the East Coast. Cold air from Canada will lead to significant temperature drops, affecting travel conditions and potentially causing delays.
Why: The forecast for Thanksgiving travel highlights the significance of weather conditions on travel plans. Understanding storm patterns and temperature drops is crucial for travelers to prepare for potential disruptions and delays during the holiday season. [Visit Link]

⭐Politics → Thanksgiving

Why OMG: According to Pew Research, 55% of Americans are likely to discuss the recent US presidential election this Thanksgiving. Navigating these discussions in a polarized environment can be a challenge.

Politics in the news:

How to Survive Politics-Talk at Thanksgiving (Without Losing Your Mind) [www.vogue.com]
What: Dr. Audra Nuru provides strategies for engaging in potentially contentious conversations during Thanksgiving. She emphasizes preparation, setting boundaries, and approaching discussions with curiosity and kindness to ensure a more positive gathering experience.
Why: Navigating political discussions during family gatherings is crucial for maintaining relationships. Understanding differing viewpoints fosters empathy and can lead to more productive conversations, which is essential for personal and communal harmony. [Visit Link]

For Thanksgiving: 20 things to talk about that aren't politics [www.northjersey.com]
What: Thanksgiving 2024 is anticipated to be particularly charged politically, with families potentially facing heated discussions. Various light-hearted topics are suggested to help divert attention from contentious political debates during the holiday.
Why: Navigating political discussions during family gatherings is crucial, especially in a polarized environment. Understanding how to shift conversations away from contentious topics can foster a more harmonious atmosphere during Thanksgiving. [Visit Link]

That’s all for now.

What are your OMG and NBD topics?  Let us know at [email protected].

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