Friendsgiving has always held a special place in my heart. I do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional way, but a week before the holiday I used to host a small gathering where friends came together to share food, laughter, and a sense of community. Everyone brought a little dish and I provided the main meal. Throughout the evening, friends and family would drop by, chat for a while, eat, and then say their farewells until Christmas/Yule.

Before entering a home or office, something as simple as wiping your feet or leaving shoes at the door can do more than keep floors clean. Across cultures, this practice has long been associated with energy and well-being. In China and Japan, for example, removing shoes before entering a home is a standard custom. Beyond hygiene, it is believed to help prevent negative energy from entering the space, keeping the environment harmonious and balanced.