The tradition of gathering and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest began long before President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789, a “Day of Publick Thanksgiving.” Cultures around the world have done this for thousands of years.
Aside from the food, my favorite part of Thanksgiving is the gathering of friends and family without any obligation to exchange presents or put up elaborate decorations. And if you’re a guest, you just show up with a side dish and/or bottle of wine, enjoy, and offer to help with the dishes — but even that is fun with others.
I find it fitting that our Best Dressed feature appears in the November issue. This particular photo shoot is the closest thing we have to a family gathering, bringing together a group of people who could fit around a dinner table. Our tradition is to gather all our subjects — or “models” — at one location on a single day. Because their time slots are spread out throughout the day, they don’t all get to meet, but there is some crossover, as was the case with our cover ladies. And our staff has the pleasure of meeting — or get reacquainted with — each of them.
This year’s shoot seemed more holiday-like than usual since we held it at a restaurant: the brand-new Unc’s Pizza on Griswold Street. We broke some bread and even got to meet a few of our Best Dressed subjects’ friends and family members.
A few other days this month also deserve some press. You’ve likely heard of Giving Tuesday, but did you know that Nov. 15 marks the 40th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day? The observance honors “the impact of philanthropy and those who work to make a difference in their communities and around the world.” In this issue, we recognize the recipients of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter’s annual National Philanthropy Awards.
And while I always hate that Thanksgiving gets a bum’s rush because of the impending December holidays, I don’t mind getting into the holiday spirit a little early on our pages. After all, we don’t want you to miss a holiday event or craft market that starts this month or in early December.
But before December arrives in full force, I hope you get the chance to gather around a table with your favorite people this Nov. 26 to eat some delicious food and then watch a great football game. Go Lions!
This story originally appeared in the November 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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