I don’t know about you guys, but I could use a little bit of an escape. While the root of Thanksgiving leaves much to be desired, most of us take this time to express our extreme gratitude for the past year, revel in time spent with family, and devour traditional soul food delights. Yes, delights.

However, one of my favorite things to do during this time of year is to revisit some favorite family films. I love a feel-good film around the holidays. Call it cheesy, but nothing is better than a great scene with folks sitting around a dinner table, confronting and dealing with the ups and the downs of life as a family with both tears and laughter.

So, here’s to paying it forward–a few films that can get you in the mood of gratitude for family, friends, and connection.

The Wiz

A real classic! Aside from outstanding performances and amazing costumes, The Wiz continues to hold a special place in our hearts. I mean, the film is all about Dorothy realizing how special home is and she spends the length of the film trying to get back there.

Soul Food

Mama Joe always said, “One finger won’t make an impact, but you ball all those fingers into a fist, and you can strike a mighty blow. Now, this family has got to be that fist.” She was right.

The Nutty Professor

The Klump dinner table is one that we will never forget because of the food spreads but also the laughs.

The Color Purple

No matter where you are in the country, you can find another person who will quote nearly half of The Color Purple along with you. From the dinner table scene to Celie reuniting with Nettie?! The tears, oh the tears.

The Best Man

Sometimes you can create your own family, and that is a blessing that we don’t take lightly. Even though there are stumbles in the road, The Best Man shows that friends can be just as important as family.

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October may be over, but that doesn’t mean witchiness needs to cease as we go into the holidays. The witch has become a strong symbol for modern women and other marginalized groups, a path to clinging to and embracing inner power, and expressing personal vitality. If there’s a witchy person in your life, here’s a list of gift ideas at various price points to help them on their magical journey and provide for a prosperous, abundant new year.

Witchy Gift Jar / PinJarUK

A great starter kit for any witch, this gift pouch includes two black spell candles, three gemstones (lepidolite, amethyst, and labradorite), and a “You Better Witch Out” enamel pin. It’s a great thing to tuck in a stocking, and will help your witch begin their magical journey. (Price: $15.93)

The Book of Kitchen Witchery / by Cerridwen Greenleaf

This book by Cerridwen Greenleaf contains “spells, recipes, and rituals for magical meals, an enchanted garden, and a happy home.” That makes it an excellent addition to your witch’s kitchen, a necessary tool for inspiration and fulfillment for their body and mind. (Price: $16.95)

Goddess Provisions Subscription Box

This monthly subscription box contains everything a practical witch needs: crystals, aromatherapy, superfoods, beauty and spiritual tools, and more. Each box is themed, with past boxes centering on sacred waters, Yoni magic, and heart chakras. It’s available in three different packaged deals depending on number of months, so you can select how long they’ll keep receiving the box. (Price: 3 months for $99, 6 months for $178, 12 months for $333)

Black Rose Pentagram Enamel Pin / Witch Visions

Pentagrams are commonly associated with Wiccan practices as a symbol of faith. This handmade enamel pin from Etsy shop Witch Visions is the perfect way for a proud witch to display that symbol on their jacket, backpack, or whatever accessory they choose. It comes in both light green/black and green/pink. (Price: $12)

Hummingbird Sage / The Hood Witch

Cleansing sage is a must-have for any practicing witch, and Hummingbird Sage is extra special. As The Hood Witch website says, Hummingbird Sage “pulls your consciousness towards other realms” and is a great tool for “Shamanism, Journeying, Path-working, and Dream work.” The scent is akin to white sage, but slightly sweeter. It’s a unique bundle that will add some pizzazz to your witch’s stash. (Price: $12)

Petite Selenite Wand / The Flowerchild Bruja

Every witch needs a wand! And while this wand isn’t the stereotypical kind, it’s still a great way for your witch to purify their personal energy, cleanse other crystals, and work into meditation practices. Selenite is known for its healing qualities, which will set any witch up for a pure-energy new year. (Price: $5.55/wand)

Crescent Moon Dish and Earrings Gift Set / World Market

This ceramic dish is a perfect accent for any witch’s wardrobe. It also comes with three pairs of celestial-themed earrings, so it’s a multipurpose gift, and a great stocking stuffer. (Price: $16.99)

Mystic Glass Mug / ludlowluna

We love these witchy, crystal-decal-covered glass mugs, available at the Etsy shop ludlowluna. Perfect for potion-sipping and tea-making, these mugs are a great kitchen accessory for any modern witch! (Price: $14)

Moon Phase Potions / HausWitch

HausWitch is a great shop for all your witchy needs! We were especially drawn to these moon phase potions, which help “cultivate and invoke” different properties. The dark moon potion helps you trust in what cannot be seen, the new moon potion makes its user ready and willing, and the full potion is all about abundance and harvesting. Your witch will appreciate the guidance these potions provide! (Price: $22)

Moon Himalayan Salt Lamp / Urban Outfitters

Himalayan salt lamps are all the rage, and this moon-shaped version from Urban Outfitters is a nice, witchy twist. If the price point is  a concern, it’s also available in a cute mini size! (Price: $59)

Images: Goddess Provisions, PinJarUK, CICO Books, Witch Visions, The Hood Witch, The Flowerchild Bruja, World Market, ludlowluna, HausWitch, Urban Outfitters