As We Gather

In my opinion, we are at our finest when we are gathered together over food.

I grew up in an Italian-Greek family so I know a little bit about such things.

When we’re young, we learn things from family members who are older.

When we’re older, the younger ones do the cooking and the cleanup.

But the conversations, the memories and the bonds we forge are, in my experience, best had and created over food.

I used to have a manager who was always asking me to attend certain meetings at work and my question to her was always the same: “Will there be food?”

But did you know there’s actual science in the act of gathering over food?

Let’s see what research has to say…

Gathering with others over food strengthens our health on both physical and emotional levels.

Studies show that social connection boosts oxytocin and reduces cortisol, helping to regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve immune function.

Face-to-face interactions during shared meals also stimulate mirror neurons, deepening empathy and emotional attunement. According to research published in Science, communal experiences amplify emotions, making joy more joyful and stress more manageable. Who couldn’t use that?

Plus, eating together isn’t just tradition—it’s biological therapy. It nourishes our need for belonging, safety, and meaning, all of which are essential to the concept of Wellthology.

As we gather together for Thanksgiving this year, may we appreciate our connections to family and friends, be glad for this United States of America we live in, and give God all the glory for this wonderful country he’s given us. If you’ve ever lived in another country, you become very patriotic about it.

God bless you and your families, wherever you reside.