Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the blessings in life, from family and friends to good food and warm memories. While the essence of Thanksgiving lies in gratitude, the traditions bring this holiday to life. Here’s a look at some of the best Thanksgiving traditions to make this year’s celebration memorable.
Topics to Avoid at Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is about gathering in gratitude and harmony, but conversations can sometimes veer into sensitive territory. To keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable for everyone, consider avoiding these topics:
- Politics: Political discussions can quickly turn heated, so it’s best to avoid this subject to maintain a peaceful gathering.
- Religion: While everyone may have their own beliefs, religious topics can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Keep conversations inclusive and focused on the holiday’s theme.
- Personal Finances: Some guests may be uncomfortable asking questions about money, salaries, or expenses. Instead, focus on more universal topics.
- Family Issues: Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family, not air grievances. To keep the mood upbeat, avoid discussing past arguments or sensitive family matters.
- Health Concerns: Topics around health or lifestyle choices (like diets or fitness routines) can sometimes feel judgmental. Keep these conversations private to respect everyone’s preferences.
Keeping the conversation lighthearted and centered on shared memories, gratitude, and plans will help everyone enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving.
Share a Thanksgiving Feast
No Thanksgiving is complete without a delicious meal shared with loved ones. Whether it’s a traditional turkey or creative new dishes, preparing and enjoying a feast together is central to Thanksgiving. Make the meal interactive by inviting family members to contribute a favorite dish or dessert. Hosting a potluck or assigning each person a course can make the experience more engaging.
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Tweak the Breakfast Menu
Try a light but festive breakfast for a unique start to Thanksgiving morning. Swap regular pancakes or coffee for pumpkin pie slices, or make a seasonal pumpkin pie milkshake from leftovers. Light breakfast options prepare everyone for the feast later while adding a seasonal touch to the day.
Add a Creative Twist to Traditional Dishes
Spice up the menu this Thanksgiving by adding creative dishes to your feast. While traditional turkey and mashed potatoes are must-haves, include a family recipe or a unique seasonal dish to add a special flair. Experiment with a new stuffing recipe, or try roasted vegetables with distinctive herbs and spices for a memorable touch.
Host Classic Thanksgiving Games
Games bring the family together and add fun to the Thanksgiving celebration. Consider playing traditional games like charades, dice, or cards after the meal. For outdoor fun, organize a family-friendly football game in the yard or park. Active games help everyone unwind and make room for dessert!
Connect with Distant Loved Ones
If some family members can’t make it to Thanksgiving, connect virtually. Use video calls to include distant family in your traditions, allowing everyone to share in the laughter and gratitude. If video calls aren’t feasible, a quick phone call or text message lets loved ones know you’re thinking of them.
Give Back to the Community
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and give back to those less fortunate. Consider volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or community center. Donating canned goods or other essentials is another meaningful way to give back if you can’t volunteer in person. This year, organizations are emphasizing donations of time, with opportunities to volunteer as a family.
Join a Turkey Trot
Kick-off Thanksgiving with a Turkey Trot! This community-centered 5K, or half-marathon, is a fun way to start the day on a high-energy note. Wear themed gear like turkey hats and t-shirts to capture the moment and enjoy bonding with friends and family. Turkey Trots often support local charities, adding an extra layer of gratitude to the event.
Watch Thanksgiving Day Parades and Shows
After the meal, cozy up with family to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring live performances, marching bands, and creative floats. The National Dog Show is another Thanksgiving favorite, especially for dog lovers. Family members can gather in front of the TV to relax and enjoy these holiday staples.
Take an Evening Walk Together
Thanksgiving is about quality time, and a post-dinner walk is a perfect way to unwind. After a day filled with eating and celebrating, a walk helps with digestion and provides an opportunity to connect and reflect. Enjoy the crisp fall air, and take a few moments to appreciate nature with your loved ones.
Dine, Al Fresco
If the weather is pleasant, consider an outdoor Thanksgiving feast. Dining under the stars or enjoying a meal on the patio brings a cozy, refreshing twist to the celebration. Set up a Thanksgiving table outside, add a few blankets for warmth, and let everyone gather to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere.
Make a Gratitude List
A gratitude list is a great way to highlight the true spirit of Thanksgiving. Ask each guest to jot down something they’re thankful for on a butcher paper cloth at the table. Then, read these out loud to start meaningful conversations and create a memorable Thanksgiving tradition.
Send Guests Home with Leftovers
Too many leftovers? Send guests home with a piece of the feast! Prepare some containers for your loved ones to take their favorite dishes, or ask them to bring their own containers. Share leftover turkey tips, like making turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce for a delicious post-Thanksgiving meal.
Break the Wishbone
According to tradition, the person who breaks the larger half of the turkey’s wishbone gets to make a wish. Hide the wishbone and make a game out of finding it, giving the winner a fun prize, like the largest slice of dessert or the first pick of leftovers!
Reminisce Over Family Memories
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to share stories and reflect on fond memories. Gather family members and go through old photo albums, recounting cherished memories. Reliving these moments strengthens bonds and brings a sense of togetherness.
What Guests Can Bring to Thanksgiving Dinner
Attending a Thanksgiving dinner and want to contribute? Here are some thoughtful items guests can bring to show appreciation and help with the celebration:
- Dessert: Bringing a dessert, like a pie or cookies, is always appreciated. Try a seasonal flavor, like pumpkin or pecan pie, to complement the meal.
- Appetizers: Simple appetizers, like a cheese board, veggie platter, or deviled eggs, are great options that don’t interfere with the main meal preparation.
- Flowers or a Centerpiece: A festive centerpiece or bouquet adds to the table decor and shows gratitude to the host.
- Wine or Other Beverages: Bring a bottle of wine, sparkling cider, or other favorite drinks to offer variety and ease the host’s beverage prep.
- Leftover Containers: Hosts often appreciate extra containers for leftovers, making sending guests home with some of the meal easier.
- Games or Activities: Bringing a family-friendly game or puzzle can provide entertainment and create memories, especially if kids are present.
Being thoughtful about what you bring can make the host’s job easier and add to the enjoyment of the gathering. Just ask the host in advance to avoid doubling up on items!
Plan a Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway
Consider a weekend getaway with family or friends for a change of scenery. Thanksgiving accommodations are often budget-friendly, and you can create new memories while enjoying a relaxing environment. Book a big table for a communal meal, bringing the warmth of Thanksgiving to a unique location.
Embrace Alone Time
Before the festivities begin, take a moment to reflect on gratitude. Enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, meditate, or journal about what you’re thankful for. Thanksgiving can be a busy day, so focus on your personal gratitude list for a few minutes.
Involve Kids in Thanksgiving Prep
Get kids involved in the preparations to keep them entertained. Younger kids can help set the table, while older children can assist with simple dishes. Teaching them family recipes is a tradition they can carry forward, making Thanksgiving meaningful for generations to come.
Trending Thanksgiving Traditions for 2024
This year, families are embracing new, engaging traditions. Here are some popular ideas for 2024:
- Friendsgiving: Host a Friendsgiving dinner, inviting friends to share in the festivities with dishes from diverse cultures.
- Outdoor Adventures: Take a nature walk, take a scenic hike, or explore a local park as a family.
- Cooking Challenges: Organize a family cooking challenge with each member responsible for a different course.
- DIY Decorations: Get crafty with homemade Thanksgiving decor like wreaths, centerpieces, or table runners.
- Gratitude Scavenger Hunt: Host a gratitude-themed scavenger hunt, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation.
These 2024 traditions add a modern twist to Thanksgiving, focusing on community, creativity, and cultural exploration.
Tighten Family Bonds With Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year. It is a time to eat, drink, and make memories with loved ones. Whether embracing classic traditions or starting new ones, Thanksgiving traditions strengthen bonds and create memories that last a lifetime.
