Preserving the Rich Tapestry of Thanksgiving Traditions

As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on the traditions that make this holiday so meaningful. Is it the aroma of a turkey roasting in the oven, just as it’s been done in your family for generations? The sound of laughter and chatter as loved ones catch up over slices of pumpkin pie? Or the sight of familiar faces coming together from near and far, united by the enduring bonds of family? 

Thanksgiving is a richly woven tapestry of traditions, both classic and new. It’s a time to connect with our roots, celebrate our blessings, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Did you know more than 55.4 million Americans travel home for Thanksgiving each year, and the average gathering lasts over five hours—a testament to the pull of tradition.

Gather your loved ones, whether you’re an experienced host or a first-time celebrant, and get ready to create a Thanksgiving celebration that pays homage to the past, enhances the present, and establishes a lasting legacy for future generations. Embrace the joy, warmth, and fun Thanksgiving traditions as you break out the cherished recipes and prepare for a memorable gathering.

Classic Thanksgiving Traditions

For many Americans, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without certain time-honored traditions. These customs are the threads that bind us, connecting generations past and present around a shared celebration. Here are some of the most beloved Thanksgiving customs.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a cherished part of Thanksgiving morning. In 2023, the New York holiday tradition delivered a record audience of 28.5 million viewers. Families gather around the TV to watch giant balloons, colorful floats, marching bands, and celebrity performers wind their way through the streets of New York City. The parade culminates with Santa Claus’s arrival, marking the official start of the holiday season.

Tips for enjoying the parade:

• Get up early to watch the parade live (it starts at 9 am EST)  
• Have kids keep an eye out for their favorite characters or floats
• Make parade-watching a social event by inviting friends or neighbors over

The Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is only complete with the traditional feast. Every year, more than 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving Day! While the exact menu may vary by region, a classic Thanksgiving spread typically includes:

• Roast turkey
• Stuffing (or dressing)  
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Green bean casserole
• Thanksgiving Dinner rolls
• Pumpkin pie

Of course, many families have their unique recipes that have been passed down through the years. Dig out those old recipe cards from Grandma’s box, or ask relatives to share their signature dishes. Preparing and enjoying familiar foods is a wonderful way to feel connected to loved ones, both present and past.

Breaking the Wishbone

The tradition of breaking the wishbone dates back to ancient Italy. Instead of breaking the bone in half, they would make a wish while stroking it. Today, it’s a fun Thanksgiving tradition that’s said to bring good luck.

After the turkey has been carved, set aside the wishbone to dry. Later in the day (or the next day), two people each take hold of one end of the bone, make a wish, and pull. Whoever ends up with the larger piece gets their wish!

Watching Football

Many American Thanksgivings wouldn’t be complete without watching a football game (or three). The tradition of football on Thanksgiving dates back to 1934 when the Detroit Spartans hosted the World Champion Chicago Bears. Even today, the NFL schedules games for this holiday.

Whether cheering on your favorite team or enjoying family time, watching football is a great way to spend the afternoon. Just make sure to leave room for that second slice of pie!

The Post-Meal Nap

After indulging in a massive Thanksgiving feast, it’s no wonder many people need a nap. In fact, the post-meal snooze has become a cherished part of the day for many families.

While turkey often gets the blame for inducing drowsiness (it contains the amino acid tryptophan, which can have a hypnotic effect), the real culprit is more likely the huge quantity of carbohydrates consumed. All those mashed potatoes, rolls, and pie can lead to a serious case of yawns.

If you do decide to catch a few zzz’s, just be sure to set an alarm so you don’t miss out on any of the festivities!

Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

Amid the festive food and football, it’s easy to forget that Thanksgiving is, at its heart, a holiday about gratitude. Taking time to reflect on your blessings and express appreciation for the people in your life can infuse your celebration with deeper meaning. Here are some traditions to help you cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Sharing What You’re Thankful For  

One of the simplest yet most powerful Thanksgiving traditions is going around the table and having each person share something they’re thankful for. This practice encourages everyone to reflect on the good things in their life, whether large or small.

If you have young children at your celebration, consider adding a fun twist to the tradition:

• Have kids write or draw their “thank yous” on construction paper leaves to create a gratitude tree  
• Ask each child to share one thing they’re thankful for about the person to their right
• Play a “gratitude alphabet” game, working through the ABCs and naming something you’re thankful for, which starts with each letter.

Giving Back to the Community

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to remember those struggling and give back to your community. Some ideas:  

• Volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen serving Thanksgiving meals
• Participate in a food drive, donating non-perishable goods to a food bank  
• Deliver meals to homebound seniors or veterans in your area
• Invite someone who would otherwise be alone to join your celebration

Involving your whole family in acts of service can teach valuable lessons about empathy, generosity, and civic responsibility. Plus, it feels good to know you’re making a difference in someone’s life.

Sending Thanksgiving Cards

How to make Thanksgiving special? Revive the tradition of sending handwritten Thanksgiving cards to friends and family in our fast-paced digital world. Express your gratitude for them, as receiving a handwritten card in the mail feels extra special in today’s digital age.

A heartfelt message letting someone know how much you appreciate them can strengthen your bond and bring joy to their day. And since Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to update loved ones on your family’s news and share warm wishes for the coming year.

Remember, a grateful heart is a magnet for blessings. By weaving traditions of thankfulness into your celebration, you’ll create a Thanksgiving that nourishes both body and soul.

Fun New Traditions to Try

While classic traditions are the heart of Thanksgiving, adding new elements can infuse your celebration with fresh energy and excitement. Here are a few ideas to try:

“Friendsgiving” Feast

If you can’t be with family on Thanksgiving Day, consider hosting a “Friendsgiving” celebration on another day. This popular tradition brings friends together to enjoy a potluck-style feast, often with a more casual, playful vibe than a traditional family gathering.

Friendsgiving is a great opportunity to try new recipes, mix up the usual menu, and create fun new memories with your chosen family.  

Themed Thanksgiving

Add some whimsy to your celebration by choosing a theme for your Thanksgiving gathering. A few possibilities:

• Throwback Thanksgiving: Ask everyone to bring a dish from their childhood and share memories of past family celebrations.
• Around the World: Assign guests to a different country and have them bring a dish inspired by that cuisine. It’s a fun way to try new flavors while still honoring the spirit of Thanksgiving.
• Gratitude Gala: Encourage guests to dress up and bring a small gift or token of appreciation for another person at the gathering. Share the gifts and gratitude around the table.

Gratitude Crafts and Decorations  

Get everyone involved in the Thanksgiving spirit by creating gratitude-themed crafts and decorations. Some ideas:

• Have each person write something they’re thankful for on a strip of paper, then link the strips together to form a gratitude chain.  
• Decorate the table with a “thankful tree” centerpiece. Cut out paper leaves and have guests write their gratitude on them. Then, hang the leaves on branches in a vase.
• Create a gratitude journal or scrapbook with prompts and space for each person to reflect on their blessings. Bring it out each Thanksgiving and add new entries, memories, and photos each year.

Watch the National Dog Show

Gather the family to watch the National Dog Show for a fun and furry addition to your Thanksgiving Day lineup. This beloved event showcases thousands of adorable dogs competing in toy, sporting, and terrier categories.  

Make it interactive by having each “Best in Show” pick a category and offering small prizes for those who guess correctly. It’s a lighthearted way to spend the afternoon and a fun tradition to look forward to each year.

Thanksgiving Traditions Through the Years

As our families grow and change, so do our practices. Here are some new Thanksgiving traditions for keeping the spirit of togetherness alive through the different phases of life.

Traditions with Young Kids

When you have little ones running around, Thanksgiving creates a sense of wonder and excitement. Some kid-friendly traditions:  

• Have children help with simple cooking tasks like mashing potatoes, tearing bread for stuffing, or decorating cookies.
• Set up a kids’ table with Thanksgiving-themed coloring pages, games, and crafts.  
• Take a pre- or post-meal nature walk to collect leaves, acorns, and other autumn treasures.

Traditions for Teens and Adult Children

As kids grow up, Thanksgiving can be a chance to deepen family bonds and start passing the torch to the next generation. Ideas for teens and young adults:

• Have older kids help plan the menu, shop for ingredients, and cook alongside the adults.  
• Organize a friendly family football game or board game tournament.
• Encourage college-age kids to invite friends who can’t go home for the holiday.

Traditions for Empty Nesters

Thanksgiving can be a bittersweet time when the kids have flown the coop. But it’s also an opportunity to create new traditions and savor the joys of the empty nest years:

• Revive old family recipes that you didn’t have time for when the kids were young.
• Take a Thanksgiving trip to a new place, or visit a different family member each year.  
• If the kids can’t make it home, set up a video call so everyone can share virtually during the celebration.
• Volunteer together at a local charity or host a Friendsgiving for other empty nesters.

Building a Legacy of Love and Gratitude

What are some thanksgiving traditions? Thanksgiving traditions, both old and new, serve as the ties that unite families through generations and distances. They help us remember our identity, our journey, and the most important things in life.

As you gather around the table this year, take a moment to savor the laughter, stories, and love that surround you. Holidays like Thanksgiving can boost happiness and a greater sense of meaning. So embrace the traditions passed down through generations, and don’t be afraid to start some new ones of your own.

Most of all, remember that Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food, the football, or the festivities. It’s about coming together in a spirit of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in our lives—the big ones, the small ones, and everything in between.

When we approach life with a grateful heart, we open ourselves up to more joy, connection, and abundance than we ever thought possible. And that’s a legacy worth passing on to the next generation.  

So here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with cherished traditions, heartfelt gratitude, and the warmth of family and friends. May your Thanksgiving holiday be as rich and beautiful as the tapestry of memories you’re weaving, year after precious year.