The holidays are here! We all get it started with Thanksgiving! If you travel across town, down the street, a state over or 3 states over, maybe a plane ride across the country! We love getting together with friends, family and loved ones for the holidays!
Thanksgiving is a widely celebrated holiday in the United States, and it is often associated with various traditions that bring family and friends together. Some common Thanksgiving traditions in America include:
Turkey Dinner: A traditional Thanksgiving meal typically includes a roasted turkey as the centerpiece. Other popular dishes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Parades: Many cities host Thanksgiving Day parades, with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City being one of the most famous. These parades often feature giant balloons, marching bands, and performances.
Football: Watching football is a common Thanksgiving Day activity. The National Football League (NFL) usually schedules games on Thanksgiving, and many families incorporate watching a game into their traditions.
Thanksgiving Day Macy’s Parade: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a famous event that features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances. It has been a tradition since 1924.
Volunteering and Charity: Some families make it a tradition to volunteer at local charities or participate in community service activities to give back to those in need during the holiday season.
Black Friday Shopping: The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Many people participate in early-morning shopping sprees to take advantage of sales and discounts.
Thanksgiving Pardoning of the Turkey: Each year, the President of the United States participates in a ceremony in which a live turkey is “pardoned” and spared from being slaughtered for Thanksgiving dinner. The pardoned turkey often goes to a farm or petting zoo. This year, President Biden pardoned Liberty and Bell.
(Video courtesy of USA Today)
Gratitude and Reflection: Many families take time during Thanksgiving to express gratitude and reflect on the things they are thankful for. Some incorporate the tradition of going around the table and sharing what each person is thankful for.
Family Gatherings: Thanksgiving is often a time for families to come together. Many people travel long distances to be with their loved ones for the holiday.
Leftovers: In the days following Thanksgiving, it’s common for people to enjoy leftovers from the big feast. Turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, and other creative leftover dishes are popular.
These traditions can vary from family to family, and not everyone may follow all of them. However, the common theme is to express gratitude, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy a hearty meal.
