Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and as I write this, I am in the passenger seat of our car on a 4-hour drive home (that has turned into 5 hours with traffic). One of my favorite things about the holidays is discussing the different ways that people celebrate them. Here are a few thoughts I had and I encourage you to share your traditions as well.
Family Time:
The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for family and friends to get together, reflect on their blessings, and give thanks. But it's also an opportunity for many to come together from all over the country and the world.
Thanksgiving is one of the top holidays that almost requires togetherness, according to American Express' annual survey of consumer spending habits. The survey found that of all major U.S. holidays, Thanksgiving is the one most likely to bring people together from different parts of the country or even the world. So while you may not be able to see your extended family on Christmas or Easter, there's a good chance they'll be flying in for turkey day!
Day Activities:
Everybody does something different with their family members during the day. Some families wake up early to run in a Turkey Trot, personally, I have always been skeptical of this tradition as a non-runner. For most families, there is always someone or several people who are heavily involved in the cooking and preparations of the day. My mom and I always fell in this camp. My Dad and brother always looked forward to watching the Dallas Cowboys game. No matter what, the day always starts with watching the Macy’s Day Parade and picking our favorite balloons and floats.
Food:
Any Thanksgiving tradition of course has to include enough food to put you in a tryptophan coma, but I love speaking with other families about their preferences. These assertions for the “right way” to do Thanksgiving can lead to heated debate! For example…
Do you roast or deep fry the turkey?
Should dessert be pumpkin pie or apple?
Do you make any casseroles at all?
Should you stick with traditional mashed potatoes or opt for potato gratin?
Which is better, cranberry sauce or gravy?
If you need a little assistance planning your Thanksgiving, check out our Thanksgiving Party Guide.
Thanksgiving is a great holiday because it encourages us to think about what we're grateful for in life. Think about what you are thankful for this year and share your thoughts with others at your Thanksgiving table.
So as we sit at the proverbial table, I want to say how thankful I am for you reading this blog post and landing on my website. I am grateful to be able to start Pursuit of Parties with the opportunity to bring joy into your life.
