Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday. It is a time for expressing gratitude, spending quality time with loved ones, and indulging in delicious treats.
First recorded in 1619 in what is now Virginia (although New England often argues it was the first state to observe the holiday), Thanksgiving is one of the most popular public holidays in the United States, a time for a traditional turkey dinner and participating in various activities that make it special.
Thanksgiving in 2024 occurs on November 28, giving you plenty of time to prepare for one of these five popular Thanksgiving traditions.
Watching Football
For many Americans, Thanksgiving Day is synonymous with football.
The National Football League (NFL) serves up a feast of American football matchups from early morning kickoffs to fiesty evening showdowns; the day is packed with adrenaline-pumping action on the field.
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys hosting home games is one of the highlights of Thanksgiving football.
These matchups have become engrained in the holiday fabric, with fans flocking to stadiums and tuning in to games from across the country.
There is something special about the excitement and camaraderie of Thanksgiving football, whether you are a die-hard supporter or a casual fan.
Thanksgiving games serve as a rallying point for friends and families, often sparking spirited debates and rivalries that add to the festive atmosphere.
Thanksgiving football is not only for the professional teams but anyone who loves America’s most popular sport.
Many people compete in touch football tournaments and flag football competitions or enjoy throwing the ball around in the backyard, combining burning off the calories from the big meals and bonding with loved ones.
Feasting
The grand feast lies at the heart of Thanksgiving celebrations, bringing families and friends together around the dining table.
A meticulously prepared turkey takes center stage, with the aroma of roasted turkey filling the air throughout the day and building a sense of anticipation.
Families often devour creaming mashed potatoes infused with butter and garlic, pass around tangy cranberry sauce, and eat until they are fit to burst.
The indulgence doesn’t stop with the main meal because Thanksgiving is also the time for desserts, particularly the American favorites of apple pie, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie.
Sharing a bountiful meal with loved ones fosters a sense of gratitude and togetherness; it is one of the most cherished activities of the holiday.
Most American households have unique traditions, all shared around the table, and each creates lasting memories.
Enjoy a Parade
Parades are common during Thanksgiving, with floats and marching bands going through the city streets.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the leader of the pack. It takes place in New York City and has been a regular feature for decades.
Macy’s parade showcases larger-than-life balloons of beloved characters who make their way through the streets of Manhattan, flanked by adoring and cheering fans.
While the elaborate floats captured the imagination of children and adults alike, one moment of the parade stands out from the crowd: Santa Claus’s arrival.
Santa’s grand entrance atop his sleigh signals the official start of the holiday season, meaning Christmas is just around the corner.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished tradition that brings joy to the hearts of the young and old, so if you have the chance, take a trip to New York City.
Giving Thanks
It is important to take a moment from the busy Thanksgiving preparations and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.
Taking time to express appreciation and thanks is the cornerstone of Thanksgiving traditions.
Many families gather around the table and share what they are thankful for before tucking into the hearty feast. Such a tradition creates a sense of connection and mindfulness.
Thanksgiving is also a time for reflection and rekindling friendships that may have fizzled out.
Furthermore, many use Thanksgiving as the perfect setting for putting past differences aside, burying the hatchet, so to speak, and starting afresh.
It is also a time to give back to the community and help those in need.
Individuals and families often volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other charitable organizations, helping those less fortunate who may not have family or friends to share Thanksgiving with.
Acts of kindness embody the spirit of Thanksgiving and show the true power of compassion and generosity.
Take In the Big Outdoors
The timing of Thanksgiving provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities.
Strolling through the neighborhood or local park after indulging in the Thanksgiving feast is a popular Thanksgiving activity.
The crisp fall air and rustling of fallen leaves underfoot remind us of simpler times when our elders and ancestors lived.
Nature hikes and camping trips are also popular during the Thanksgiving holiday.
These activities allow people to reconnect with nature and offer a welcome respite from screens and technology that dominate our everyday lives.
Think about roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the campfire, and you are somewhere close.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is one of the most magical times of the year; everyone should embrace it if they can.
Although an American tradition at its heart, anyone can participate in Thanksgiving celebrations wherever they are located; gratitude has no boundaries.
The tradition of Thanksgiving serves as a reminder that, as a species, we thrive in the company of others, enjoying and sharing experiences.
Whether you cheer on your favorite football team, indulge in a feast of epic proportions, watch the joy in children’s faces as a parade passes by, offer a helping hand to the less fortunate, or enjoy the big outdoors, Thanksgiving is a time for people to realize what they have and be grateful for the things and people in their lives.
