Although Thanksgiving has already passed, there is always time to reflect on this beloved holiday’s significance, rich history, and timeless traditions. For many, Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting; it’s a reminder to give thanks, connect with family and friends, and celebrate the blessings we often take for granted. Over the centuries, Thanksgiving traditions have evolved and expanded, with some practices becoming more modernized, while others remain deeply rooted. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic elements of the holiday:
- The Thanksgiving Feast
The most iconic Thanksgiving tradition is the feast itself. The menu typically includes the classic turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families also have their own special dishes or variations on classic recipes to personalize the dish to their exact liking. Although the food has changed over time (the Pilgrims likely didn’t have pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce), the idea of coming together around a shared meal prepared by the hands of those we love remains central to the celebration.
- Parades and Football
A more modern tradition for Thanksgiving is tuning into the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, either in person in New York City or via television. For many, a Thanksgiving tradition may also be to sit back and watch NFL football games. Both have become staples of the holiday, providing entertainment and a sense of connection to the larger festivities happening across the country.
- Spending Time with Family
Thanksgiving is the time for families to reconnect. Rebuilding the familial bond looks different for many families but despite the cause for estrangement, whether that be physical distance (sibling going to college) or familial disagreements, there is a common understanding that petty grievances are to be put aside for the holiday. This idea of cooperation and peace can be traced back to Thanksgiving’s origins when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony (in what is now Massachusetts) shared a feast with the Wampanoag people. This gathering was not only a celebration of a successful harvest but a moment of unity and partnership between two groups who had been through many struggles in their respective backgrounds.
Though Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, shopping, and fun, its true essence lies in the idea of gratitude, an idea often forgotten in the rush of everyday life. Even though the Thanksgiving table has been cleared for another year, the spirit of the holiday should not end with the season. We can carry these values with us every day, and it’s worth remembering that being thankful isn’t just about one meal or parade; it’s about the ongoing process of acknowledging the good in our lives and using that gratitude to create positive change for others.
