Thanksgiving is so much more than the feast of deliciousness spread upon the table. It’s about families getting together, spending time together, making plans and reliving the past year’s moments together. Thanksgiving joins the young and the young-at-heart around a table, in a home, on a walking path, or at a volunteer organization, with the idea that both can share a passion for learning and respect of one another.
With millions of Americans setting out to travel this Thanksgiving, highways and byways will be busy and chaotic. Your road trip might take a couple of hours or a couple of days, but either way, you’ll want to get to your destination safely, and intact. Explore cheap car insurance quotes to help you find the best coverage for you and your family, one that will protect them and cover your assets, liability, and medical expenses if an accident does occur.
Most families have their own special traditions, especially around the holidays. Some are born accidentally; some might have a bit of superstition with them (wearing a lucky sweater to watch a football game), and some just make it from one year to the next with no real explanation other than they are anticipated, cherished, and fun.
- Stating Gratitude. The idea of Thanksgiving is being thankful, and there really is no better time than sitting around the table, before everyone digs in, to individually state the reasons you feel grateful. This might include loved ones, friends, your home, pets, the health of you and your loved ones, or anything else that sparks contentment and joy.
- Breaking the Wishbone. Carving the turkey is generally a tradition all on its own, and many people find great enjoyment with breaking the wishbone. Set aside the wishbone after carving so it can dry during the meal and dessert. Whoever breaks off the bigger piece is said to be blessed with good fortune for the next year.
- Watching a Parade. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is a tradition for millions around the country. Watching the incredibly decorated floats and balloons sail down the streets of Manhattan is not only fun and exciting; it brings the country together as a whole, on a day that is celebrated by everyone in the States.
- Volunteering. One of the greatest gifts you can give others – and your children – is the gift of yourself. Whether it’s passing out food at a homeless shelter or handing out warm-weather clothes, when you give of your time and thoughtfulness, it helps everyone, including providing you with a huge sense of meaning and fulfillment.
- Preparing to Shop on Black Friday. Love it or hate it, Black Friday isn’t going anywhere. The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the gift-giving holiday season, and retailers are fully aware of the lure of discounts on this day. For some, standing in line during pre-dawn hours to take advantage of the incredible sales is a tradition that they just aren’t willing to give up, nor should they!
- Running a Turkey Trot. Running a 5K or half marathon might feel completely counterintuitive on turkey-eating day, but for some it makes for good clean fun. You can burn calories, meet new people, raise money for a good cause, and know that later, when the nap inevitably comes, it will largely be induced by physical activity and not just tryptophan.
- Generally, Thanksgiving and the gift-giving holidays are geared toward family gatherings. Friendsgiving is a way to celebrate the ones you love who may or may not be blood related. You can choose to hold your Friendsgiving event a week or two before traditional Thanksgiving, and ask everyone to bring a dish to pass. It’s a great time for friends to catch up and share a meal before everyone ventures out to other parts of the country.
- Eating! This might be the best tradition of all – eating a traditional Thanksgiving meal! What do most people in America heap onto their plate? Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and of course, the ever humble pumpkin pie. You can start your own food traditions. Experiment to see which dishes your family enjoys the most – and which they can definitely do without. It’s likely though, the ones that go terribly wrong are the ones they will remember years into the future!
No matter how you are spending your time this Thanksgiving, make sure to spend it safely with family or friends, plan your trips, and consider creating new traditions that will only add enthusiasm onto the old ones!
