A Holiday of Traditions

Thanksgiving is one of those special times of the year that brings people together to celebrate what matters most. It’s no wonder that the holiday has become synonymous with three beloved traditions: food, football, and family. These elements come together to create the perfect holiday experience—a time to relax, indulge, and enjoy time with loved ones. But how did these three things come to define Thanksgiving? Let’s dig into why this day is all about the three F’s.

Food: The Heart of Thanksgiving

It’s impossible to think of Thanksgiving without picturing a feast. The tradition of gathering around a table loaded with delicious food goes back to the holiday’s roots. We’ve all learned the story about the first Thanksgiving feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, where 1621, there was a celebration of the harvest that lasted 3 days. While turkey wasn’t the star of the meal back then, it has become the iconic centerpiece over the years.

Fun Fact: Did you know that over 46 million turkeys are eaten in the U.S. every Thanksgiving?

As time went on, dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie were added to the traditional spread, with each family adding their own regional or cultural twist. Whether it’s Grandma’s special sweet potato casserole or that one dessert your cousin brings every year, the food is what brings everyone together at the table.

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Football: The Game-Day Tradition

Football and Thanksgiving go hand in hand, and for many, it’s a non-negotiable part of the day. This tradition dates back to 1876 when Yale and Princeton played their first Thanksgiving Day football game. Fast forward to today, and the NFL has taken over the holiday, with games broadcasted all day long.

The Detroit Lions kicked off the NFL’s Thanksgiving Day tradition in 1934, and the Dallas Cowboys joined in the fun in 1966. Today, millions of Americans tune in to watch their favorite teams, making it a central part of many families’ celebrations.

Fun Fact: The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game almost every year since their respective traditions began!

Football gives everyone a chance to bond—whether you’re yelling at the TV, hosting a family game in the yard, or simply enjoying the background noise while you snack on leftovers. Even if you aren’t a huge football fan, there’s something nostalgic about it being on the TV while the turkey is carved.

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Family: The Real Reason We Celebrate (Even When It’s Tough)

At its core, Thanksgiving is about family. Whether you’re celebrating with a big, bustling group or just a few close loved ones, it’s a time to come together and appreciate those around us. But let’s be real—this year might feel different for many families, especially in the wake of the 2024 election results.

Political differences can be especially challenging during holiday gatherings. If your family has strong and conflicting opinions, the conversation around the table might be a little tense. It’s not uncommon for emotions to run high when talking about the election or current events, and that can make Thanksgiving feel less joyful than it should be.

However, this is exactly why Thanksgiving is so important. Despite our differences, this holiday is an opportunity to reconnect and focus on what unites us. At a time when the world can feel divided, Thanksgiving can remind us to focus on and celebrate the things we have in common: shared memories, traditions, and the simple joy of being together.

Tips for Navigating a Tense Thanksgiving:

  • Set Boundaries: If political talk tends to lead to arguments, consider setting a boundary that the Thanksgiving table is a “politics-free” zone for the day.
  • Redirect Conversations: Gently steer discussions toward more neutral topics like family memories, favorite Thanksgiving traditions, or what everyone is thankful for this year.
  • Focus on Gratitude: Encourage everyone to share something positive they’re grateful for, which can help shift the mood away from tension and back to the spirit of Thanksgiving.

It’s important to acknowledge that this year might not be easy for some families, but Thanksgiving can also be a chance to put differences aside—if only for a day—and focus on what really matters. After all, at the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t about agreeing on everything, but about being thankful for the people who show up, the love that’s shared, and the traditions that bring us back together, year after year.

Embrace the Blend

Thanksgiving is a unique holiday because it’s about so much more than just one thing. It’s a time to enjoy the comforting combination of food, football, and family, and to embrace all the traditions—old and new—that make the day special. Whether you’re a football fanatic, a foodie, or just excited to see your relatives, Thanksgiving offers something for everyone.

This year, why not try adding a little extra joy to your celebration? Whether it’s by trying out a new recipe, starting a new football tradition, or simply making time to share laughs with your family, make the most of this day and all the memories that come with it.

Carrie