Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving has come and gone this year, and it has always been about traditional family gatherings around the fire and a huge table full of food. Of course, that is never just the only thing people look forward to. We are sure you remember the episodes of Friends, when all the men hurdle around the TV, while the food was being cooked by Monica. Well, that is another tradition too-to watch sports! Usually there is a live broadcast of American Football that runs every year without fail. 

Of course, now, as the time goes on, you will always be able to watch live sporting events from www.Sportsbet.com.au, and place tons of bets while you are at it. Did we mention that sports betting has become a huge favourite for the season of thanksgiving and generally over the festive season? Generally, the traditions over thanksgiving never change, and if you did not know them, you are very much in the right place at the right time!

Volunteer at a homeless kitchen 

This one is all about going out of your way, in the season of giving. Many of the most famous homeless kitchens operate in full swing during thanksgiving, as they want to be able to give to the community the privilege of being able to share warm fires, meals and a family over the dinner table. The Soup Kitchen by the American International Church allows volunteers to come and distribute food to all the guests that enter the halls of the venue. There is nothing more empowering than providing an act of public service, especially when there are so many people going without around the world. Organisations that provide this service always appreciate any helping hands during the busiest of seasons.

Watch the American Football 

Watching the NFL is another big tradition, we are sure you can relate to watching your favourite teams battle it out against one another. This year the Cowboys against Washington and the Lions against the Texans were on our television screens. This has been the usual routine for such a long time now, to witness these teams every single thanksgiving without fail. They have played every year since the year 1934, due to the owner of the Lions named Richards, knew he would attract more fans in the process. Especially as the team usually lost out fans to the Detroit Tigers very often. This turned out to be a genius marketing plan indeed! 

 Binge Watching TV 

Since thanksgiving is a national holiday, you will find this day is perfect for doing absolutely nothing. When we say nothing, we genuinely mean nothing! There is an art to lounging around all day and it definitely feels so good to procrastinate with family members and do nothing alongside them, especially when you face your typical day-to-day busy and stressful schedules for work. This day is your down time to accomplish absolutely nothing but the hours and minutes of laughter and cuddles. It only comes by once a year, so we say enjoy it. P.S, binge eating is always a great combination when it comes to binge watching too!

Take up a turkey trot 

Participating in an annual turkey trot, really does help minimise the calorie damage that you could accumulate from indulging. This annual festival takes place in New York every year and has been a thing since the year 1896. You will be able to dress up and really make a fun day out of it, as so many do consistently each year. This event is the largest of the country and definitely starts your Thanksgiving Day off well, especially since it’s all in the name of charity and giving back.

Cooking some old family recipes 

Many families will have unique recipes that are secret and run in the family. The tradition of cooking them and making them, definitely makes the day of thanksgiving, that much more special. Especially since you will need to wait one year before you get to try it again. Romanticising this part of your day will make it seem all the more special and definitely something to remember each and every year. To share it across a table of loved ones too? Even better.

Group activity: Share thanks together 

Many family members- especially when children are involved, often like to do a group activity before eating their food with friends and family, to give thanks for what they have and are grateful for. This exercise is great to get people thinking and realise how by just having family and the blessing of plentiful food, means you really are lucky! Often in life, many times we go about it without counting the blessings that we already have, and a simple exercise like this, puts everything in perspective. It will also be a great positive influence over children, to get them to realise they are some of the luckiest around the world to have such privileges. It will be a touching reminder to religiously practice in, with your loved ones.

The Macy Parade 

Another tradition which often happens in the early afternoon of thanksgiving, is the Macy dog show. This airs on NBC every year, and mainly showcases the cute grooming and obedience of the Dachshunds and Labradors. Being that this event occurs before football later on, it definitely is a great tradition to add to your day, especially since it is a part of the calendar every single year.

Pumpkin Pie 

This final tradition is one everyone will recognize. Pumpkin pie has been in the traditions of thanksgiving for generations. The reason being is that during the time of the first settlers, the Native Americans initiated pumpkin and squash gifts, since they grew them on their lands. After almost 50 years, the Americans began making pies and pumpkin dishes in memory of the history books. This tradition has been going on since the 19th century and the expectation is, that it will continue for many, many years to come. 

Do you include these traditions to your annual Thanksgiving Day? Many of these have been traditions for generations that are practiced by everyone-young or old. However, thanksgiving is always about creating your own traditions that are special and have sentimental value. It makes your day more special and something to look forward to each and every year.