Celebrating Thanksgiving: Traditions and Recipes

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in the United States, and not just for the delicious and hearty food. This brings friends and families together to celebrate gratitude and cherished traditions. There is a rich history within the holiday, and it serves as a time to reflect on blessings, share meals with your loved ones, and enjoy the company of your closest friends and family. Though the holiday itself has evolved over time, many classic traditions and delicious recipes have stood the test of time, and have become the most quintessential parts of this holiday. Here’s how people across the country celebrate Thanksgiving, plus a few delicious recipes to add to your holiday celebration!

TRADITIONS

One of the most meaningful parts of Thanksgiving is the tradition of expressing gratitude. Many families typically start their dinner celebration by going around and sharing what they are thankful for, which creates a moment of reflection and connection among loved ones. This tradition can be as simple as sharing a toast before dinner or writing down what you are grateful for in a book to read and look through at future Thanksgivings.

Football games have also become an integral part of Thanksgiving day for many Americans. The tradition began when the NFL scheduled games on this holiday as it encouraged people to come together to cheer on their favorite teams. Today, it is a key part of many Thanksgiving gatherings, with family members bonding over their shared love of the game.

Parades, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, have long been associated with Thanksgiving. Since its beginning in 1924, this New York City parade has captivated the hearts of millions. It features large floats, balloons, and performances. Families often come together to watch it before the big dinner. For many, this officially marks the start of the vibrant holiday season.

Volunteering is another deeply rooted Thanksgiving tradition, as it gives the chance for families to come together and help those in need. Food banks, shelters, and soup kitchens typically see an increase in volunteer participation. The spirit of giving back resonates with the holiday’s themes of gratitude and sharing blessings with others. By reaching out to those who are less fortunate, individuals and families can make meaningful impacts in their communities.

A more modern tradition that has slowly evolved is the Turkey Trot, also known as Thanksgiving morning fun runs. These events encourage people to start their holiday with physical activity, often for a good cause or charity. For many, these runs are a fun and energizing way to kick off Thanksgiving before indulging in a huge meal!

I’m sure everyone has their own versions of Thanksgiving meals and recipes, but if you are looking for something new or willing to experiment this holiday season, check out the three easy recipes below. 

HERB-ROASTED TURKEY

A delicious turkey is the showstopping piece of every Thanksgiving dinner, so here is a delicious but simple recipe for those who have never tried to cook turkey before!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head of garlic, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F
2. Rinse your turkey, pat dry, and place on a large roasting pan
3. Mix your butter with rosemary, thyme, and sage
4. Rub the butter mix onto the turkey
5. Season with salt and pepper
6. Place lemon and garlic halves inside turkey cavities
7. Roast for about 3-3.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
8. Be sure to baste every 30 minutes
9. Let it rest for 20 minutes or so before carving

CLASSIC STUFFING

What is turkey without stuffing right next to it? Enjoy this warm and simple recipe for a classic Thanksgiving dish: the stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F
2. Grease a baking dish to put the stuffing onto
3. In a skillet, melt butter, sauteed onions, and celery
4. Cook until soft then add broth until the mixture is moist (not soggy)
5. Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top

PUMPKIN PIE

Lastly, don’t forget the dessert! Enjoy a classic pumpkin dessert that will leave your guests wanting more.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, cream, and spices
3. Pour the filling into your pie crust. Be sure to smooth the top of the filling
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set
5. A tip: stick a toothpick or a knife in the pie to see if it comes out clean
6. Let it cool and serve with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream on top