Thanksgiving is a time-honored holiday in the United States, where friends and family gather together to give thanks and celebrate. At OnX Realty, we are certainly grateful for our friends and clients that we've developed amazing relationships over the years. And, while the way people celebrate may vary from household to household, there are some traditions that are widely popular across the country. We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and, ifyou need some ideas on how to make the most of it, here are the top 10 Thanksgiving traditions in the United States.
1. Giving Thanks: Of course, the most important tradition of Thanksgiving is giving thanks. Whether it's saying a prayer before the meal or going around the table and sharing what you are grateful for, taking a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life is essential on this holiday.
2. Turkey Dinner: The star of the show on Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the turkey. Roasted to perfection and served with all the fixings, a Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without this iconic bird.
3. Pumpkin Pie: Another Thanksgiving staple, pumpkin pie is a must-have dessert on this holiday. Made with creamy pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, pumpkin pie is the perfect way to end a hearty meal. Best eaten with a significant amount of whipped cream on top or next to some vanilla ice cream.
4. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Every year, millions of people tune in to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity performances, the parade has become a beloved tradition for many families.
5. Football: For many Americans, watching football on Thanksgiving Day is a time-honored tradition. Whether it's watching the NFL games on TV or playing a friendly game of touch football in the backyard, sports are a big part of Thanksgiving celebrations.
6. Friendsgiving: In recent years, a new tradition has emerged called Friendsgiving. This is a day for friends to come together and celebrate Thanksgiving, either in addition to or instead of traditional family festivities.
7. Volunteer Work: Many people choose to spend Thanksgiving giving back to their communities by volunteering at soup kitchens, food banks, or homeless shelters. This act of service is a meaningful way to spread gratitude and kindness on this holiday.
8. Black Friday Shopping: While some people may choose to spend Thanksgiving relaxing at home, others eagerly anticipate the start of Black Friday shopping. Many retailers offer deep discounts on this day, making it a popular time to start holiday shopping.
9. Cornucopia Decorations: The cornucopia, also known as the horn of plenty, is a traditional symbol of abundance and harvest. Many people use cornucopias as decorations on their Thanksgiving tables, filling them with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
10. Leftovers: One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Whether it's making a turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce or turning leftover mashed potatoes into potato pancakes, finding creative ways to enjoy the remnants of the Thanksgiving feast is a fun tradition for many families.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a time to come together, give thanks, and celebrate the abundance in our lives. Whether you're enjoying a traditional turkey dinner or starting a new tradition with friends, there are countless ways to make this holiday special. What Thanksgiving traditions do you and your loved ones enjoy? Share your favorite traditions in the comments below!