When imagining Thanksgiving, we think of the traditional assortments: a turkey, perhaps a ham, pumpkin pie, the kinship of immediate and extended family, and of course, the offering of a large feast. Aside from the typical trappings, however, Thanksgiving is nominally about gratitude and family. Correspondingly, there are myriad ways of celebrating it, not all of which conform to a unified template of a family congregating for dinner.
In this article, we’ll discuss unique ways of celebrating Thanksgiving, ones which can enhance the holiday for you and your family.
A Holiday Amalgam
Many folks have already bedecked their homes with the visuals of Christmas: A tree, lights, semblances of Santa and his sleigh on their front lawns. Many folks have a fondness for a “Nightmare Before Christmas,” a film by Tim Burton that evoked the spirit of two holidays. Why not do the same within the confines of one’s own home? If a Christmas tree has already taken root in your home, co-opt it as a “Thanksgiving Tree” on Thanksgiving.
Instruct the folks congregated to write what they’re thankful for on a piece of paper, punch on a hole in the notes they share, and hang it on the tree. The tree can then be used as a symbolic piece of gratitude on a day dedicated to the notion.
Turkey Trots – Celebrating Thanksgiving
“Turkey Trots” are a common event held in many communities throughout America. If you’re anticipating consuming a large amount of calories during Thanksgiving evening, perhaps consider engaging in a “turkey trot” with your family during Thanksgiving morning. They are not marathons; you will not be timed. They serve merely as a fun and healthy way of further engaging in local Thanksgiving festivities.
Sidesgiving
Though turkey is the central focus of any proper Thanksgiving dinner, the side dishes arrayed often provide more flavor to the main dish. Stuffing, gravy, potato salad, dumplings, casseroles, and a motley collection of other dishes, all contribute to a savory dinner. Request those you’ve invited to your Thanksgiving dinner to bring their favorites for communal consumption, take a vote on the best dish, and declare a winner.
Friendsgiving – Celebrating Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving need not be solely confined to family. Friends can often become as significant in a person’s life, so why not celebrate them too? During Thanksgiving, most plans have already fermented and cannot be spoiled. Prior to Thanksgiving, itself, plan a “Friendsgiving” to celebrate non-familial connects are that still important.
Video Chat
The isolation imposed by COVID lockdowns propagated the profusion of online chats as a reliable means to connect with others. Not everyone will be able to attend your Thanksgiving celebration, yet that doesn’t mean connecting with them becomes infeasible. During your dinner, plan a Zoom call to extend gratitude to non-attendees. The digital age isn’t all bad.
Trivia – Celebrating Thanksgiving
Who doesn’t love trivia? As an interlude between dinner and dessert, organize a Thanksgiving-centered trivia game. What was the first colonial settlement in America? Jamestown, 1607. Who was the initial diplomat that supervised relations between the Pilgrims and native inhabitants? Samoset. Where did the Pilgrims set sail from? The Netherlands, after being ostracized in England.
Trivia is always reliable in bringing out people’s competitive stripes.
Book Swap
Depending on the tenor of one’s celebration, one can also integrate a book swap into one’s festivities. Books we read can often constitute a profound form of gratitude. The lessons gleaned from a quality piece of literature can often imbue another with the same peace of mind.
National Dog Show – Celebrating Thanksgiving
What species of animal is more unifying than a dog? They’re loyal, they’re sanguine, they have an optimistic temperament, and they freely express their emotions. There’s no deception, no contrivance, in a dog. The National Dog Show has been in existence for longer than the Macy’s Day Parade and it transpires in conjunction with Thanksgiving. Why not see which canine wins “Best In Show?” It’s comical and it offers an additional avenue to give thanks to our furry companions who do not require gratitude but should nonetheless be privy to.
International Celebrations
Thanksgiving is not a holiday solely isolated to America. People give various expressions of gratitude throughout the world in late-November. In Europe, for example, many peoples have varying manifestations of celebrating a “harvest festival.” Admittedly, they involve different customs, but perhaps their norms coincide with something interesting to introduce into your own celebration.
Scavenger Hunt – Celebrating Thanksgiving
For the inquisitive amongst us, there is nothing more satisfying than a challenging scavenger hunt. After the hefty consumption of an over-large dinner, it might be tempting to slouch oneself on a couch and take a well-earned nap. Who can ignore our natural digestive processes? Still, for those immune to the consequences of overconsumption, organize an engaging scavenger hunt to mollify their inquisitiveness. Round up several trinkets, organize a cursory course, and enjoy.
Holiday Movies
There are an abundance of holiday films available to view for your immediate pleasure. The announcement of Thanksgiving also synonymously announces the advent of Christmas. Be proactive and engage in these films before the 25th of December, acclimating your family for the month to come.
Memory Candles – Celebrating Thanksgiving
Alas, the natural vicissitudes of life demand entry and exit points. Over the last year, it is possible your family has lost a loved one. Lighting a candle in tribute can be a powerful reminder of the legacy a loved one has left, the memories that will still linger even in spite of their passing. Thanksgiving can serve as a useful way of preserving their memory.
