Have you ever paused mid-bite at Thanksgiving dinner and thought, What are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving that truly matter?
I felt that too last year when our power went out just as the turkey was half-cooked. We ended up eating sandwiches by candlelight.
It was the best Thanksgiving I’ve ever had. Because that night reminded me that traditions aren’t about perfection, they’re about connection.
Let’s explore what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving that bring families closer, spark gratitude, and create stories worth retelling.
Why Traditions Still Matter in a Fast-Paced World
Before diving into what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving, let’s pause and ask why they matter so much.
We are in an era where everyone’s scrolling more and talking less. Traditions are emotional anchors. They make the day memorable, predictable, and meaningful.
According to research, 91% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, making it the most widely observed non-religious holiday.
Most families spend an average of $325 on food and travel. However, the memories that last aren’t about money, but they’re about moments.
Traditions give us that:
- A sense of belonging.
- A rhythm to remember our blessings.
- A chance to say, “This is who we are.”
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Best Time-Honoured and Fresh Traditions of Thanksgiving
Here are some traditions that answer what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving are:
1. Family Meal Feast Together
When people ask what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving, nothing beats the grand family feast.
It’s that heartwarming moment when generations gather around one big table, no matter how far they’ve drifted apart during the year.
According to a study, more than 74% of Americans share Thanksgiving dinner with family or friends, making it the most anticipated meal of the year.
Every dish from the crispy-skinned turkey to the creamy mashed potatoes holds a story, a memory, or a touch of someone’s love.
When everyone sits down, that feeling of connection, comfort, and shared gratitude is what truly defines Thanksgiving.
2. Expressing Gratitude Round
If there’s one Thanksgiving tradition that never loses its magic, it’s the gratitude circle.
Before the meal begins, everyone pauses for a few quiet moments to share what they’re thankful for.
Some families light candles while they share. Others write their thoughts on slips of paper to read aloud later.
It’s a simple act, but it turns an ordinary dinner into a moment of reflection and connection.
In a world that moves too fast, that pause reminds us that Thanksgiving isn’t about what’s on the table, it’s about who’s sitting around it.
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3. Serving Seasonal & Traditional Dishes
When you think about what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving, food naturally takes the spotlight.
The classic spread, roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie, has stood the test of time.
National Geographic notes that Thanksgiving menus have stayed remarkably consistent for more than a century.
That’s because they’re more than recipes, they’re stories of heritage, survival, and love.
Every family has a recipe that’s been handed down like a precious vintage. And when you serve it, it’s not just food, it’s a memory you can taste.
4. Sharing Leftovers and Post-Meal Time
Thanksgiving doesn’t end when the plates are cleared, and that’s part of its charm. It’s a feeling that stretches the entire weekend, nourishing both body and heart.
One of the most beloved traditions when it comes to what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving is enjoying leftovers.
Studies show that 96% of Americans look forward to leftover turkey sandwiches, soups, and casseroles the next day.
But honestly, it’s not just about the food. It’s the vibe after dinner that makes it special.
In my house, it’s board games, family walks, and that cozy moment when everyone just sinks into the couch, too full to move.
5. Volunteering or Giving Back
Gratitude becomes even more powerful when it’s shared, and that’s why so many families spend part of Thanksgiving giving back.
Across the U.S., people volunteer at shelters, pack meals for food banks, or donate to local causes.
According to National Geographic, this tradition actually echoes the original spirit of Thanksgiving, one rooted in community and kindness.
Those moments of helping others remind us that gratitude isn’t just something you say, it’s something you do.
And in doing so, it binds people together in the most meaningful way.
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6. Watching a Parade or Game Together
Another comfortable and classic Thanksgiving tradition is watching the parade or football game together.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, first televised in 1924, has become a symbol of the holiday. Families everywhere tune in to see those giant balloons.
Kids are also curious about their favorite characters floating high above the streets. Then, there’s football, an equally iconic part of the day.
Whether you’re cheering for your favorite NFL team or just enjoying the friendly rivalry, the game becomes another reason to gather and laugh.
It’s these small, shared rituals that make Thanksgiving feel whole. Even if the tortillas were over-fried, everyone remembers the parade, the touchdowns, and the laughter.
7. Taking Time to Reflect on History
Another important Thanksgiving tradition is taking a moment to remember its history.
The first Thanksgiving in 1621 wasn’t just a meal. It was a gathering of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for survival.
In my family, we’ve made it a small tradition to talk about that moment before dinner, not as a history lesson, but as a reminder.
We share how the meaning of Thanksgiving has evolved and how gratitude should always include understanding and respect.
It only takes a few minutes, but it gives the day a deeper purpose. It reminds everyone that Thanksgiving isn’t just about feasting, it’s about appreciating
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8. Hosting a Friendsgiving Gather-Up
As times change, Friendsgiving has carved out its own special place in Thanksgiving culture, and it’s one of my favorite modern traditions.
For those who live far from home, Friendsgiving is a warm, laughter-filled celebration with chosen family.
Everyone brings a dish, and the vibe is casual, joyful, and full of love. There’s usually music, mismatched plates, and someone trying to carve the turkey.
Friendsgiving has grown massively in popularity since the 2000s, especially among younger adults who’ve built communities far from their hometowns.
It’s a beautiful reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t defined by bloodlines, but by connection. Whether it’s lifelong friends or new ones after dessert.
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9. Creating a Memory Book or Photo Time
There’s something magical about having everyone you love gathered in one place.
That’s why more and more families have turned photo-taking and memory-keeping into their own Thanksgiving tradition.
Over the years, those snapshots have become a timeline of growth, change, and love. When you flip through it years later, you don’t just see faces, you feel moments.
Some families even keep a Thanksgiving memory book, where everyone writes a quick reflection or draws something from the day.
Those photos and notes capture what words often can’t. The warmth, chaos, and togetherness that define the holiday. It’s like bottling gratitude itself.
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10. Starting a New Generational Tradition
And finally, one of the most heartwarming answers to what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving is this start your own.
Every family has something unique. Maybe it’s a special breakfast the next morning, a friendly backyard football game, or a group walk before dessert.
That’s the beauty of new traditions. They blend the old with the personal. They become the memories your kids and grandkids will hold onto.
Thanksgiving isn’t meant to stay frozen in time, but it’s meant to grow, evolve, and reflect what gratitude looks like in your life.
And that, more than anything, is how this beautiful holiday continues to live on from generation after generation.
Modern Twists to Old Traditions
As lifestyles evolve, what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving have also adapted.
Some families host “Friendsgiving” for those far from home. Others switch to potluck-style meals, digital gratitude boards, or eco-friendly celebrations with zero food waste.
These updates don’t erase the past, but they renew it. Whether through cooking or inclusive gatherings, it continues to preserve gratitude and connection.
Real-World Example: My Own Table, My Own Story
Last Thanksgiving, I hosted 12 people in my small apartment. Early in the week, I asked everyone these questions:
Which tradition matters to you? One said the turkey carving, another said a moment of silence for our absent loved ones, and a third wanted board games.
I selected three traditions from above: the gratitude round, the reflection on history, and our new tradition of midnight leftovers brunch.
Because I explained why we were doing it, this is our version of what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving everyone felt ownership.
The result? Less stress, more smiles, lasting memories.
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Conclusion
Now you’ve explored what are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving drawn from history, culture, and real-life experience.
If you’re ready to build your meaningful celebration, pick one tradition today, send a message to your guests, pick the dish, and plan the memory book.
Then share how it goes! And if you found this helpful, why not help others discover their own traditions of Thanksgiving this season?
FAQ: what are some of the traditions of thanksgiving
1. What are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving for families with young children?
Families with young children focus on simple, participatory traditions like a gratitude circle, decorating pumpkins, reading a short story about the first Thanksgiving, or inviting kids to help set the table.
2. What are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving for small gatherings or couples?
If you’re just two or three people, you can still adopt traditions like a new memory book entry, cook a modest version of a traditional meal, and take a walk together afterward.
3. What are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving that don’t revolve around food?
Yes, there are plenty! Consider volunteering, doing a gratitude walk, reflecting on history, hosting a memory book session, or scheduling a simple group game. These are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving beyond just the feast.
4. What are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving that work for friends or chosen family?
Friends and chosen family can adopt many traditions like potluck dinners, dessert-only nights, curated music playlists, memory albums, and alternate games. These Friendsgiving ideas don’t require blood relations.
5. What are some of the traditions of Thanksgiving that create lasting memories year after year?
Lasting traditions usually combine ritual, meaning, and familiarity. The gratitude round, the memory book, a consistent dish recipe, or a planned post-meal walk all help.
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