Holidays are rife with tradition. There are, of course, the classic traditions around Thanksgiving, including the turkey and mountains of other food, watching football, and spending time with friends and family. But, some people also have personal traditions that they use to celebrate the holiday. Below, we shared our favorite ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Custom decorations
Favorite of Megan Keough, staff wildcard
Megan makes custom hats for each of her guests out of construction paper with different turkey characters. Adding this little bit of detail to your décor can make your guests feel special, liven up the table, and makes for a great photo opportunity.
Friendsgiving
Favorite of Con Logosz, intern
Con hosts an annual potluck with those who won’t be around for the actual holiday. Throughout the year, they throw conversation topics into a jar that are then brought out to keeping the chatting going. Pair with drinks and other fun games to make the night unique and memorable.
Expressing gratitude
Favorite of Lanny Olivier, Eugene Magazine president
At the Olivier household, they collect what they’re thankful for and put them in a glass jar. The jar is passed around the table and each person draws one of the slips of paper and has to explain why they are thankful for that thing. Refocusing the holiday on its true meaning reminds us to show gratitude for the previous year and look to the next year with the same mindset.
Bonus tradition: Saving the wishbone, having two people pull on each end (after it’s dried) with their pinkies until it breaks, and making a wish.
Cooking with friends and family
Favorite of Aviva Stuart, Director of Operations
Thanksgiving is notorious for being focused around food. It’s almost guaranteed that all participants will sneak off to take a post-dinner nap to satisfy their food coma. Aviva loves the food-cooking process, especially when surrounded by family and friends. Cooking in a warm kitchen invites warm company and conversation.
Enjoying family
Favorite of Julie Winsel, editor
Because Julie lives more than 300 miles from her family, Thanksgiving is one of the few opportunities to catch up and hang out with her family members. Because food is an excellent conversation starter and it’s the focus of this holiday, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reconnect and renew relationships.
